Romancing the Artist

 

About the Book:

A budding artist, a gentleman-in-training, and a fake courtship that takes both of them by surprise.

Caroline Clapham isn’t a world renown artist—she’s simply a farmer’s daughter possessed of natural talent with a paintbrush. Talent that her mentor, the Countess of Inglewood, is happy to foster for a summer at her beautiful seaside estate. Caroline wants to see the world and commit its beauties to canvas, but she fears that the season will end and she will return home as insignificant as ever. The lure of an adventure and the enchanting Inglewood estate keep her dreams alive, but when she meets Edward Everly and agrees to fake a courtship with him, those dreams begin to change.

Mr. Edward Everly is preparing to take over the management of the estate from his father. His new responsibilities are many and varied, and include marrying the girl his parents have selected for him. Unfortunately, the chosen bride is in love with another, and Edward would rather help her cause than champion his own. When he stumbles upon Miss Clapham painting in the woods, he hasn’t any idea the upheaval she will cause to all his plans. The beautiful young artist agrees to enter into a pretend courtship with him, but before summer’s end, Edward’s emotions are far from feigned.

Though it starts as a ruse, Caroline and Edward’s relationship quickly deepens into something neither of them expected. Edward has a role to fill, and Caroline’s lifelong dream is almost within reach. Will their pretend courtship have the chance to blossom into more, or will Edward follow the wishes of his family and risk breaking more than his own heart?

My Review: 

Sally Britton’s stories always make me happy to have read them and this one is just as pleasurable as I had anticipated. I was taken away to the Inglewood estate with Caroline Clapham to enjoy the hospitality of Lady Inglewood and her husband. I couldn't wait to see old friends from a previous series and see who we would come to know in the story. 

Things really begin to happen when Caroline meets Edward Everly and they formulate a plan to help him and their friend Mariah avoid an unwanted marriage. Caroline and Edward are great together as they encourage each other to go after their dreams. I loved Edward’s solution to both of their aspirations. Things I enjoyed: loyal friendships

humor

self sacrificing heroine sweet and clean romance seeing characters from another series the wood nymph imagery Edward and Caroline’s adventures, present and future If you enjoy Regency stories with a great characters, then you will love this book. It is the beginning of a new series and I look forward to reading more! I received a complimentary copy of the book, but a positive review was not required.