I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I had a hard time putting it down. Chalon Linton does a fantastic job with character development. SO much so, that I want to read more stories of the Jamison family! I loved Phoebe's personality. I loved that she is independent and fiery. I think all readers can relate to her infatuation with Mr. Mason. We all have someone who we are/were infatuated with, someone who is not meant for us at all, but we are head over heals for them. There were times I wanted to scream at Phoebe for her infatuation, and times I wanted to scream at Mr. Mason for his neglect and his inconsideration. I wanted to tell her that Mr. Mason was no good and that Franklin was perfect for her. I enjoyed the mystery of the kidnappings that happened along with the story. It created some mystery and excitement, though it was a little predictable that something was going to happen to one of the main characters. I look forward to more books about these characters, especially Phoebe's brothers!

This was a very sweet clean romance. I loved all of the secondary characters as well. It had depth, mystery and a beautiful love story.

"Forever Phoebe" is a romance set in 1814 in England. Phoebe has longed after one of her brother's friends for ages, but he hardly notices her except to criticize her. When a new neighbor becomes friends with her brothers, she enjoys how he complements her, appreciates her outspoken, honest nature, and is not put off by her sometimes impulsive choices. His attention sparks the interest of the other man, though, and now both wish to court her.

I liked the romance as both Phoebe and Franklin admired the character of the other, built each other up, and even sacrificed for each other and others. They got along well, and their love grew as they got to know each other better. The historical time period was a vague backdrop for the story rather than a distinct part of the setting.

My main problem with the story was the mysterious Bride Snatcher, who boldly kidnapped well-bred, pretty young girls to sell to men as their wives. Because...English men who can afford to buy someone don't need a dowry, don't fear the law, and are somehow unable to attract someone willing to be their wives? It just didn't make any sense. Especially when he threatened to kill his valuable wares. Also, if you have one bullet, know how to shoot, and someone is threatening you and your best friend, naturally you will shoot the bullet into the air rather than at the threat? Though sometimes not very realistic, it was an enjoyable read. There was no sex or bad language.

First of all, Phoebe does not appear to be the kindest of friends; she speaks ill of her supposed best friend within minutes of meeting Mr Everly. Honestly, I found it very difficult to like her as a character/person, so it was a challenge to believe that Mr Everly would be so totally smitten as immediately as he was.
Phoebe's main crush, Mr Mason, appears to have no redeemable orattractive qualities besides his looks, yet we're expected to believe Phoebe is besotted with him. She even says that she thought he was everything she could ever want, yet has shared absolutely no positive experiences or attributes throughout the book! I kept expecting her to bring up some memory where he'd been kind to her or thoughtful in some way, as an explanation for the seemingly ridiculous infatuation she has. But no, she does not list a single positive thing besides his good looks.

Not only is she a terrible judge of character, Phoebe is also incredibly fickle. One minute she fancies Mason and resents Everly, the next she fancies Everly too. She tells her brothers she won't go anywhere without an escort... until it becomes too inconvenient and then she has no fear of the "Bride Snatcher" (who, by the way, is barely a subplot in the novel).

I found the scene where Phoebe supposedly injures her ankle by dismounting into mud to be excessively ridiculous. One moment she has to be carried inside, the next she's walking with no issue, but then it's hurting again moments later? There was no continuity, merely an inadequate plot device to have her swooning in the arms of the male protagonist.

She had no grief for her horse, no concern when it was injured. It was merely mentioned to her in passing and then she got a new horse.

The kidnapper, who you think might be a major part of the plot, only features for a tiny part in the last 10% of the story. And of course Phoebe triumphs, no matter how unbelievable that is.

This story has potential. Unfortunately, it does not fulfill it and left me feeling disappointed and as though I had wasted the hours spent reading (hoping for it to improve). Perhaps if Phoebe's glaring flaws had been noted by any other character, or if she had recognised them herself and been shown to grow and mature throughout the novel, it would have been a more worthwhile read. If she had even acknowledged to herself that Mr Mason's only redeeming feature was his good looks, instead of continually going on about how wonderful he was when all evidence was to the contrary.

A disappointing read.

Another excellent book from Chalon Linton
An outstanding book with excellent characters facing real life questions and problems with fun moments, twists, turns and even danger. Phoebe is eighteen and has known for years that the man for her was William Mason but he only sees her as his friends’ little sister. When her brother asks her friend Hannah to dance Phoebe is forced to dance with their new neighbor, Franklin Everly. With that dance, Phoebe begins to see differences between the way William Mason and Franklin Everly treat her. With more interactions with Mr. Everly more questions arise including a request to be given a compliment. How important is that? How important is the way the gentleman sees you? Mix with that a kidnapper taking young women even as they are on their own property and you have a highly engaging book with excellent characters and an engaging plot. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review

I like it for the clean, innocent story but I knocked it down a star for the absolutely ridiculous plot line of a kidnapper taking well bred young ladies. Midway through, one girl escapes but nothing is said about her ruined reputation which would have been the case.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.