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scoutmomskf's review against another edition
5.0
This was a wonderful conclusion to the series. I loved finally getting the story of Nancy's unexplained antagonism toward James "Jem" Redbourne. The first chapter takes us back to when fourteen-year-old Nancy first encountered fifteen-year-old Jem. That meeting set the tone for their acquaintance, mainly because Nancy was ashamed about the embarrassing circumstances of that meeting. What Jem saw as kindness, Nancy saw as pity, causing her to lash out at him. She hopes never to see him again, but Fate has other plans.
Nancy is red-haired, freckled, and short-tempered with those who cross her. She is also sweet, loving, and loyal to those she cares about. Thanks to watching her mother change into a cowed and brow-beaten woman at the hands of her stepfather, Nancy believes that all men are like that and will never let one convince her otherwise.
Over the next eight years, Jem and Nancy encounter each other once or twice a year. Jem has never forgotten her and is completely smitten, even though she is always angry about something. Underneath her antagonism is an attraction she refuses to acknowledge. Jem is an all-around nice man, honorable and hard-working. Sometimes he'll get past her walls for a short time, but she always pushes him away. There was that one time they shared an amazing kiss, but again, she ran. When he asked to court her, and she flat-out refused, saying there would never be anything between them, he finally gave up. Instead, he gave into his mother's matchmaking and proposed to her choice for him, even though there was no love between them. Imagine his horror when Nancy showed up the next day, saying she'd changed her mind. Jem is too honorable to back out of the engagement, so he's stuck.
I ached for Jem. The pretty woman he settled on turns out to be only pretty on the surface. It doesn't take long for Jem to realize he's in trouble. Emily is deceitful, manipulative, and out to change Jem into what she wants, whether he likes it or not. When an invitation to visit Beatrix and her duke arrives, Jem has no intention of going until Emily tricks him into taking along her and her mother. Nice guy that he is, he talks Nancy into going too (with the help of her mother). I felt so sorry for him during the three-day carriage journey. The arrival at Beatrix's home was both hilarious and heartbreaking.
I loved the visit and seeing the couples from the previous books together again. It's obvious that this group of friends has a great deal of love and respect for each other. I loved their interactions, and the cricket game had me laughing out loud. However, it isn't all fun and games. The tension between Nancy and Jem continues to grow. Jem's misery over his predicament is evident to his friends, but there is nothing they can do. An unexpected twist pits Emily's manipulations against Nancy's love for Jem and her determination to save him. I loved the involvement of the other couples and the genius of their plan. The confrontation between Nancy and Emily was terrific, and the following scene with Jem was great.
There are still a few little hurdles to overcome, such as Nancy's insecurity about their different stations, but they were handled believably. I loved the epilogue and the look into the future. I'd love to see a "Belles: The Next Generation."
Nancy is red-haired, freckled, and short-tempered with those who cross her. She is also sweet, loving, and loyal to those she cares about. Thanks to watching her mother change into a cowed and brow-beaten woman at the hands of her stepfather, Nancy believes that all men are like that and will never let one convince her otherwise.
Over the next eight years, Jem and Nancy encounter each other once or twice a year. Jem has never forgotten her and is completely smitten, even though she is always angry about something. Underneath her antagonism is an attraction she refuses to acknowledge. Jem is an all-around nice man, honorable and hard-working. Sometimes he'll get past her walls for a short time, but she always pushes him away. There was that one time they shared an amazing kiss, but again, she ran. When he asked to court her, and she flat-out refused, saying there would never be anything between them, he finally gave up. Instead, he gave into his mother's matchmaking and proposed to her choice for him, even though there was no love between them. Imagine his horror when Nancy showed up the next day, saying she'd changed her mind. Jem is too honorable to back out of the engagement, so he's stuck.
I ached for Jem. The pretty woman he settled on turns out to be only pretty on the surface. It doesn't take long for Jem to realize he's in trouble. Emily is deceitful, manipulative, and out to change Jem into what she wants, whether he likes it or not. When an invitation to visit Beatrix and her duke arrives, Jem has no intention of going until Emily tricks him into taking along her and her mother. Nice guy that he is, he talks Nancy into going too (with the help of her mother). I felt so sorry for him during the three-day carriage journey. The arrival at Beatrix's home was both hilarious and heartbreaking.
I loved the visit and seeing the couples from the previous books together again. It's obvious that this group of friends has a great deal of love and respect for each other. I loved their interactions, and the cricket game had me laughing out loud. However, it isn't all fun and games. The tension between Nancy and Jem continues to grow. Jem's misery over his predicament is evident to his friends, but there is nothing they can do. An unexpected twist pits Emily's manipulations against Nancy's love for Jem and her determination to save him. I loved the involvement of the other couples and the genius of their plan. The confrontation between Nancy and Emily was terrific, and the following scene with Jem was great.
There are still a few little hurdles to overcome, such as Nancy's insecurity about their different stations, but they were handled believably. I loved the epilogue and the look into the future. I'd love to see a "Belles: The Next Generation."
ageekyloveofbooks's review
5.0
I have been given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
‘The Shopgirl’s Forbidden Love’ is the fourth and final book of the Belles of Bath book series. The previous books in the series are ‘An Unconventional Countess’, ‘Unexpectedly Wed to the Officer’ and ‘The Duke’s Runaway Bride’. I enjoyed reading the other books and I have really liked how far Nancy MacQueen has come from being a background character to the heroine of her own story.
We see Nancy shine as her own person throughout the previous books albeit having a minor role but in this one, she takes center stage. Nancy works in a biscuit shop in Bath and it is great to see a strong businesswoman who does not need a man especially as it is set in the 1800s.
The book has relatable characters and they all have their own charms. Nancy’s drive and ambition to give herself a better life than what is dealt her really puts her ahead of many heroines of the genre. Her strong will and outspoken nature can get her into hot water but she is always able to get herself out of trouble again.
Just like the previous books, this is enjoyable to read. Five stars.
‘The Shopgirl’s Forbidden Love’ is the fourth and final book of the Belles of Bath book series. The previous books in the series are ‘An Unconventional Countess’, ‘Unexpectedly Wed to the Officer’ and ‘The Duke’s Runaway Bride’. I enjoyed reading the other books and I have really liked how far Nancy MacQueen has come from being a background character to the heroine of her own story.
We see Nancy shine as her own person throughout the previous books albeit having a minor role but in this one, she takes center stage. Nancy works in a biscuit shop in Bath and it is great to see a strong businesswoman who does not need a man especially as it is set in the 1800s.
The book has relatable characters and they all have their own charms. Nancy’s drive and ambition to give herself a better life than what is dealt her really puts her ahead of many heroines of the genre. Her strong will and outspoken nature can get her into hot water but she is always able to get herself out of trouble again.
Just like the previous books, this is enjoyable to read. Five stars.
robinwalter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
A fun end to the series
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