4/5 stars
Forever, 2012
432 pages
Adult Historical Romance
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The pretty dress on the cover is what captured my eye. I do adore a nice historical romance; they tend to be comfort reads for me and this one was not an exception although it does feature a story I don't think I've read before. This story is about look-alikes. Lizzie ran off with a gentleman who did not do the gentlemanly thing by her and then she sought safety in Australia along with her brother. There she met Ria, who looked extraordinarily like her. After the deaths of Lizzie's brother and Ria's husband, Ria herself fell ill and begged Lizzie to assume her identity and make amends in England for Ria's wrongs. She also guessed that the two were half-sisters and encouraged her to find proof of it.
This information (and a lot more) is slowly shared in manageable chunks over course of the book as we grow to love Lizzie. She lost her virtue to a man she loved but it jeopardized her entire future. Now she has the chance to make amends on behalf of her dearest friend while also claiming a family to replace those lost. I really loved Lizzie: her struggles over her mistake with the arrogant first guy; the real love she has to offer; and her reluctance to practice deceit warring with her commitment to her best friend.
Her love interest, as this is a historical romance, is Ria's husband's younger brother. Geoffrey was a clergyman, elevated to the role of baron after the death of his two older brothers and finding the transition difficult. He is now a very desirable match but he wants a real marriage, of love and companionship, not a society match. Although he and "Ria" clash initially, it is soon very clear that they are falling in love. Although I liked Geoffrey, I'm not sure we really got enough insight in to him to fully make him come alive.
Overall I found the plot points to be pretty predictable. Not to get spoilery, but when certain pieces of information were revealed, I thought that certain events would happen and I was right. This is not a bad thing as it's part of the reason I expected a comfort read and this was a very easy read. But it didn't rock my socks off. Still I'm excited for the second book which will be connected but focusing on a different character in Australia.
I like nice, easy comfort reads at times too. Especially on cold days where I can just sit on the couch or bed all day and read away. I like the sound of this one, even with it's predictability!
ReplyDelete- Jessica @ Book Sake
Glad you enjoyed even though you predicted a lot of it. Sometimes that is just what I need too though.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is really pretty! The cover is what caught my eye too. Maybe I will see if I can get it from NG too. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDelete