I enjoyed the banter between Thomas and Anne, but the story was a bit choppy for me. At times, I had to reread the passage to understand what was happening. This story has promise but it just needs a bit more character development and polishing,

An Engagement of Sorts
by Alene Wecker
Covenant Communications

Back of the Book: “Much to her mother’s dismay, spirited Anne Fletcher spent her youth seeking her father’s approval by hunting and riding. More comfortable in breeches than ball gowns, Anne sees the freedoms she once enjoyed slowly taken from her in the name of fashioning her into an eligible young lady. When her parents try to force her into marriage, Anne makes a desperate attempt to salvage her last vestige of independence. If she is to marry, she will do so on her own terms.
Anne strikes a deal: if she cannot secure a man for herself, she will agree to marry the husband her parents approved. She soon finds herself in the last place she would ever choose—that stifling parade of etiquette, the London Season. Anne’s plan is in motion. Now all she needs is a man willing to masquerade as her fiancé.”

My thoughts: This book was a bit frustrating for me. The description sounds so fun. It was easy to get drawn into as the writing was easy to follow and read, however, I did not like the story or characters. The male characters were obsessed with winning Anne and in fact, one attempted to sexually assault her. When Anne tried to confide in others, they shrugged her off and blamed her “wildness” or reckless nature. Anne was immature and had no self-awareness. Rather than grow and mature in this story she remained childish throughout which was disappointing.
I also struggled with the fact that the man Anne ends up falling for is just as sexual towards her through his flirtations as the man who assaulted her. It is so strange how it is unattractive for one male in the story to address her in such sensual ways but another who does so is just flirting and harmless. Here in lies the problem this story- is overly sexual. Everyone apparently wants Anne in bed and it is a strange story unraveling who will win her affection. The “men” in this story ended up being equally as childish as Anne as they tried manipulating her in various ways to gain their desires, including a “vicar.” There was truly no attractive character to come out of this book.
There was one random part towards the end of the book that the characters discuss God and as I would not consider this book a faith-based novel it was strangely out of place. Overall, I finished this book but I would not recommend it.
Inspiring thoughts: None
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Absolutely delightful. This book was a treat. This novel was a smashing debut from Alone Wecker and I'll definitely be waiting for her next novels to come. I'm a serial regency romance reader and this book went into my top 5 for best witty banter. I truly enjoyed Anne as a character, I felt she could be a best friend. I would definitely read again and recommend this novel.

I received an ARC copy from Netgally in exchange for a review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

What fun!
Anne is the definition of "obstinate, headstrong girl". She has been allowed to run a little wild, but after a near disaster in her own home, has decided to try her luck in London. At the very least, this offers her a respite from her cruel mother. The problem - she has agreed to marry the neighbor boy if she can't find someone else in London. So, of course, she finds someone in London to masquerade as her fiancé. And oh the troubles they get into with all the deception!

I loved all the witty banter! I found myself smiling and laughing out loud. There were quite a few "face palm" moments as well. I mean, Anne is so determined to sort out everyone's problems - her own most of all - that she leaves a wake of disaster. She does learn though, that she can make her own choices. She doesn't have to be subject to the whims of her crazy mother. (Although she nearly causes the biggest calamity ever to get there!) Most importantly, that her happiness comes from herself, and not from others and not from outside circumstances.

Another sweet light read. I’m glad I picked it up. It was perfect bridge between serious reads to help me through a slump. Would recommend to those who need an easy read.

Sometimes reviews for a book that did not meet the readers expectations can be detrimental to someone else taking the leap to read it. So, all reviews need to be taken with a grain of salt. With that being said, I’m sure this story will meet or exceed someone else’s expectations, just not mine.
This is a romance and as hard as I tried, I was not pulled in to care for Anne. The story seemed shallow and I needed more depth, The best I can do is 3 stars.
I want to thank Covenant Communications along with NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book for my unbiased review. Comes in with 3 stars.

I don't give 5 stars often. But wow, I loved this book.

The author did an amazing job of showing that the characters loved each other for who they are. I loved that I wasn't quite sure where the story was going at times. I was also engrossed the whole time and couldn't put the book down. Overall just a phenomenal novel.

I never know what to expect when reading a book by a new author, so I was pleasantly surprised while reading An Engagement of Sorts written by Alene Wecker. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and couldn’t put it down!

I fell in love with the main characters. The charming and witty Thomas was the perfect match for the spunky Heroine, Anne. The romance between them was perfect. This book kept me laughing with a lot of humorous situations and banter between between the main characters.

I gave this book 5 stars because I couldn’t find one thing I didn’t love about this book! I look forward to reading future books from this author.

Finally!! A regency romance that will catch you by surprise. I could not put this book down! After so many books that have similar plots I was hesitant to read another book from this period. I'm so glad I took the chance to read this book.

Alone Wecker writes in such a unique voice with an advanced vocabulary that adds so much depth to her writing. I'll be looking for everything else she has written or will write in the future! And I sure hope she continues the Colonel's story!!! And is it horrible for me to hope he ends up with Lizzie?!?!

Anne & Thomas were enchanting to read about and had so many swoon worthy moments. You will not regret reading this book and it may vclimb to be your new favorite!

This is a story that will have you smiling from the start. With a hilarious first meeting, witty characters and a connection that will have your heart pumping and tummy swooning.

An Engagement of Sorts is a gripping story about a young woman who wants nothing more than independence. Her best friend believes himself in love with her and she only sees him as a brother. Her only chance at a life she has chosen for herself is to go to London for a season and come back engaged. And there is one man that keeps showing up. A very charming and lovable man. *Squeeee*

The dynamic between Anne and Thomas has been one of my favourites. They see each other, and they fit perfectly together. They both have a wit that can keep up with the others, and this joy for life that makes them so lovable.
Thomas may be one of favourite all time heroins. He can be serious and brooding but for the most part he has this charismatic, funny, caring and protective personality that I just loved from the start. And if you’re here for the romance, my oh my, just wait until Anne’s love letter, it will have you holding your breathe and giggling like a school girl...The romance is good!
I don’t have enough words to express how much I loved this book without giving everything away.

This book is 10/10, 5 stars, all the feels. An incredible debut novel by Alene Wecker. I am looking forward to many more incredible stories from her. Hopefully some in this same world setting.
And an added bonus! Some of the characters and even some plot points were taken from history, so be sure to read the note at the end of the book if that interests you. I personally feel a deeper connection to a story when it has little seeds of reality mixed into it.

It was such a pleasure to read this story. Clear your day, and just read. It’ll be a good day! 💕

Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Content: clean
Romance: kissing, a woman is attacked and fights off said attacker. Not detailed but could be a trigger for some.
Language: none.
Violence: Some punching- that is much deserved.

Clean Regency historical romance. Debut novel from Alene Wecker and well worth reading. Anne is a spirited women and her impulsiveness is not understood or appreciated by her family. She is content living in the country and reading books in her fathers library. She is shocked when the local vicar, who she sees as an older brother offers her marriage. She agrees, if she can first have time in London, staying with her widow sister, on the chance she can marry for love. The story is more much more complicated and includes a fake engagement, one of my favorite tropes.

I like the author uses several words like accoucheur, pelisse and I had fun looking up their meanings. Anne herself is bright and can speak her mind with wit. She is criticized for not behaving properly when London rules are stricter than her country experience. Thomas Paling is wealthy and proper. He meets Anne in the country and literally again on the way to London. He never has plans to marry but is drawn to Anne's liveliness.

Most people will enjoy their flirting but I had a hard time with it. Thomas likes to tease and provoke Anne. But as someone who has a teasing older brother, I really dislike this, and it took me a long time to actually like him. There should also be a warning that a character physically assaults Anne and sexually harasses her. Even characters that should be good like her mother and the vicar see situations in over sexualized way. It fits the story but it isn't something I expected from the publisher.

Overall I would recommend the book but with the trigger warning for some readers. Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I was pleasantly surprised with all the twists and turns in this debut novel of Alene Wecker.  The plot kept me on my toes and I loved the characters' flaws that gave them distinct personalities.  Her intelligent writing flowed well and I enjoyed the wit!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I would give this book 10 stars if I could! I LOVED the characters in this story and the banter had me in stitches half the time. Such a fun and easy read - I wanted to know how it ended and literally read the story in a day. Grab this one and enjoy! It’s a clean romantic fiction story - no steam and no language that is off-putting. The way Alene describes the characters and the setting are impeccable and I literally found myself so entrenched with the story that I zoned out and felt like I was a part of it. A lively and fun read!

I loved this debut book Alene Wecker. The characters are engaging and relatable. The dialogue is witty and fun, especially between Thomas and Anne. The plot was interesting and I found the whole book thoroughly enjoyable. I would highly recommend this book to all who love a well written sweet romance.

An Engagement of Sorts by Alene Wecker, 215 pages. Covenant Communications, 2021. $15.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Anne is desperate to get away from both Will, her childhood friend trying to marry her, and Mr. Smith, a customer of her father’s who is trying to take advantage of her. She ends up in London with her widowed sister but still can’t avoid the men. With reputations on the line, Anne is willing to do whatever it takes to protect herself and her loved ones.
All the twists and turns of Anne’s story are reminiscent of a Shakespeare comedy, encouraging me to both laugh and roll my eyes as I say of course that happened! The aforementioned complications strike a balance of being over-the-top and authentic for the characters, which made it feel fun and not simply cheesy as Anne takes part in ridiculous plans to first save herself and then her loved ones from ruined reputations. The mature content rating is for innuendo and sexual harassment.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

As a bit of a Regency newbie I stick pretty closely to the recommendations of my regency-obsessed bestie. So when she told me this one was good I immediately requested a copy and I’m glad I did!
This was all the things I love in a regency, charming hero, feisty heroine, wit, banter, and of course romance!
The verbal sparring between Anne and Thomas was completely perfect and hilarious! They spoke their minds and held nothing back and I was absolutely here for it!
I loved Anne’s “wildness” and the way she just embraced who she was and Thomas’s appreciation of the very thing everyone else criticized was the most beautiful thing.
The author did a great job with not only writing characters you could love but also ones that were so easy to despise!
All in all this was a fantastic read and I’m looking forward to what the author has next!

What a great book! I absolutely love that the author uses her own ancestors to write the book. Alene does a fantastic job with each character, both real and fictional. I loved the inner battle that Anne had between relief and jealousy with William. I love that she stuck true to who she was and refused to change to please the ton.

This was my first experience with a book by Arlene Wecker. I enjoyed the story line. There were times when some of the interactions seems long winded, sometimes forced, and sometimes not needed. But overall, I enjoyed the story and would love to read more of her works. I also enjoyed that, while this story is a work of fiction, some of her character were real people.

Anne Fletcher is her own woman, if only her mother would see her for who she is. Being forced into a loveless engagement/marriage with a longtime friend and vicar (Will), Anne insists on traveling to London. While there, she concocts a pretend engagement with Thomas (a dandy of the worst sort) to end her mother's instance on her marrying Will. However, the last thing Anne expected was to actually fall in love.

I found this book completely enchanting. It made me laugh out loud. A lot. I really liked the side saddle scene. The characters were well portrayed and mostly likable. I found it fortuitous that the rouse turned out to be real, and it was probably expected but in a great book a slight detour in a well traveled path adds a lot to the narrative.
Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Well, shoot! Alene is REALLY good at writing sweet and romantic scenes. Oh my word! I got sooo many butterflies with the love letter scene, their kiss in the garden, and the proposal. I may or may not be in love with Thomas. **swoon**

There were some things I wasn’t a fan of. And not to discredit this novel because it was very well written. I struggle with any reference to rape as a trigger for myself and wish that there was some disclaimer in the synopsis to let me know what I was getting into. I’m grateful nothing went too far, but I am not used to reading books that mention rape or put so much emphasis on a large bust and physical lust between couples. I’m also not a fan of dreams being explained in books because I tend to lose interest. Could be because I rarely dream myself and can’t relate.

Overall, I enjoyed it! I think the second half of the book saved it for me because there was so much going on that I fell into the “one more chapter” trance. I really hope this will be a series because I want to know what happens with Charlotte, Angel, Mr. Kehr, and Colonel Thoroton. I still had some questions at the end and I hope those will be answered in the next book, if it is a series.

I received a complementary advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. This in no way affected my opinion or my review. Thank you, Alene Wecker!