An Accidental Romance by Karen Tuft was a light and enjoyable read that I would readily recommend to anyone who likes period romances without a lot of heavy conflict.

Ben had inherited a property near Rebecca's family home, so he travels there to get some space after a trying year in which his wife died in childbirth. Rebecca cuts through his property one afternoon and breaks her ankle after being startled when Ben calls out to ascertain why a stranger in on his property. Feeling guilty, Ben visits her through her convalescence and they develop a sweet friendship. Throughout those weeks, it is revealed Ben's previous marriage was neither happy nor loving.

There were a few times throughout the novel where I felt conflict arose because characters were being overly or needlessly dramatic. There were times I didn't understand why people got so offended over seemingly small things! My other irritation was an overuse of italics when a character was speaking. I understand the author wanted to emphasize certain words, but it again had an overly dramatic feel to it. Other than that, I enjoyed this book as a light read that didn't require much effort to understand or puzzle out. The main characters were likeable, if at times a little silly, and I spent a pleasant Sunday sipping coffee and smiling at a happy-ever-after.

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rebecca's debut season is ruined....before she even gets a dance! She is bringing home her new dress when she cuts across the neighbor's land to get to her house -- not realizing the new neighbor is in attendance there and he scares her, causing her to fall and fracture her ankle. And all her dreams of a fabulous first season are broken.

Ben is the new neighbor, just moved in to escape the loss of his wife and to re-evaluate his life. He didn't mean to make the neighbor next door fall...or fall for her and her family.

It's a sweet, regent romance. The book cover reads it is a Jennings family series - this is the first I've read, not sure if others are available or this is the initial book -- but it was an easy read alone book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

An Accidental Romance was my first read when it comes to this author.

I thought the summary was cute, it had shades of Venetia (which is one of my favorite Heyer novels) and it had an interesting predicament. However, I feel like the story was not .... quite right. I think it comes with the modern tone and the relationship and how on and off again it was between Ben and Rebecca.

Ben has inherited a title and an estate. He has recently become a widow, his wife dying in childbirth - leaving behind a daughter who is 1 year old. While he is over the mourning period, he feels that he is not fit to love again due to the nature of his marriage. It is upon his first visit to the estate that he comes across Rebecca, using his land as a shortcut to get to her own. He causes alarm to her, she slips and fractures her ankle.

Rebecca is ready to begin her first season. Unfortunately, due to the now broken ankle, she is unable to attend her season and remains at home. While she is not entirely at odds with Ben, she finds the issue his fault and treats him rather cooly at first.

A relationship between Ben and Rebecca begins to blossom, starting out as friends and traveling to something more as he continues to spend time with her. Unfortunately, due to his previous relationship, he is unwilling to jump into the ring again and have his heart used.

The problem I had with the book is that it had a very modern tone to it. Some authors like Georgette Heyer, Emma Darcy, Mimi Matthews are really good at adapting the tone of their writing to make it feel like an added bonus of the time period you're reading in. This author unfortunately does not do that so you're left reading a book that takes place in the 1800s but has the tone of a book that was written in the 21st century.

Another issue I had is that countless times Ben is all 'I don't want to pursue anything' and he gets angry with Rebecca for doing things or wanting to do things that could jeopardize her ankle, and I sit there thinking - you have told her times, multiple times you want to back off, but he continues to toy with her emotions and sometimes acts on them leaving Rebecca feeling confused. I felt his conflict was not handled well.

There is a bit of a issue that comes to a head regarding his daughter which was interesting but kind of came in at the last act (out from the wings more so) and I felt that needed more prominence through the story.

I feel like there was an interesting plot but this story just didn't mesh well in my head. It might work for other readers but for me it didn't quite work.

What a delightful story. I really enjoyed reading this beautiful love story. This author never disappoints. I would definitely recommend to those who love proper romances that are clean with depth of character.