Helpful Score: 8
This is a quick read and a delightful story. Abigail is endearing in her talkativeness and kind heart. The Earl is the epitome of a perfect husband--kind, patient, amused and willing to admit when he is wrong, but still slightly confused on the ways of women. Their story is satisfying and sweet.
Helpful Score: 2
Miles Ripley, Earl of Severn, is being hounded by him mother and sisters to marry a suitable lady they have already picked out for him. But, Miles doesn't want to spend the next fifty years fetching for the charming beauty. He makes a wish for a dull, quiet, plain woman who can live in the country and provide his heir, without interfering with his bachelor lifestyle. The lady of his dreams arrives the next day, and he proposes, believing she is exactly what he wanted. Abigail Gardiner wonders if the Earl is sane, but is so desperate to provide for herself and her half-sisters that she accepts. This was a very enjoyable book.
Helpful Score: 2
Good read. Loved the characters in this book. Abby is a nonstop talker. Miles is seemingly exasperated but wonderfully patient with the chatter. You can't help but love her and root for the best for them.
This was a pleasant way to spend a few hours. The characters are likable and the conflict is somewhat believable. I liked the book but didn't feel like it was up to Balogh's usual standard. The intensity and character development seemed somewhat lacking.
GREAT BOOK
What a great read!
After being dismissed from her position as a lady's companion (through no fault of her own), Abigail Gardiner decides to ask a remote cousin for help with a reference (so she can find a new position).
The Earl of Severan refuses the reference but proposes marriage. He is looking for someone plain, drab, quiet to marry because his mother and sisters have already chosen someone for him, despite his reluctance. He thinks that Abigail will be the perfect wife to give him heirs and not interfere with his life.
Abigail is overwhelmed by temptation; her family is separated and in financial ruin. The problem I had with the book was the constant neediness of Abigail. She wasn't married to Miles a week before she had collected $6000 (in advance) in pin money. I didn't think this was one of Mary Balogh's better books. 3.5 stars
The Earl of Severan refuses the reference but proposes marriage. He is looking for someone plain, drab, quiet to marry because his mother and sisters have already chosen someone for him, despite his reluctance. He thinks that Abigail will be the perfect wife to give him heirs and not interfere with his life.
Abigail is overwhelmed by temptation; her family is separated and in financial ruin. The problem I had with the book was the constant neediness of Abigail. She wasn't married to Miles a week before she had collected $6000 (in advance) in pin money. I didn't think this was one of Mary Balogh's better books. 3.5 stars
When Abigail Gardiner knocks at the door of Miles Ripley, Earl of Severn, the last thing she expects is a marriage proposal. Desperate, she'd come to this charismatic stranger's home to plead for her future. Instead she shocks them both by saying yes. Her impulsive decision will have consequences neither she nor her new husband can foresee. For Miles has his own reasons for marrying her. And Abigail is harboring a secret of her own. As distrust gives way to desire...as, together, they give in to the pleasures of the marriages bed, a devastating schandal threatens their future. Now these two wary hearts will risk ruin and disgrace for a love that has changed them both forever-the kind all seek, but few ever find.
