I inadvertently read this without realizing at first it was part of a series--whoops! (I have a tendency to do that but have been trying to improve!)

The book does make enough references to previous happenings, that clued me in that it might not be the first in a series. So, I'll likely go read it--especially as other reviews with similar ratings on this installment noted how good it is.

I frankly spent a lot of the book frustrated with Flora. Early on, it's noted that she was involved in breaking up two characters (in book 1, come to find out), and she spends an inordinate amount of time _not_ owning up to it here. Thankfully, she finally does, but there's so little denouement on that front--it read very much as being "no big deal," besides insufficient time to explore further--the resolution was unsatisfying given my lengthy frustration, ha.

Plenty of action throughout the book, as well as some chuckle-inducing moments (the idea of summering in Nola, then being surprised at the crazy heat and humidity? Let me send a guidebook or the Internet back in time and spare them :D--but, it furthers the story, right?). I did enjoy seeing references to a few locations that have stood the test of time and are still there to this day (Cafe du Monde and St. Louis Cathedral, both of which I've at least walked by).

Hitchcock is a talented author, and a few sections in this book particularly stand out. I do prefer the two books she wrote for the "America's True Colors" series (The Gray Chamber and The White City: Historical Stories of American Crime); she really excelled in both of these and I highly recommend them.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

First I loved the title of this read, you can just feel how much Flora is, crazy, in love with Teddy Dey! Oh my, her arrival in New Orleans, and the women coming out of the woodwork! You can feel the catty claws coming out, they don't want this upstart around their Teddy, and Flora is she up to the challenge?

The author keeps us on our toes, and she gives us a wealthy father, that wants his daughters married, will the four girls vie for the same man? We watch as these young woman from NYC High Society, acclimate to their aunts home and finding their own young man. Along the way we meet some pirates, well, your in for some action, and most you will not see coming.

Some scary moments, and some sweet romance, what more can you ask for?

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

A fun addition to Grace Hitchcock’s American Royalty series! Her Darling Mr. Day tells the story of Teddy and Flora (characters readers will recognize from book one, My Dear Miss Dupré) and features enjoyable romance and adventure.

At times, I felt like Teddy lacked the depth of character I noticed in him in the first book in this series. I wanted a bit more from his relationship with Flora—since they were close childhood friends, having flashbacks to that time may have helped. The side characters were a little scattered; there were a lot to keep track of and their personalities were confusing.

I enjoyed Hitchcock’s writing style, and even though I didn’t adore Her Darling Mr. Day as much as the first book, I still see and appreciate the ways in which Hitchcock draws the reader into her stories. I’m excited for the third book in this series! 3.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

First, this is the second book in the American Royalty series by Grace Hitchcock. It can be read as a stand-alone, but there are some repeat characters, so the reader won't lose any context.

Second, while the first book was an historic take on "The Bachelorette," this one is more of a season of "Survivor" without the immunity idols.

Third, no one in their right mind seeks to summer in New Orleans, Louisiana. The heat and humidity are enough to send people running to the hills--far, far north of NOLA. And let's not forget hurricane season.

The book includes skullduggery, competition, mystery and intrigue, cattiness on a very high level, and very little faith expressed by the characters. Pirates, jealousy of siblings, fathers setting up their children to compete for their accolades, it was just a general mess of dysfunction, and not something I enjoyed reading. I know there are people who will enjoy Grace's writing, but for me, it wasn't my taste.

Flora Wingfield has found out that Teddy Day is back in New Orleans, so she convinces her father to take the family there for the summer. Florian Wingfield has five daughters, with four of them being of marriageable age--and Flora is nearly on the shelf. She has loved Teddy for a long time and sees this as her opportunity to seek his affections and attentions. Teddy has had his heart broken twice and Flora knows she has to step carefully. Her sister, Tacy, wants the attention of one of the men who has his sights set on Flora. Olive and Ermengarde are content to wait to find the loves of their lives, and Nora is not quite old enough to be on the marriage market.

Teddy and his brother, Carlisle, are the sons of a luxury ship builder and he pits them against each other to bring in the most orders for the business by the end of the summer. The winner gets controlling interest in the company, while the other gets a significant share, but not as much. This is where Teddy finds that Flora has a talent for designing interiors that make his boats much more desirable.

There are a bevy of girls vying for Teddy's attentions and believe that they have the inside track to his heart. They are not above being underhanded and catty in trying to secure his attentions.

At best, I can give this book three stars. The nasty attitudes and actions of the characters are extremely off-putting. Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

*** RIVETING ***

New Orleans 1883. This book had a bit of everything; multiple available bachelors, several debutantes and American heiresses, subterfuge, contests over fortunes and titles, romance, pirates, plenty of faith moments, laugh-out-loud moments, and more. Our darling Teddy has returned from book one, along with Flora. Several opportunities present themselves for their reacquaintance which brings all of the above and some danger to boot. I really enjoy Grace Hitchcock's writing style and her beautiful dedications at the back of the book are not to be missed.
My only complaint (but not really) is that Teddy loathes Darjeeling tea. "He swallowed the tea, nearly choking on the bitter, black brew. He had always despised Darjeeling, a fact Flora well knew," Darjeeling is my absolute favorite tea and not bitter when perfectly brewed, (particularly Taylor's of Harrogate) and not bitter when perfectly brewed, but one minute over and it is ruined and bitter. Clearly, Teddy has never had a proper cup! LOL. ;)

Excellent - 5 Stars

I was gifted this book for my honest opinion without expectation or compensation.

American Royalty Series: My Dear Miss Dupre, My Darling Mr. Day, tbd

In addition to MY BLOG Reviews posted at: Amazon – pending for release date 1/4/22
Books A Million, Barnes & Noble, CBD, GoodReads, Google Play Books, Kobo – pending for release date, My Pinterest

Her Darling Mr. Day by Grace Hitchcock is a delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute spent in this story. I found the plot engaging — I was turning pages well into the night. I loved the characters, but I knew I would because I loved them from book one, My Dear Miss Dupre. In this book, we get to really know Flora, her great-aunt, her parents, and her many, many sisters. And, we meet Teddy’s brother and the many, many women who want desperately to make Teddy a husband. There are plenty of silly hi-jinks moments that had me chuckling — it is interesting to me the lengths a woman is willing to go to get a man — and a few moments that had me shaking my head. These characters sure do get themselves into unique troubles. From almost run-ins with the law, to a band of pirates that commandeer a boat, to physical altercations that lead to fisticuffs, and other sundry shenanigans, it’s no wonder I read this book in just a couple of days. And, if this isn’t quite enough reason to get you interested in the story, Hitchcock also includes timely and thoughtful themes throughout her exciting novel. Not only is Her Darling Mr. Day an excellent read for the average lover of Historical Romance, but I think it would make for a fun book club read, too.

There are a few moments in this story where Flora is difficult to relate to. She comes from a world I have NEVER experienced. Her access to wealth and resources is beyond anything I can comprehend or imagine. I mean, her father gifted her with a personalized, gold collapsible ziplock-style baggie so she can enjoy street-vendor treats without having to take a regular-person paper bag. I cannot relate to that. If I have anything golden it’s probably plated. LOL! I just want to clarify that I have NO issue with people being rich. Richness is WAY more than the $$$ in our bank accounts. If people want a personalized, gold lunch baggie, and they can afford that, more power to ’em! But, as far as relating to characters go, I felt I was having a difficult time with this story — until the age ol’ father-daughter power struggle came into play. Then, I was like, “Yep, I know this story. I’m here for you Flora.” And, I have to say, that Hitchcock does a fantastic job illustrating the heartache that comes from feeling like you will never measure up to the expectations of a father, which beautifully played into one of Hitchcock’s themes — that we ALL have a Father who loves us no matter what. I really loved this discussion and in it realized that regardless of status and/or wealth, daughter-hearts are really all the same. We all crave a Father who will see us, hear us, and love us for the women we are.

Her Darling Mr. Day is a really fun read. I loved my time with these characters and I am sad my time with them is up. This is a story I highly recommend. If you are in the mood for a well-written, highly engaging Historical Romance with timely themes then Her Darling Mr. Day is the book for you!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Theodore "Teddy" Day has returned to New Orleans to his family's luxury riverboat business to try to heal from being jilted (for the 2nd time in his recent life) in New York. Flora Wingfield is a New York heiress that convinces her parents to visit a great aunt in New Orleans for the purposes of finding husbands for the five Wingfield daughters, of which Flora is the eldest. Flora's father is all in with this as he would like more connections to further his business interests. Flora has had a crush on Teddy for years. They have always been friends but soon they become business partners as well. Teddy is great at designing riverboats and Flora also has an interest in design. Together they are an unbeatable combination in designing boats for Teddy's business. They both realize they are in love but other suitors, more approved by Flora's father, are causing ripples in the process. This is a fun and exciting story full of interesting insights into the foibles of high society in the early 1900s.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

HER DARLING MR DAY is the second novel in the American Royalty series by GRACE HITCHCOCK. It is such a fun read, full of action, intrigue, romance and skullduggery, that it is impossible to put down. In fact I read it through in one sitting!
The story takes place in 1883 with the delightful Flora, the oldest of the five Wingfield daughters, going with her family to New Orleans with the express purpose of finding out if the very sought after Mr Teddy Day has any romantic feelings towards her. She not only makes herself unpopular with the other young ladies in the social set who are unashamedly chasing the twice jilted Teddy, but also with her sister Tacy who is jealous when her beauty and charm attract other suitors. The girls have been taught the art of catching a husband by their mother, but their father’s determination to use any of their marriages to his own monetary advantage makes Flora feel he does not love her. When she tells her Auntie Violet how she feels about her father, the elderly lady shares scriptures with her and reminds her of her Heavenly Father’s unconditional love, which will never fail.
Flora takes a lot of chances, seemingly unaware of danger, as she tries to manoeuvre meetings with Teddy, and also as she follows her passion for interior design by peering into windows using her opera glasses.
Add to all this a riverboat building competition, pirates, alligators, the Pinkertons and a stalker, and you have a real roller coaster ride!
I loved Her Darling Mr Day and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.