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english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars.
An Artful Match was an interesting conclusion to the series. In some ways, I might say I enjoyed it more than the previous two books.
Maybe its just that I preferred Cora to her other sister in the second book. She seemed more human and a little less sanctimonious and perfect, and her faith seemed more - real. More relatable perhaps is the better word.
Maybe it was that the story didn't seem as cliched or forced as some parts of the other two. Its kind of odd for the final novel in the trilogy to be a favourite, but I think that was the case here since it just seemed to be the strongest. Even if some of the situations and some of Cora's actions were a little implausible considering the period.
I enjoyed other elements of the story as well, such as the rakish younger brother Langham who comes good. There was always something likable about him, underneath apparently Bohemian lifestyle. Maybe its just I root for the lovable rogue? There were also some interesting tidbits about late Victorian art scene, the Industrial Revolution, and even the interest in dinosaurs burgeoning at the time.
My only complaints were the Americanisms, which were made all the more prominent with the preseence of minor American characters who comment on the differences between American and British society in the late Victorian age. Yet they don't remark on upper class British characters dining in the American manner with only forks, or using Americanisms like 'candy' and 'in the fall'.
I would recommend for lovers of historical fiction, and those who wish to finish this series. Also recommended because its a little less cliched and more unusual than a lot of Historical Romances of this type.
Thanks to Bethany House and Netgalley for my ARC copy. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
An Artful Match was an interesting conclusion to the series. In some ways, I might say I enjoyed it more than the previous two books.
Maybe its just that I preferred Cora to her other sister in the second book. She seemed more human and a little less sanctimonious and perfect, and her faith seemed more - real. More relatable perhaps is the better word.
Maybe it was that the story didn't seem as cliched or forced as some parts of the other two. Its kind of odd for the final novel in the trilogy to be a favourite, but I think that was the case here since it just seemed to be the strongest. Even if some of the situations and some of Cora's actions were a little implausible considering the period.
I enjoyed other elements of the story as well, such as the rakish younger brother Langham who comes good. There was always something likable about him, underneath apparently Bohemian lifestyle. Maybe its just I root for the lovable rogue? There were also some interesting tidbits about late Victorian art scene, the Industrial Revolution, and even the interest in dinosaurs burgeoning at the time.
My only complaints were the Americanisms, which were made all the more prominent with the preseence of minor American characters who comment on the differences between American and British society in the late Victorian age. Yet they don't remark on upper class British characters dining in the American manner with only forks, or using Americanisms like 'candy' and 'in the fall'.
I would recommend for lovers of historical fiction, and those who wish to finish this series. Also recommended because its a little less cliched and more unusual than a lot of Historical Romances of this type.
Thanks to Bethany House and Netgalley for my ARC copy. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
thestagedstory's review against another edition
I liked the second book character. Cara was too flighty for my liking.
aliciareadsit's review against another edition
3.0
This book is the final in this series. Each book focuses on one of the sisters. I did not read the first two in the series before this, but it reads as a stand-alone and is not necessary to read the first two books to understand this one.
This is Cara, the youngest sisters story.
This was an easy read, and I enjoyed it for the most part. The only issues I had were that Cara is so very naive. She blindly trusts the first person she meets in a new city. Who does that? PLUS there is the group of bohemian artists and I felt they gave a weird vibe to the book. Their lifestyle seemed kind of scandalous for the time period and Cara embraces this with no problems.
Other than this, I still found the book to be an enjoyable, light read.
I would recommend this book to those who like Christian historical fiction.
Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is Cara, the youngest sisters story.
This was an easy read, and I enjoyed it for the most part. The only issues I had were that Cara is so very naive. She blindly trusts the first person she meets in a new city. Who does that? PLUS there is the group of bohemian artists and I felt they gave a weird vibe to the book. Their lifestyle seemed kind of scandalous for the time period and Cara embraces this with no problems.
Other than this, I still found the book to be an enjoyable, light read.
I would recommend this book to those who like Christian historical fiction.
Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
abigailkayharris's review against another edition
3.0
Hmm. While I highly enjoyed "The Artful Match" I did not love that there was so much focus on the possibility that a child was born out of wedlock. The romance was sweet, the reunion was wonderful, and I loved the main characters' relationship with the ward.
heatherwoodauthor's review against another edition
2.0
I found the stilted writing style difficult to read, and it took me at least a third of the book to get hooked. Even then, Henry was the only character I really liked. And yet I was never really led to understand why Cara fell in love with him, especially given the things she believed about him. All in all, I was left confused by the choices the characters made.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this final book in the London Beginnings series! For anyone who loves art and appreciates the aesthetics movement, you will enjoy this book. Cara is an interesting character. She is kind and loving, but she is somewhat irresponsible throughout the series until a tragedy makes her rethink her profession as a governess in this third book. She goes to London and because of misunderstandings with her sisters, she winds up taking up with the brother of an Earl who is an artist.
Cara is introduced into the bohemian world of the artists. She also meets the handsome extremely serious Earl who disapproves of his brother and his artist world. When the Earl’s difficult ward is in need of a governess, Cara agrees to go to their country estate not to be a governess, but to help care for the child. Cara quickly wins over the handsome Henry who may just be willing to risk his heart again. Before they can truly explore their feelings, Henry’s mother arrives and throws a wrench into everything.
This story is filled with drama, secrets, and ultimately an inspirational message of forgiveness and redemption. Filled with rich historical detail and interesting characters, I was drawn in from the beginning and found I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. This book could be read as a stand alone, but it is much better read as part of the series.
Cara is introduced into the bohemian world of the artists. She also meets the handsome extremely serious Earl who disapproves of his brother and his artist world. When the Earl’s difficult ward is in need of a governess, Cara agrees to go to their country estate not to be a governess, but to help care for the child. Cara quickly wins over the handsome Henry who may just be willing to risk his heart again. Before they can truly explore their feelings, Henry’s mother arrives and throws a wrench into everything.
This story is filled with drama, secrets, and ultimately an inspirational message of forgiveness and redemption. Filled with rich historical detail and interesting characters, I was drawn in from the beginning and found I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. This book could be read as a stand alone, but it is much better read as part of the series.
audiobooks_sweettea's review against another edition
4.0
Ms. Delamere has once again captured me with her beautiful writing style and beloved characters. I love the way she pulls you to the heart of the story instantly when you open the book. Her books always make me smile and reflect on the story long after I close the book. While this is book 3 in the London Beginnings series, it’s certainly easily read as a stand alone.
I absolutely adored Henry and Cara’s characters. They were chiseled beautifully and really came to life within the story. I loved watching Cara come to terms with the secrets of the Burke family and seeing how she truly felt, and followed her heart’s passion. Henry was a bold, handsome character and I loved how he was added into the story. Beautiful! And the orphanage was a wonderful addition to the story. I loved seeing how Ms. Delamere wove that in!
Not only is this story faith-filled, it’s a story that will leave you thinking about your own life story, leave you smiling for the amazing characters that are now family, and leave you wanting more from this magnificently talented author. If you are looking for a 4 star, heart-warming, faithful story blended with just the right amount of sweet romance and historic details, then look no further than this novel by Ms. Delamere. I can’t wait for another story!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I absolutely adored Henry and Cara’s characters. They were chiseled beautifully and really came to life within the story. I loved watching Cara come to terms with the secrets of the Burke family and seeing how she truly felt, and followed her heart’s passion. Henry was a bold, handsome character and I loved how he was added into the story. Beautiful! And the orphanage was a wonderful addition to the story. I loved seeing how Ms. Delamere wove that in!
Not only is this story faith-filled, it’s a story that will leave you thinking about your own life story, leave you smiling for the amazing characters that are now family, and leave you wanting more from this magnificently talented author. If you are looking for a 4 star, heart-warming, faithful story blended with just the right amount of sweet romance and historic details, then look no further than this novel by Ms. Delamere. I can’t wait for another story!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
ink__and__page's review against another edition
3.0
A nice conclusion to this series, one that kept me reading just so I could see how everything would finally be resolved. I also appreciated that loose ends from the previous two books were brought together by the end of this book to make a nice, sweet little bow. Always appreciative of a happy ending!
cakt1991's review against another edition
4.0
Review originally posted here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.wordpress.com/2019/04/07/review-of-the-artful-match-london-beginnings-3-by-jennifer-delamere/
4.5 stars. I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair review.
The Artful Match is a delightful conclusion to a wonderful series. Both upon reading the open-ending conclusion of the prior book and reading the prologue to this one, I wondered how Jennifer Delamere would tie it all together, given this book was about Cara, and Julia was the one making the big revelations in both the previous book and the prologue. However, she did it well, and it met my expectations. That being said, while I do recommend only reading this after having read the other two, as in addition to the resolution to this over-arching plot element, there are things that do make more sense after reading the other two.
As for the story as its own entity, I enjoyed it. I wasn’t sure what to think of Cara, given that she kind of gave me the impression of being a bit immature in the prior books, but I ended up really liking her portrayal as being more idealistic, which is in keeping with what I saw of her in the previous books. And I love how she was able to form a connection with the orphaned Amelia, due to the loss or absence of one’s parents.
I also really liked Henry. I admit I was a bit disappointed to see an aristocratic hero after the prior two having heroes from different levels of society, especially since secular romance is full of aristocrats. However, I did warm to him as the story went on, especially as he is battling between doing what his mother wants and risking it all to follow his heart as he did once before. And while these aren’t unique concepts to historical romance’s aristocrats, they are common themes for an aristocratic character, and I feel that Delamere did them beautifully.
But the best part of the book for me was Langham, and I actually want him to get his own book, even though there are hints that he is somewhat settled into a romantic situation at the end. While I don’t like the out-and-out scoundrel, I have a soft spot for the rake who has indulged a bit too much and made a few stumbles, trying to do better even when those close to him think the worst of him. I love that he starts off looking like a hopeless case, and by the end, is someone with renewed faith and commitment to his vocation.
I really enjoyed this book and series, and hope this isn’t the last I’ve seen of these characters. I would recommend this to fans of slow-burning historical romance.
4.5 stars. I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair review.
The Artful Match is a delightful conclusion to a wonderful series. Both upon reading the open-ending conclusion of the prior book and reading the prologue to this one, I wondered how Jennifer Delamere would tie it all together, given this book was about Cara, and Julia was the one making the big revelations in both the previous book and the prologue. However, she did it well, and it met my expectations. That being said, while I do recommend only reading this after having read the other two, as in addition to the resolution to this over-arching plot element, there are things that do make more sense after reading the other two.
As for the story as its own entity, I enjoyed it. I wasn’t sure what to think of Cara, given that she kind of gave me the impression of being a bit immature in the prior books, but I ended up really liking her portrayal as being more idealistic, which is in keeping with what I saw of her in the previous books. And I love how she was able to form a connection with the orphaned Amelia, due to the loss or absence of one’s parents.
I also really liked Henry. I admit I was a bit disappointed to see an aristocratic hero after the prior two having heroes from different levels of society, especially since secular romance is full of aristocrats. However, I did warm to him as the story went on, especially as he is battling between doing what his mother wants and risking it all to follow his heart as he did once before. And while these aren’t unique concepts to historical romance’s aristocrats, they are common themes for an aristocratic character, and I feel that Delamere did them beautifully.
But the best part of the book for me was Langham, and I actually want him to get his own book, even though there are hints that he is somewhat settled into a romantic situation at the end. While I don’t like the out-and-out scoundrel, I have a soft spot for the rake who has indulged a bit too much and made a few stumbles, trying to do better even when those close to him think the worst of him. I love that he starts off looking like a hopeless case, and by the end, is someone with renewed faith and commitment to his vocation.
I really enjoyed this book and series, and hope this isn’t the last I’ve seen of these characters. I would recommend this to fans of slow-burning historical romance.
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