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scoutmomskf's review
4.0
Good book. I especially enjoyed that the setting and characters are outside the usual London during the Season location. This book takes place in Bath, and the two main characters are a shopkeeper and a naval officer. Both have aristocratic blood, but it is more of a hindrance than a help in their eyes. Samuel is a Royal Navy captain, a veteran of Trafalgar, who is home recuperating from an injury. Though recovered, he is stuck waiting to find out if he will inherit an earldom. He doesn't want it but may have no choice. Samuel's father was disowned and disinherited by his family because of his profligate ways, and Samuel was ignored along with him. He is somewhat bitter about being expected to give up the life he loves for a family that didn't want him. Bored with inactivity, he accompanies an old school friend to a local biscuit shop. He is to distract the owner while his friend flirts with her assistant.
Anna is the owner of the biscuit shop. Her parents started it, and after her father's death, Anna took over. She spends her days working in the shop and caring for her widowed mother. She is not happy about the men's arrival as she has a low opinion of "gentlemen." Her mother is the daughter of a duke and was disowned by her family when she married a footman. Anna is angry over the way her mother was treated. She also has a more direct reason for her attitude thanks to poor treatment by a supposed gentleman when she was younger.
I liked the first meeting between Anna and Samuel. She suspects his motives but drawn to him anyway. At the same time, she intrigues Samuel. She's sassy and smart and says what she thinks. They connect over his naval service as he answers her questions about what life is like for her brother, a lieutenant in the navy. After hearing Anna's concerns about his friend and her assistant, Samuel feels a bit guilty about his part. That guilt comes into play a little later when Anna requests his help to protect Henrietta from making a mistake. This scene is highly entertaining, as Samuel recruits his grandmother, Lady Jarrow, to deter the ill-intentioned suitor.
This begins a series of events that throw Anna and Samuel together. Anna doesn't trust easily, and Samuel makes a couple of missteps that reinforce her feelings. As they spend time together, they have a chance to get to know each other and discover that they have more in common than they knew. Anna and Samuel each recognize and understand the other's inner turmoil, which draws them even closer. There are some marvelous scenes of them together, from sharing of their pasts to teasing to unexpected flares of attraction. Anna is especially resistant to the idea of a relationship, believing that Samuel's possible elevation to earl puts him too far above her. Samuel, however, is confident that she can handle anything. There is one misunderstanding near the end caused mostly by Samuel's insecurity, but some well-timed advice from Lady Jarrow helps them get past it. I liked their big moment at the end. The epilogue was a terrific lead-in to the next book. I can't wait to see what happens there.
The secondary characters were great. Anna's assistant, Henrietta, comes across as a bit flighty initially, but she quickly wises up. I liked seeing her growth through the book and her maturing into much more than Anna's assistant. Anna's mother was sweet but also had a strong will. She survived and thrived in unusual circumstances for one of her class. I enjoyed her part of the story and the unexpected twist that Lady Jarrow brought to her life. Lady Jarrow was a force to be reckoned with. She has definite opinions and voices them whenever she wants. She also meddles when she believes she knows best. I enjoyed watching her "guide" Samuel and Anna where she wanted them to go. I also liked how she reunited Anna's mom with her family.
Anna is the owner of the biscuit shop. Her parents started it, and after her father's death, Anna took over. She spends her days working in the shop and caring for her widowed mother. She is not happy about the men's arrival as she has a low opinion of "gentlemen." Her mother is the daughter of a duke and was disowned by her family when she married a footman. Anna is angry over the way her mother was treated. She also has a more direct reason for her attitude thanks to poor treatment by a supposed gentleman when she was younger.
I liked the first meeting between Anna and Samuel. She suspects his motives but drawn to him anyway. At the same time, she intrigues Samuel. She's sassy and smart and says what she thinks. They connect over his naval service as he answers her questions about what life is like for her brother, a lieutenant in the navy. After hearing Anna's concerns about his friend and her assistant, Samuel feels a bit guilty about his part. That guilt comes into play a little later when Anna requests his help to protect Henrietta from making a mistake. This scene is highly entertaining, as Samuel recruits his grandmother, Lady Jarrow, to deter the ill-intentioned suitor.
This begins a series of events that throw Anna and Samuel together. Anna doesn't trust easily, and Samuel makes a couple of missteps that reinforce her feelings. As they spend time together, they have a chance to get to know each other and discover that they have more in common than they knew. Anna and Samuel each recognize and understand the other's inner turmoil, which draws them even closer. There are some marvelous scenes of them together, from sharing of their pasts to teasing to unexpected flares of attraction. Anna is especially resistant to the idea of a relationship, believing that Samuel's possible elevation to earl puts him too far above her. Samuel, however, is confident that she can handle anything. There is one misunderstanding near the end caused mostly by Samuel's insecurity, but some well-timed advice from Lady Jarrow helps them get past it. I liked their big moment at the end. The epilogue was a terrific lead-in to the next book. I can't wait to see what happens there.
The secondary characters were great. Anna's assistant, Henrietta, comes across as a bit flighty initially, but she quickly wises up. I liked seeing her growth through the book and her maturing into much more than Anna's assistant. Anna's mother was sweet but also had a strong will. She survived and thrived in unusual circumstances for one of her class. I enjoyed her part of the story and the unexpected twist that Lady Jarrow brought to her life. Lady Jarrow was a force to be reckoned with. She has definite opinions and voices them whenever she wants. She also meddles when she believes she knows best. I enjoyed watching her "guide" Samuel and Anna where she wanted them to go. I also liked how she reunited Anna's mom with her family.
emmalb1984's review
5.0
The first book in Jenni Fletcher’s ‘Regency Belles of Bath’ mini series is an entertaining romance with excellent characters and a highly enjoyable storyline surrounding Anna and Samuel all set against a gloriously described backdrop of Bath.
Shopkeeper Anna Fortini makes the most sought after biscuits in Bath, and Naval Captain Samuel Delaney only finds himself entering her shop to provide a distraction for his friend to talk to Anna’s assistant Henrietta, but, despite Anna’s mistrust, sparks fly and a connection is formed between the two which only deepens as the story progresses.
By having Anna and Samuel meet in the very first pages of the book, Jenni Fletcher leads her readers straight into the heart of the story, and you are soon invested in discovering what will become of these two immensely likeable characters who are thrown together for themselves in a relatively normal setting as opposed to a society function. It is interesting that we meet Samuel in this context given what transpires about his situation much later in the story, and, no spoilers here, it provides a neat twist in the story as Anna begins to realise that the Samuel she knows and is rapidly falling for may be changing his status, but underneath will still be the man she, and the reader, have already met and formed an attachment to. Anna herself is a delight, speaking her mind and saying exactly what she feels and providing an entertaining match to the more reserved Samuel (the scene where he suggests they enter into a state the Navy would refer to as ‘parley’ just before certain facts are revealed is an entertaining and memorable example), while Samuel, in his attempts to balance his uncertain future with his growing attachment to Anna provides a well written dilemma for our troubled hero.
A special mention must also go to the excellent supporting characters who add so much to the plot, most notably Henrietta (who will have her own story told in the next book) and Clarissa. Special mention, however, must go to the scene-stealing Lady Jarrow, Samuel’s grandmother, who essentially lands on the page and provides laughs and serious plot points aplenty to such an extent you find yourself looking forward to her next appearance.
As the plot moves towards it’s conclusion, Anna and Samuel are faced with several stumbling blocks to their happiness, but their bond is well established and, as a reader, you do care what becomes of them as circumstances and unfortunate misunderstandings threaten to derail their happy ending (cue Lady Jarrow and some very wise words of wisdom), and the closing chapters provide some beautifully written romance and a trip across the country as Samuel decides to fight for what he wants from life.
Finally, mention must be given to the intriguing epilogue which nicely sets up the forthcoming second book and ensures the reader will look forward to what happens next.
Shopkeeper Anna Fortini makes the most sought after biscuits in Bath, and Naval Captain Samuel Delaney only finds himself entering her shop to provide a distraction for his friend to talk to Anna’s assistant Henrietta, but, despite Anna’s mistrust, sparks fly and a connection is formed between the two which only deepens as the story progresses.
By having Anna and Samuel meet in the very first pages of the book, Jenni Fletcher leads her readers straight into the heart of the story, and you are soon invested in discovering what will become of these two immensely likeable characters who are thrown together for themselves in a relatively normal setting as opposed to a society function. It is interesting that we meet Samuel in this context given what transpires about his situation much later in the story, and, no spoilers here, it provides a neat twist in the story as Anna begins to realise that the Samuel she knows and is rapidly falling for may be changing his status, but underneath will still be the man she, and the reader, have already met and formed an attachment to. Anna herself is a delight, speaking her mind and saying exactly what she feels and providing an entertaining match to the more reserved Samuel (the scene where he suggests they enter into a state the Navy would refer to as ‘parley’ just before certain facts are revealed is an entertaining and memorable example), while Samuel, in his attempts to balance his uncertain future with his growing attachment to Anna provides a well written dilemma for our troubled hero.
A special mention must also go to the excellent supporting characters who add so much to the plot, most notably Henrietta (who will have her own story told in the next book) and Clarissa. Special mention, however, must go to the scene-stealing Lady Jarrow, Samuel’s grandmother, who essentially lands on the page and provides laughs and serious plot points aplenty to such an extent you find yourself looking forward to her next appearance.
As the plot moves towards it’s conclusion, Anna and Samuel are faced with several stumbling blocks to their happiness, but their bond is well established and, as a reader, you do care what becomes of them as circumstances and unfortunate misunderstandings threaten to derail their happy ending (cue Lady Jarrow and some very wise words of wisdom), and the closing chapters provide some beautifully written romance and a trip across the country as Samuel decides to fight for what he wants from life.
Finally, mention must be given to the intriguing epilogue which nicely sets up the forthcoming second book and ensures the reader will look forward to what happens next.
melodicfate's review
3.0
3.5 stars.
A shopkeeper with a prejudice against aristocrats and a naval captain who may inherit an earldom are the stars of this book. I enjoyed how independent and forthright Anna was, though she was really annoying with all her prejudices. I was glad she was called out for them. Samuel was very likable, with lots of honor. He was a good match for Anna. They had some annoying misunderstandings, and each of them jumped to conclusions too quickly. The ending felt a bit rushed, but I loved watching the two of them get to know one another. I loved Samuel's grandmother, too, and thought the plot with his grandparents was really emotional. Overall, this was light, fun, and a nice way to pass the time. I really want the next book, though, with that epilogue!
A shopkeeper with a prejudice against aristocrats and a naval captain who may inherit an earldom are the stars of this book. I enjoyed how independent and forthright Anna was, though she was really annoying with all her prejudices. I was glad she was called out for them. Samuel was very likable, with lots of honor. He was a good match for Anna. They had some annoying misunderstandings, and each of them jumped to conclusions too quickly. The ending felt a bit rushed, but I loved watching the two of them get to know one another. I loved Samuel's grandmother, too, and thought the plot with his grandparents was really emotional. Overall, this was light, fun, and a nice way to pass the time. I really want the next book, though, with that epilogue!
robinwalter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? N/A
4.0
A bit of an OTT wobble toward the end, but a nice save, and overall a pleasant diversion.
moreotter's review against another edition
5.0
Ignore the boring cover: this is such a buried treasure and I can’t wait to get to the rest of the series. Our heroine runs a bakery, our hero is a sea captain, and there are wonderfully fleshed out side characters. The heroine’s mom has what is most likely rheumatoid arthritis, and the hero’s grandparents are a sweet old couple in the twilight of their grand romance. They’re all given their own complex backstories and side plots along with the very sweet romance.
I’m so impressed by how many memorable moments and great character development there were in such a short book. Grab it for when you want something light and fun but with substance, and if you prefer dialogue and colorful characters over a complex plot. 4.5
I’m so impressed by how many memorable moments and great character development there were in such a short book. Grab it for when you want something light and fun but with substance, and if you prefer dialogue and colorful characters over a complex plot. 4.5
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