If your favoured reading material is a novel with a good sprinkling of history, romance and mystery, then feel free to read this second book by Valerie Holmes in The Yorkshire Saga - For Richer, For Poorer.

This book was set in the Autumn of 1815, mostly in the town of Gorebeck in North Yorkshire. This was of particular interest to me as I have connections in that area and have frequently visited.

Though this relatively short story didn’t instantly stir my soul, as I read the more intrigued I became. The characters were well portrayed and the pacing of the book was spot on. For Richer, For Poorer was well worth the time invested.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Sapere Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

For Richer, For Poorer by Valerie Holmes. Sapere Books, 2019.

Although readers will see familiar "Regency" elements in the plot of this well-written, entertaining romance, it begins with one main character robbing the other and continues mostly in countryside settings. Parthena’s disreputable guardian sets her up to be destroyed, Jerome is suffering from mental and physical war damage,
I was interested in the descriptions of North Yorkshire but uncertain as to their accuracy. This lite historical romance is a fairly fast read.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of For Richer, For Poorer via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received a free copy from netgalley exchange for an honest review. For richer for poorer the first book that I've read by Valerie Holmes and it was okay read. Thena is in need of aid after seeking a position as a governess only to learn that the family has already moved. The idea for the story was interesting but the solution was so quick and simple that there were no real stakes. The relationship if you can even call it that between Thena and Jerome was also vague and feels like a marriage of convience and nothing more.

This was not bad Regency romance/adventure, although I did have very big reservations about the "hero."
When Parthena, who has been left stranded and penniless, steals Jerome's heavily laden coin purse, he is understandably indignant. He understandably wants to find her. When he does, he's even willing to listen to her explanations. It's his behavior while he's waiting for the explanation that is outrageous. What he makes her do serves only two purposes: it sets up a really creepy power imbalance, and it gives him the opportunity to ogle her unrepentantly. You, sir, are a cad, and I pretty much despise you.
The weird thing is, I don't think the author meant for this to be troubling or objectionable. I'm not sure what the goal was, but it certainly wasn't romantic.
So why am I giving it three stars, instead of fewer? Because the plot and the adventure hang together pretty well, and the guy acts more like a decent human for the rest of the book. It's just that, given the social context and the accepted rules of chivalry at that time, I'm still completely puzzled by the authorial choices made at the beginning of the relationship. It's icky.

Fast read, which is nice.

I enjoyed story. It was easy to read and well written.The two main characters Jerome and Part hen were interesting without being boring. The ending was predictable but I do recommend it as it was easy to pick up and read.

Jerome has been at war for years and his priorities now reflect this. His goals for the future include : owning some land, farming and marrying for love instead of a society marriage his mother would want and which he too would have settled for before going off to war. He meets Parthena when she is in dire straits. She has traveled to start a job as a governess job apparently without any money. The family has moved on and she has no way to get back home. She’s destitute and asks Jerome for help.

In a short time, Jerome is captivated by her beauty and bravery. Parthena however finds it hard to trust him due to the acts of her loving father and her evil cousin.

There is a mystery to solve (did someone set Parthena to ruin?), will she come to trust Jerome, will he really accept her apology for stealing his money...

I very much enjoyed this book despite the coincidences. Although Jerome could be gruff and authoritative at times (he was an army officer after all), he was honest and believed in justice. Parthena acknowledged that her difficulties opened her eyes to those less fortunate, she cared for the people in her village, and she was intelligent, practical and brave.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advance copy. I will be reading more from this author.

If you like Regency romance, this series would be a good one for you. This second book in the series definitely has heroes and villains. Parthena was an only child and when her father died, he left everything to a distant cousin, Bertram.Legally, Parthena is under Bertram's control. He sends her away to be a governess, knowing the family was no longer where Parthena is going. Bertram really wanted her out of the way so he could follow through with a money-making scheme. Through "fate," Parthena meets Jerome. What ensues is a race to make sure that Bertram does not ruin the estate and nearby village. Jerome is captivated by Parthena and does whatever he can to help her. The book takes several twists & turns and is an enjoyable. It does end rather suddenly leaving the reader wanting more information that hopefully will come in book three. This is not the best "stand alone" book.

I'm a fan of Regency romance and this was good.
I loved the plot, the characters and the setting.
The plot is engaging and entertaining and keeps you hooked till the last page.
I will surely read other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this ARC

I enjoyed this story v much held my interest n couldn't wait to finish it bread some more in the sags