Sunday, August 18, 2019

Author Sophy Hester--two delightful Regency Romances--''THE PROPER PROPOSAL" and “THE VISCOUNTESS BEQUEST” (THE FRENCH ADVENTURE)--(see reviews)



Sir John, 4th Baron of Chalkstone, inherited an estate deep in debt even before he came of age and the responsibility as well for five younger brothers. After ten years of hard work and self-denial he has finally done it: The debts are paid off; the estate is flourishing. Time to go looking for a bride! The right one just is not there for him among the ladies of the countryside. So the attractive nobleman takes himself to London – and meets there the enchanting Louise Staunton. With his customary energy and strength of purpose, he goes about winning her over. A strong man who knows what he wants and a smart, beautiful woman who is willing to be persuaded…

MY REVIEW: Author Sophy Hester's "The Proper Proposal" is an engaging, well-written Regency Romance with all the traditional elements that readers of this genre find so appealing. However, the author's voice is all her own, and she tells this story in such a way that one is reminded of why we first fell in love with Regency. I so enjoyed "The Proper Proposal" with its detailed story line and characters for whom you root to find their happy ending. At age sixteen, John Bradley, the 4th Baronet of Chalkstone, lost his parents and gained a heavy burden. Not only did he become responsible for all lands and obligations, he become the responsible guardian of his five younger brothers. Not only did Sir John rise to the challenge, he brought prosperity and security to his family and his community. After ten years, at age twenty-six, he began to realize that it was time for him to find a suitable wife and make a satisfactory marriage. Where better to look than London for a lady of quality who met his qualifications? As soon as he meets Miss Louise Staunton, he sets about in his usual forthright manner to quickly woo and win her for his bride. A visit to his home place, accompanied by her cousin Harriet, seems just the thing to convince her of the pleasant practicality of the arrangement. Louise is quite taken by the beautiful manor and countryside, and she is most enamored by her persuasive suitor, but she wants more than just convenient companionship. Sir John is used to commandeering, not compromising, and Louise fears his heart may never become involved as hers has become in the relationship. Can her gentle, womanly strength, along with her beauty and intelligence open his eyes and his heart? I loved "The Proper Proposal" and hope that the author will write a sequel featuring one the secondary couples, Victoria and Lester.

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The Viscountess Bequest: A Regency Romance (The French Adventure) by Sophy Hester England and France, 1817: Henry Wenton, 6th Earl of Brentford, is the black sheep of the family and deplored by good society as a bon vivant and wastrel. Neither the censure of polite society, nor the entreaties of his buttoned-up mother, nor the attention of the daughters of aristocrats can rein in the wayward Earl. Yet when a distant French uncle bequeaths Henry the lavish Maligny coastal estate on the condition that he wed his daughter, the orphaned 18-year-old Florence, a marriage of convenience suddenly has appeal for the incorrigible bon vivant. However, when the young Earl travels with his brother Stacy to become acquainted with his would-be bride, he finds not a helpless youth consumed by sorrow but a quick-witted, spirited belle. Instead of a helpless young woman in mourning, he finds an independent-minded, radiant beauty. The 18-year-old fascinates him. She is sensuous and innocent at the same time. Florence also feels herself drawn to the Earl. However, his domineering manner and his experience with women frighten her – and yet awaken in her a desire for love. Henry’s authoritative bravado and Florence’s innocent but sensuous charm make for a heady mixture, at once combustible and compatible, but will their mutual stubbornness stifle love before it can bloom? An entertaining Regency novel full of wit, charm and romantic tension with two enchanting main characters and personable secondary characters. Amusing commotions and entanglements offer genuine reading enjoyment for aficionados of historical romances.

MY REVIEW: With a fresh voice, and a great love of subject, author Sophy Hester spins a delightful Regency Romance in “The Viscountess Bequest” (The French Adventure). Henry Wenton, the 6th Earl of Brentford, has long been the despair of his family and polite society. A bequest from a distant French relative proves to be a challenge and an adventure for Henry, who travels to France with his brother, Stacy. With the inheritance of the estate comes an unexpectedly appealing condition: Henry must marry Florence, daughter of his benefactor, in order to inherit the estate known as Maligny. Although young and aware of Henry’s experience and autocratic manner, Florence has a mind and spirit of her own. Sparks and words fly between Henry and Florence, but can these two fiery hearts find the sweet compromise of love for a future of lasting happiness?

Book Copy Gratis via Author


SOPHY HESTER


Sophy Hester

Sophy Hester studied musicology and Russian at university and works as a copywriter and editor. For love she moved from a city of millions to a village. She has been married since 2004 and has three children. She loves to play the piano, to read romantic novels and to write - classic, contemporary Regency Romances. Since her youth, Sophy Hester has been an avid reader of Regency novels. Georgette Heyer is her favorite author. www.sophyhester.com

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