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A review by emmalb1984
An Unconventional Countess by Jenni Fletcher
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.