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english_lady03's review
3.0
The final installment in the Regency Romance series ‘Hawthorne House’ finally gives Griffith, the oldest of the four Hawthorne siblings (and eldest son and heir to the Dukedom), his chance at love. It started off on a humorous note, with the young Griffith and his friend paying back school bullies.
Years later, the most practical and unromantic of his siblings decides to seek a wife, a young lady whom nobody would expect yet is most suitable. At first, all goes well, until an old love interest comes back onto the scene and Griffith meets the Lady’s beautiful cousin, Isabella Breckenridge.
I must say that the premise of this book was good (a young woman who is being used by a relative to attract the attention of the young men of society for his own purposes, but cannot marry any of them) as was the characterization. Griffith was a likable character in all the previous books, the wise oldest brother, so tall that he was constantly banging into things, and supposedly could not dance.
There seemed to be fewer egregious Americanisms in this novel, which was something that really annoyed me with the previous ones. Other reviewers, however, have remarked that it seems repetitive, and they never connected with the characters. I can understand where they were coming from and I wonder if the author was in some sense, running out of steam with this one. I’m not the informal behaviour of Griffith and his brothers in parliament rang true, acting more like they were in the audience of a football match. The details themselves were interesting, and not often used in the genre, but could have been a little better.
It was an enjoyable story and plodded along and a decent pace. I would not say there was really anything to make it stand out from a lot of others, but it’s a good light read to pass the time.
Years later, the most practical and unromantic of his siblings decides to seek a wife, a young lady whom nobody would expect yet is most suitable. At first, all goes well, until an old love interest comes back onto the scene and Griffith meets the Lady’s beautiful cousin, Isabella Breckenridge.
I must say that the premise of this book was good (a young woman who is being used by a relative to attract the attention of the young men of society for his own purposes, but cannot marry any of them) as was the characterization. Griffith was a likable character in all the previous books, the wise oldest brother, so tall that he was constantly banging into things, and supposedly could not dance.
There seemed to be fewer egregious Americanisms in this novel, which was something that really annoyed me with the previous ones. Other reviewers, however, have remarked that it seems repetitive, and they never connected with the characters. I can understand where they were coming from and I wonder if the author was in some sense, running out of steam with this one. I’m not the informal behaviour of Griffith and his brothers in parliament rang true, acting more like they were in the audience of a football match. The details themselves were interesting, and not often used in the genre, but could have been a little better.
It was an enjoyable story and plodded along and a decent pace. I would not say there was really anything to make it stand out from a lot of others, but it’s a good light read to pass the time.
melissasbookshelf's review
4.0
So sad that this is the final book in the Hawthorne House series. This enjoyable book is Griffith's story. While all his younger siblings have found true love, Griffith hasn't yet and decides to go about finding a wife in a logical manner rather than for love. His plans are thrown out the window when he meets the beautiful Isabella. However, Isabella is hiding a big secret and despite her attraction to Griffith, tries to discourage his attentions at every turn.
I enjoyed reading Griffith's and Isabella's story. It was a nice ending to the series. While this book could be read as a stand alone, it helps to have read the previous books in the series as the siblings and their spouses are a part of this story. I love that this is a clean regency romance with enjoyable characters. The religious aspects are part of the character's lives and are woven in naturally in the story. Definitely would recommend this to my teenage daughter.
I enjoyed reading Griffith's and Isabella's story. It was a nice ending to the series. While this book could be read as a stand alone, it helps to have read the previous books in the series as the siblings and their spouses are a part of this story. I love that this is a clean regency romance with enjoyable characters. The religious aspects are part of the character's lives and are woven in naturally in the story. Definitely would recommend this to my teenage daughter.
jamiehatch4488's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this up at the library on a whim. It was a new 7-day-loan book, and looked interesting. I didn't realize that it was #4 in a series until I added it to goodreads. Some of the reviews stated that each book could stand alone, so I went ahead and read this one first. I can't wait to read the first 3 in the series!
hugbandit7's review against another edition
4.0
The author weaves a tale of misdirection, introspection and an unexpected love connection.
When I started this book I didn't know this was fourth in a series. Not that it matters a whole lot, but it might have given a little more history on Griffith and his family. But even without reading the first three, the story tells how Griffith came to be the Duke at such a young age and how it has impacted his thought process when it comes to choosing a wife. It was actually quite comical in some ways...men are more logical and don't realize that you can't choose a spouse that way.
Isabella has had a quite life in the country and it is only when her father cannot maintain the farm that she is persuaded by her Uncle to help entice men to side with him on a political bill that was important to him to pass. He apparently is not beyond using his niece for a political win.
But no matter what Griffith and Isabella think or expect from life, they never thought that they would find their soul mates within each other. It is a tough road for both of them and they fight the attraction that grows with each other but of course do not win.
I really enjoyed this story for the time period, how people acted in relationships, the underhandedness of some people (because you have to have some "evil" to round out a story) and for the comedic thoughts and acts of various characters that brought some levity to the time and their situation. Plus it goes to show you can't go looking for love, it is going to find you no matter where you hide!
When I started this book I didn't know this was fourth in a series. Not that it matters a whole lot, but it might have given a little more history on Griffith and his family. But even without reading the first three, the story tells how Griffith came to be the Duke at such a young age and how it has impacted his thought process when it comes to choosing a wife. It was actually quite comical in some ways...men are more logical and don't realize that you can't choose a spouse that way.
Isabella has had a quite life in the country and it is only when her father cannot maintain the farm that she is persuaded by her Uncle to help entice men to side with him on a political bill that was important to him to pass. He apparently is not beyond using his niece for a political win.
But no matter what Griffith and Isabella think or expect from life, they never thought that they would find their soul mates within each other. It is a tough road for both of them and they fight the attraction that grows with each other but of course do not win.
I really enjoyed this story for the time period, how people acted in relationships, the underhandedness of some people (because you have to have some "evil" to round out a story) and for the comedic thoughts and acts of various characters that brought some levity to the time and their situation. Plus it goes to show you can't go looking for love, it is going to find you no matter where you hide!
debralewi's review
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
scarlettreader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
lynn_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Having read all four of this series, I can fully report the first and second we’re by far the best. The last two were fine with this one the better of the two. I enjoyed this one and read it in two sittings. Quick and easy read.
emmasbookdiary's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this book so much! It felt like the perfect regency read since there were plenty of balls and a house party. It was just a fun read!🥰
I loved the characters! I was so excited to read Griffith’s story and get to know him better. I loved his character a lot!I also loved Isabella’s character. She was great!
Both of them were relatable and lovable characters. They were perfect for each other and I loved reading about them!💗
Overall, I loved this book! I laughed out loud several times. It was romantic, funny, and interesting. A really sweet regency romance.🥰
I loved the characters! I was so excited to read Griffith’s story and get to know him better. I loved his character a lot!I also loved Isabella’s character. She was great!
Both of them were relatable and lovable characters. They were perfect for each other and I loved reading about them!💗
Overall, I loved this book! I laughed out loud several times. It was romantic, funny, and interesting. A really sweet regency romance.🥰