I really tried to finish this book so I could give it an accurate review however I did not find it capturing enough to keep me entertained to finish.

I really enjoyed this one. This is my first book by and Barker and I was really impressed. I look forward to reading more of her books

Adeline has to find a match for her best friend Charity or risk her family's home. Asst a hunting party there are only two eligible men. However, Charity is still heartbroken over a broken engagement. They both find love but at a terrible cost.

I loved Charity's romance! The earnest desperation of her love interest, how he refused to give up. And his letter! I think that was the best part of the whole book. He was definitely swoon worthy! I was very invested in their happy ever after and enjoyed any 'screen time' they had.

I did like Adeline at the beginning, but the way she tended to mother Charity? And that cruel betrayal? Such a stupid, selfish thing to do! I was so angry at Addie I couldn't enjoy her falling in love. How dare she fall in love when she prevents her best friend from her own happily ever after. She barely deserved her forgiveness from her friend.

Addie also breaks the heart off an innocent gentleman, raising his hopes for Charity. So selfish. Ugh.

I honestly would've liked the novel to center on Charity's story, and had Adeline's taken the back seat. All in all pretty good, boring at times, and utter hatred for the main character for a quarter of the book.

Charity's a better person than I because I would've never forgiven her.

So good! Our heroine is so flawed and human, and yet relatable. It caused me some self reflection. Poignant and satisfying. I'm looking forward to the next in the series- secrets and suitors.
And oh, that cover is so gorgeous!

5 stars!
5 jumbo stars!
Beautiful plot, writing and romance.
Different spin on the tale but I loved every part of it!
This is one of those books that makes your heart weep and lips smile.... Enchanting!

Oh, I just love it when I find a really good Regency story! There was nothing crazy or too dramatic in the storyline but the story had me hooked right from the start. I could definitely picture this as a BBC movie.

Adeline is a confident and poised companion to her best friend Charity, who tends to be a bit more introverted. Charity has called off her engagement, which has caused a lot of gossip in London. Her father sends her and Adeline away to his sister’s home. Adeline is hoping to find a new match for Charity, however, the man who Charity broke up with, comes back into the picture. Meanwhile, Adeline also meets the very serious and handsome neighbor, Mr. Evan Whitfield...who I kind of loved. He was the perfect mixture of stern, kind, funny, and caring. I loved all the interactions between him and Adeline.

Although Adeline’s story is in the forefront, Charity’s story is also a big part of this book. It reminded me a bit of Pride & Prejudice or Sense & Sensibility, because there was more than one story at play.

This book also made me go through all the feels. I found myself feeling annoyed with Adeline one moment, to laughing at something the next, to feeling touched by something at a different time. The ending, however, gave me all the happy feels. ;-)

Review on my blog will be up August 1st.

This book drew me in quickly, and while I was prepared for a light and sweet Regency romance, this story was that and so much more.

I loved the first person perspective of the book. Adeline is a lovable -if not a little misguided- protagonist, and experiencing everything through her eyes really brought the plot to life. I loved the different themes that came to light as I read- love, compassion, forgiveness, friendship, loyalty, the list could go on and on. Adeline learns and grows as the story progresses, and I really liked watching her successes and even her mistakes. Sometimes I cringed at the choices that were made, but knowing that the characters weren’t perfect lent more depth to the book.

I don’t want to spoil anything, but goodness there was a certain swoony hero that had my toes curling in delight as I read. He was exceptional, and I loved seeing him through Adeline’s eyes. Many supporting characters also stood out and brought more depth to the story. I was so satisfied and moved by the ending. This is one clean romance you don’t want to miss!!

<i> Love truly is the strangest thing </i>

What a sweet story, though, I admit, also frustrating at times.
Adeline Hayes is the daughter of a once famous practitioner whose mind is failing and whose daughters now need to count the pennies so their depts can be paid. She is lucky she can "work" as her best friend's companion to help pay for the rent. The situation lets her also dress up and participate in extravagant balls.

But when Charity brakes off her engagement without explaining to anyone why, Adeline sees her last hope to help her father in the demand of Charity's father to find a husband for his daughter during their time in the country. And so a series of misunderstandings and choices made from selfishness and prideful judgments unfold.

There a part in the book in which a character reads a letter and the conclusion is, if some writes with such passion and sincerity, they can only be fueled by love. This is what the characters discover throughout their journey - love to take crazy risks, love to forgive the greatest pains, love that reunites. Love, which doesn't guarantee perfection, but the promise of a bond stronger than anything. Here is where I found satisfaction in the story.

This was an entertaining read, perfect for relaxing in the summer. The storyline reminded me of a blend of Pride and Prejudice and Emma. The hero was likeable, though distant. The heroine faced challenges that made you pity her, then dislike her, than cheer her on as she tried to change her ways. I enjoyed their relationship, although there were a few times where I feel like we were told rather than shown how their feelings developed.

Overall it was a good read. I am giving it 4 stars because I enjoyed it enough to sacrifice sleep to see how the story would resolve. I could see myself re-reading it in the future.

I loved how Joanna developed Adaline’s character. Even though the story was from her point of view, so often she was acting a charade, that the reader was slowing learning about as she was learning about herself.

Often when you have a book written in first person the personalities of the other characters is over shadowed by the emotions and thoughts of the main characters. I didn’t get that feeling in this book. Even though you’re reading from Adeline’s point of view, the other characters clearly have their own tone and voice. It added depth to not just the characters, but the whole plot.

I love Joanna’s stories, the story lines are always unique and unpredictable. They fall under what I like to call realistic fairy tales. They have all the magic of a romance, while being wholly realistic about human nature and failings. The hero and heroine are people you can relate to and root for.

There was a point where I wanted to shout, “Duh, Adeline! The answer is staring you right in the face”… and I loved it! I had gotten so entrenched in the story and the characters that I was attempting to have a persuasive conversations with fictional characters. Having that kind of pull over a reader is some awesome writing my friends.

Oh. My. Goodness. this book put me through so many emotions--happy, sad, worried, you name it. Adeline and Charity have been friends since they were children, and now she's Charity's paid companion. Because of their friendship Adeline is very protective of Charity's feelings especially when the tongues of Society start wagging about her recently broken engagement. When Charity's father sends them away to her Aunt Caroline's in the country, it's the best thing that could've happened to them (I would've gone just to get away from her rampaging father).

I'm so happy that most of the book takes place at the country house. There are other guests and so much is going on--dances, musical nights, a fox hunt, apple picking, chess matches, and of course Adeline's matchmaking attempts for Charity. I loved Adeline and Mr. Whitfield's chess matches!! Who knew playing chess could be so flirty?! Adeline is quite outgoing and Charity would rather be in her room or the library reading so Adeline had her work cut out for her in finding Charity a suitor. With Charity's father's threats to her family, she's got a lot riding on accomplishing that.

I was glad that Adeline and Mr. Whitfield (Evan) didn't stay at odds with each other for long. I don't like when authors drag out the "enemies to friends to lovers" trope for most of the book. I knew the moment Adeline put the letter intended for Charity in the desk drawer that it would come back to haunt her. I told her so, but she didn't listen--book characters never listen to me. I found the consequences of Adeline's actions were heartwrenching for everyone, but it made her truly consider why she did what she did. Was she just thinking of Charity or maybe more about herself? I love the thought she has when she finds herself having a selfish thought "Changing one's thoughts and reactions was not so very simple a thing. I had a long way to go yet." I loved the scene at the inn at the end of the book because there's not one, but two happy endings--Charity and George, and Adeline and Evan!

This book isn't just a love story, it's a story about being a true friend, doing what's right when it's hard, helping those less fortunate, repentance and forgiveness. This a clean romance with just kisses.

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for my copy of the book. All thoughts expressed in my review are my own.

I absolutely adored this book! Such an enjoyable story.
There were a few unexpected twists that made the story extremely fun.
I am quickly becoming a Joanna Barker fan. This book is definitely worth reading!

There’s quite a bit to love about this sweet and clean Regency romance. The settings are great, and the dialogue fits the time period. What makes this story shine is the character of Adeline. She’s confident, loving, caring, and has the regency social scene mastered. She’s extremely loyal to her best friend, Charity, and is grateful to have the job of being Charity’s companion. However, Adeline’s belief that she knows the very best for Charity is put to the test in this story, as well as the strength of their friendship. I had sympathy for Adeline’s family situation and admired her commitment to her friendship with Charity. Even when Adeline made mistakes, she was trying to help someone else. It was fun cheering for Charity and Adeline to each discover their true heart’s desire and hoping they would find their happily-ever-afters. Fans of sweet and clean Regency stories will enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Miss Adeline Hayes serves as a lady's companion to her friend Charity Edgeworth, and she feels she's quite good at her position. However, when Charity calls off her engagement, her father is enraged and sends Charity and Adeline away from London to stay with his sister--telling Adeline that if she doesn't find Charity a husband, her family--already struggling to make ends meet due to her father's illness--will suffer the consequences.
Adeline is pleased to find that Charity's aunt is hosting a small house party and fox hunt, and there's even a gentleman among the group who seems interested in Charity. Charity, however, doesn't want to socialize, and matters are further complicated when her former betrothed shows up unannounced. Adeline is determined to make things work out for Charity, but she's surprised by Mr. Evan Whitfield, who at first seems stern and unfriendly but whom soon starts to affect her in ways she's never been affected before.

Overall, this was a fun Regency romance (with not one but two romances!). There were a few times when Adeline was hard to like, as was Evan, but I think that was realistic and that they both redeemed themselves. I thought the setting--away from London, with the fox hunt/house party--was cool, and I loved the ending, and there's a really terrific love letter included. This clean read is a good choice for fans of sweet romances.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This was a surprising story that I read rather quickly.

It has definite Austen nods in the characters and their relationships: Adeline and Charity remind me of Sense & Sensibility (Adeline more like Elinor and Charity like Marianne), Adeline and her matchingmaking ways are like Emma, and Evan certainly reminds me of Mr. Darcy and his brooding ways (at least in the beginning), plus his friend George could also be compared to Mr. Bingley. I liked finding these similarities throughout the story and it didn't take away from its originality.

It's well written, well paced and full emotion and moody setting, and the ending is completely swooning.

Highly recommend!

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

OH MY HEART! Yes, I used all caps on purpose! I absolutely adored this book and the characters within. This is going to be a book I return to again and again and recommend to my friends.

I loved Adeline and Charity's friendship. Especially with the opening scene and Adeline coming to Charity's rescue. But, beware not to make Charity's father upset. Oh, my. No, no, no! Because once he is upset, you might be banished. Yep. That's what happened to Charity and Adeline. But never fear, it turns out to be a good thing for them.

Escapades, secrets, matchmaking, stories, chess, family, the great outdoors, apple trees, winter storms, brooding strangers, London society, doctors, friends, gowns, balls, wit and humor, swoon worthy heroes, mistakes, sorrow, heartaches, new friends, healing, love, forgiveness, sickness, love, and love...and so much more awaits you in this book.

I'm just grinning from ear to ear thinking about this book. Especially the last part of the story. *happy, happy sigh* I love when characters make mistakes, even when they think they're doing the right thing. Only to learn that their thoughts and choices weren't the right thing. Then to watch them have to live with those consequences. And hoping that they make the right choice and work towards fixing their choices and actions. This was one that was so well written and one I can't recommend enough!

Grab it and fall in love with the characters and this story. *another happy sigh*

Content: Clean. Some moments of very mild peril.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

This was certainly an enjoyable book to read, well written and plenty of interesting characters from the two female leads - Miss Charity Edgeworth and her companion, Miss Adeline Hayes - to the gentlemen, Mr Henley, Mr Townsend and Mr Whitfield. It has all that one could wish from a Regency Romance - an initially enchanting heroine but who is a little too fond of arranging her friend's life for her, her worry about her sister and their father who clearly has some form of dementia and their reliance upon her income to a degree, It has the jilted young man, the archetypal stern father, the daughter who does the jilting with the best intentions even if misguided as is seen in the long term. There is the London life style and then the country house with hunting and shooting and balls - even in the depths of the Leicestershire winter. These are all woven into a story of developing love between Miss Hayes and Mr Whitfield with a lot of twists, turns, misunderstandings along the way. It's hard to say but if you were not an avid reader of Jane Austin I think that this book would mean much more to you. I kept seeing parallels between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy - strong characters, strong ideas and rather unforgiving to start with; between Jane Bennett and Mr Bingley, and between Emma Woodhouse and Harriet Smith. For the Gardiners, see the Becketts. At least we were spared Mr Collins and Lydia. I think that the author must be as much a devotee of the BBC's 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice as I am with the smouldering looks between Miss Hayes and Mr Whitfield during one of the piano playing paragraphs and even Miss Hayes' propensity to say "...., I like it very much indeed". Miss Adeline's Match is a mix of at least Pride and Prejudice and Emma with a bit of Sense and Sensibility. Not a problem in itself but just too close to them for me to enjoy this book as much as I might have done. Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Not many historical romances have me wanting to read past bedtime. I enjoy them but can put them down. That being said, this one kept me up later than it should have. It wasn’t due to suspense (I love these stories for their happily ever afters) but it was just so... enjoyable. The characters were fun, human and intelligent. The story line was unique. The dialogue was entertaining. This was just a win all around. Well done!

Joanna Barker has written a regency romance that is hard to put down. I stayed up way too late to finish it. You follow along with Adeline as she plays matchmaker for her heart broken best friend, worries over her fathers health, and finds love when she doesn’t expect it or have time for it. She then, of course, makes a fine mess of things in the process.
Joanna gives you two love stories in one book and does a great job of conveying the characters feelings through a simple look across a room or touch of a hand. It is one of those books where you come to love the whole cast of characters and you find yourself truly sad when you finish it because you want more!

I love Joanna Barkers books, she has a way of drawing me into her books. I was enraptured by this one from the start. The story is intriguing and exasperating and romantic. I loved every minute of it! Thank you for the chance to review this book, NetGalley!