Four and a half stars; it was sweet and charming, I loved both Anna and Avery and I really enjoyed their romance, but I didn't enjoy the ending - I found the wedding disappointing, I think meeting Anna's grandparents was unnecessary and it just made her father more evil and the conflict in the end seemed strange to me. But still I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely continue on with this series. ( )

This is a traditional Regency, with all that entails. I like the hero (Avery) and heroine (Anna). Imagine believing you are an orphan, and then, without any warning, you find you inherit a great deal of money and a family. Money is good, but your new family isn't all that fond of you. Avery is a fascinating character whose past slowly unfolds.

There is much to enjoy in this book. Recommended for fans of Regencies. ( )

I found myself bored throughout this book. I plan on reading Alexander's book but no other. ( )

I liked this one better than any MB for quite a number of years. I credit that totally to the hero. He was one of my all time favorite heroes. I was reminded of His Grace of Avon from [b:These Old Shades|311182|These Old Shades (Alastair, #1)|Georgette Heyer|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1386920834s/311182.jpg|2682162] by Georgette Heyer. Although this hero, the Duke of Netherby, was quite a bit more amusing than Avon. This was one of those books where you smiled throughout and enjoyed the journey. The heroine Anna was a good match for him. The storyline was quite different and the secondary characters well done. I am excited to see the rest of the series.

The only reason I dropped this a star is because I felt that the climax was not very climatic. ( )

Oh, wow, this may be my most favorite Mary Balogh book ever, and I am a huge fan of both the Bedwyns and the Survivors club. It's just such a lovely story -- sweet, super romantic, and just really great at capturing the weird wholeness that the right person brings -- and that sounds saccharine, but she's past master at funny, charming, witty dialogue and you'd better believe that's present. And Anna and Avery are both such dignified and contained persons -- totally delightful, totally confident in their own quiet ways, totally willing to stand at their lines in the sand. And the plot is a doozy -- not wildly adventuresome, but a spectacular set up for emotional drama and social angst, but it never really goes to a bad place. Delicious. ( )