***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
'It's not a fair world I'm afraid. Beauty or fortune carries the day. You have the beauty and I the fortune, so there's every chance we'll succeed'
In Regency England, marriage is everything. For young widow Sybella Lovatt, the time has come to find a suitable husband for her sister and ward Lucie. Male suitors are scarce near their Wiltshire estate, so the sisters resolve to head to London in time for The Season to begin.
Once ensconced at the Mayfair home of Lady Godley, Lucie's godmother, the whirl of balls, parties and promenades can begin. But the job of finding a husband is fraught with rules and tradition. Jostling for attention are the two lords - the charming and irresistible Freddie Lynwood and the preternaturally handsome Valentine Ravenell, their enigmatic neighbour from Shotten Hall, Mr Brabazon, and the dangerous libertine Lord Rockliffe, with whom the brooding Brabazon is locked in deadly rivalry.
Against the backdrop of glamorous Regency England, Sybella must settle Lucie's future, protect her own reputation, and resist the disreputable rakes determined to seduce the beautiful widow. As the Season ends, will the sisters have found the rarest of things - a suitable marriage with a love story to match?
Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Dunn brings the Regency period irresistibly to life in a page-turning novel packed with surprising revelations, which all comes wittily, gloriously, good in the end. Perfect for fans of Gill Hornby, Janice Hadlow, Jane Austen, and anyone with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their lives.
The Marriage Season by Jane Dunn is a delightful, regency era novel that is heartwarming and charming
Story Recap:
Sybella Lovatt knows that it is time to find a husband for her sister, Lucie, and she decides to take her to London, and participate in The Season, in order for her to find a suitable husband.
Lady Godley, Lucie’s godmother hosts the women in her Mayfair home. Sybella and Lucie try to navigate the complicated process of finding a husband for Lucie, going to balls and parties. The women must find the right men amongst the disreputable rakes and unsuitable men of the Ton, making their goal more difficult than they first imagined. Can Sybella find a suitable match for Lucie?
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this light, regency-era romance. I loved being in London during “the season with Sybella, Lucie, and Sybella’s adorable son, James. There were the usual season events, of parties and balls, and several gentlemen have shown interest in Lucie, and even Sybella. I loved the beautiful descriptions of Regency London, and the characters of Sybella and Lucie were both well-developed and charming.
The book did drag just a bit in the middle, where some of the descriptions became a bit too much, however it was worth it to get to the ending where we had more action and story. The romances were a bit predictable, but I was fine with that as the journey was excellent. If you’re a fan of regency romances, you’ll enjoy The Marriage Season.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Marriage Season to anyone who enjoys historical romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Book Challenges:
The Marriage Season counts towards my Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2023
Click the image to go to the challenge sign-up page
Have you read The Marriage Season?
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Love the cover on this one. I’m slowly getting back into some historical romances like this thanks to Bridgerton and also the ones in the SmartyPants Romance Universe. Great review!
Other than the dragging part in the middle this looks like a good read. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a new Regency author so I will need to give this one a try.
I rarely read Regency books, but I am diversifying more these days. Right this minute I am intrigued with the word “seasons.” Of course the first thing that comes to mind is the traditional four climate seasons with their accompanying weather changes, holidays, and decor. I am also going to be reading Sounding the Seasons, a book of Sonnets that follows the Christian liturgical year. Now you review a book about the social seasons of the Regency period. I wonder what other uses I will discover for that word; I love words!
Love the cover on this one. I’m slowly getting back into some historical romances like this thanks to Bridgerton and also the ones in the SmartyPants Romance Universe. Great review!
Sounds like an interesting read, good luck in your historical fiction challenge
Thank you!
Nice review. I felt the same way about this book.
Other than the dragging part in the middle this looks like a good read. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a new Regency author so I will need to give this one a try.
I would any regency romance even though it’s predictable. Amazing review!
I had no idea this was regency….lovely review!
I have discovered an enjoyment of this period over the last year or so and am planning to read more Regency this year.
I am a fan of regency romances when they’re done well and there’s both humor and heart. This sounds like a fun read.
I rarely read Regency books, but I am diversifying more these days. Right this minute I am intrigued with the word “seasons.” Of course the first thing that comes to mind is the traditional four climate seasons with their accompanying weather changes, holidays, and decor. I am also going to be reading Sounding the Seasons, a book of Sonnets that follows the Christian liturgical year. Now you review a book about the social seasons of the Regency period. I wonder what other uses I will discover for that word; I love words!
I enjoy a light regency romance as well and this one sounds like it fits the bill nicely. Great review, Wendy.
Thank you, Carla!
Nice review Wendy. I did enjoy this one but found the horses and child a bit too much
I can see that.
I do enjoy a good Regency romance.
Me too! Thank you, Cathy
Sounds fun. Love some of the the names, Brabazon
That’s funny, I liked them too
I’m not sure I’ve read anything set in the Regency period. I’m glad you enjoyed this overall, despite the pacing issue.
Thank you, Tanya!
Nice review Wendy! Good luck in this challenge!
Thank you, Jodie!
Wonderful review Wendy. I don’t read recency but I’m glad you enjoyed it!📚🤗💜
Thank you, Susan!
This does sound like a lovely story & one I would enjoy, great review
Thank you,
sounds like an interesting read, good luck in your historical fiction challenge 😊
Thank you, Jenny
A very pretty jacket on the book cover.
I agree! It’s such a pretty cover