Scan barcode
helsbelles's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
marthareads98's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
hiyocha's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
sunsetzhair's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
If you want a book about feminism that still ends in romance then this is perfect for you
emmaggedon's review against another edition
slow-paced
3.0
More Pride and Prejudice than Bridgerton, but fun none the less
mareliweb1's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It was hard to get through in the beginning as Eliza was so meek but I loved seeing her character grow throughout the story!
miraya_e's review against another edition
4.0
“It is just for me. But that does not make it any less worthwhile.”
Eliza married the Earl of Somerset at the urging of her family and ten long years later, she’s a widower, free of her unhappy marriage. Having shrunk into herself over the years, Eliza is resigned to events happening to her, further exacerbating the helplessness she felt in her marriage. When her late husband leaves her an unexpected fortune, she dares to make her own choices. This brings the new Earl of Somerset into her life, and leaves Eliza wondering if she has a second chance with her first love…
“She could not avoid the truth any longer. It was time to cease allowing events to merely occur to her, and to commence at acting for herself.”
I enjoyed this author’s first book, so naturally I had to get my hands on this one! Eliza starts off as a shell of herself, relying on her family to guide her as she accustoms herself to widowhood. I loved her cousin Margaret! She was cheeky and exactly what Eliza needed. I loved their beautiful friendship. Eliza’s development over the course of the book was pleasing! I dislike helpless characters, so I was happy to see her finding her own agency as she rediscovered the things she loves. I wasn’t prepared for a love triangle, and usually that’s enough to put me off of a book, but it worked in this case! If you loved Persuasion but Wentworth wasn’t quite the hero for you, you should pick this one up!
booksandwings's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first time reading a Sophie Irwin book, and I want to start this review by saying just how beautifully she writes, from her writing voice and style to her scene setting and wonderfully fleshed out characters.
The story begins with our main character Eliza, learning of the unexpected fortune she has inherited, and the clause in her former husband's will that threatens to take it all away if she doesn't behave the way it's believed she should. Initially this seems to be of little issue: Eliza has always been a dutiful daughter and wife, doing what is expected of her. But as the story progresses we see her finally getting the chance to discover who she is, rather than who everyone else wants her to be.
For much of this journey she is joined by her cousin Margaret and I have to say that I think people who love Eloise in Bridgerton will absolutely adore this character! Sassy and witty, Margaret's confidence helps to push Eliza out of her designated box. She is given her own side story too, and I found myself just as invested in this as I was in Eliza's.
The book does feature a love triangle, which I know is not for everyone, but in this instance I felt as though it completely worked. The pull Eliza feels towards both love interests is obvious and understandable, and unlike in cases where you find yourself wondering why one of them is even being considered, it really is easy to see why she is so torn. More than that though, the romance aspect is not the key focus of the book - it is about Eliza finding herself, and her own happiness.
Complete with a host of fun and interesting side characters, some beautiful LGBTQ representation and plenty of entertaining banter, I highly recommend this book. It is pitched as being perfect for fans of Bridgerton and, as a fan of Bridgerton myself, I completely agree.
The story begins with our main character Eliza, learning of the unexpected fortune she has inherited, and the clause in her former husband's will that threatens to take it all away if she doesn't behave the way it's believed she should. Initially this seems to be of little issue: Eliza has always been a dutiful daughter and wife, doing what is expected of her. But as the story progresses we see her finally getting the chance to discover who she is, rather than who everyone else wants her to be.
For much of this journey she is joined by her cousin Margaret and I have to say that I think people who love Eloise in Bridgerton will absolutely adore this character! Sassy and witty, Margaret's confidence helps to push Eliza out of her designated box. She is given her own side story too, and I found myself just as invested in this as I was in Eliza's.
The book does feature a love triangle, which I know is not for everyone, but in this instance I felt as though it completely worked. The pull Eliza feels towards both love interests is obvious and understandable, and unlike in cases where you find yourself wondering why one of them is even being considered, it really is easy to see why she is so torn. More than that though, the romance aspect is not the key focus of the book - it is about Eliza finding herself, and her own happiness.
Complete with a host of fun and interesting side characters, some beautiful LGBTQ representation and plenty of entertaining banter, I highly recommend this book. It is pitched as being perfect for fans of Bridgerton and, as a fan of Bridgerton myself, I completely agree.