"latest Bridgerton Regency romance"

In 1823 Gloucestershire, England, a depressed Marina Crane leaves her bed for the first time in weeks jumping into the nearby icy water. Her botanist husband Phillip rescues her from drowning, but she dies three days later from a fever. Phillip and their seven-year-old twin children feel grief, guilt, and relief.

Phillip receives a letter from Marina's cousin Eloise Bridgerton expressing her sympathy. He writes back thanking her and encloses a pressed flower. They exchange more letters until Phillip invites Eloise to his estate to see if they would suit. Eloise tells no one including Phillip that with no chaperone she goes to visit him.

Eloise introduces herself, but is shocked he has children, as he never mentioned them. She introduces herself to the twins, but they tell her to leave, as they want no guests. The twins confront Eloise who throws down the gauntlet. Eloise explains to Phillip that she wants a husband and liked his letters so she came to see if they will really suit. He admits he wants a mother for his unruly children. As they fall in love, his kids will do everything to drive her away.

The latest Bridgerton Regency romance is a fun yet serious tale due to the antics of the two children seeking attention from their father. Though complex issues involving the lead male's two children are too easily resolved; the latest Bridgerton tale is a fun frolic with much of the family making a strong appearance.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted June 15, 2003

Summary

Sir Phillip knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he'd proposed, figuring that she'd be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except... she wasn't. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her...and more.

Did he think she was mad? Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking...and wondering... and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except...he wasn't. Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled...and when he kissed her...the rest of the world simply fell away, and she couldn't help but wonder...could this imperfect man be perfect for her?