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A review by loverofromance
The Secret Daughter by Anne Gracie
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
The Secret Daughter was book 4 for the historical romance readathon"Rake Meets Bluestocking" and I absolutely adored so much of this. It was at times very cozy, at others highly entertaining and in others a bit swoony in all the ways that I look forward to seeing in a historical romance. I have always found that Anne Gracie has delightful charming writing. And you definitely felt that charm and delight resonate in this one here. I was easily swept up so easily within the story. Anne Gracie takes you across the countryside of France to the captivating streets of the Ton in London. It had such a taste of adventure that I have truly missed seeing in recent historicals.
The connect that we see between our couple Zoe and Reynard was brilliant. They both are assuming different identities, and it had such a cozy casual vibe to it. Going from strangers....to friends...to lovers and swiftly to enemies due to some misunderstandings about both of their intentions and they are both at fault for it. I did love how Reynard was so diligent in his pursuit of Zoe. I wished she had been just as diligent because was just as accountable in what caused their separation ....in fact I would say more so. Its probably one of the issues that I had with the story is how the heroine wasn't willing to take true accountability for the wrongs she committed. While the hero did take accountability and made the attempt to make amends. Its what I have struggled with modernistic heroines in historicals...we see this so much. Heroines not caring how they hurt others because all that matters is themselves. They have become very self centered.
I did enjoy the romance though and boy did this author have me swooning all over the place left and right. I loved the intimacy .....the deep connection that they had especially in their mutual talent for art. I did find it strange the heroine thought she could just make a easy career of being a painter....like really? Do you understand societal restrictions? lol But the way that this element was written was more subtle so I do think readers who struggle with modernistic romances will still enjoy this one. As its not overdone or heavily focused. Its more in the background so you can just ignore it.
Overall I was completely satisfied in the end and how their story wraps up and now I am curious what is on the horizon for this author and very eager to read more of her backlisted works I have yet to read. If you are looking for a cozy poignant romance that delves into the true heart of the time period and genuine desires ....I highly recommend this stunning installment that will be comforting and swoony in little moments.
The connect that we see between our couple Zoe and Reynard was brilliant. They both are assuming different identities, and it had such a cozy casual vibe to it. Going from strangers....to friends...to lovers and swiftly to enemies due to some misunderstandings about both of their intentions and they are both at fault for it. I did love how Reynard was so diligent in his pursuit of Zoe. I wished she had been just as diligent because was just as accountable in what caused their separation ....in fact I would say more so. Its probably one of the issues that I had with the story is how the heroine wasn't willing to take true accountability for the wrongs she committed. While the hero did take accountability and made the attempt to make amends. Its what I have struggled with modernistic heroines in historicals...we see this so much. Heroines not caring how they hurt others because all that matters is themselves. They have become very self centered.
I did enjoy the romance though and boy did this author have me swooning all over the place left and right. I loved the intimacy .....the deep connection that they had especially in their mutual talent for art. I did find it strange the heroine thought she could just make a easy career of being a painter....like really? Do you understand societal restrictions? lol But the way that this element was written was more subtle so I do think readers who struggle with modernistic romances will still enjoy this one. As its not overdone or heavily focused. Its more in the background so you can just ignore it.
Overall I was completely satisfied in the end and how their story wraps up and now I am curious what is on the horizon for this author and very eager to read more of her backlisted works I have yet to read. If you are looking for a cozy poignant romance that delves into the true heart of the time period and genuine desires ....I highly recommend this stunning installment that will be comforting and swoony in little moments.