I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring various aspects of history during the late 1700s in Sian Ann Bessey's Georgian Gentleman series. Each book, including this one, stands alone. The sweet interactions between a peer, a widow, and her precocious daughter throughout this story were simply delightful. I appreciated the hands on approach that allowed me, as the reader, an up close look at the farmwork and the plight of the tenants during this challenging time. One of my favorite parts was a gray hair analogy about the ludicrousness of judging based on appearances. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend the entire series!

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

All the stars for this charming, gentle romance! I’ve absolutely adored each book in the Georgian Gentlemen series and am sad to see it come to an end, but this book wraps things up in such a beautiful bow. I love second chance romances especially if they were childhood friends. This sweet story involves Caroline Granger who lost her husband to small pox and is recovering herself from the disease. Left scarred and weakened, she returns home to her father’s rectory with her darling four year old daughter Meg.

Though he’s an heir to an earldom, Lord Benning much prefers working on his farm. When Meg wanders onto his property, he’s immediately charmed by the cute little girl. When her mother comes searching for her and mistakes him for a farmhand, he’s intrigued by the veiled woman. When he discovers that it’s Caroline, his brother’s best childhood playmate and the girl he used to race boats with, he’s determined to get to know her again as adults.

I loved this tender romance! Caroline is always self conscience of her small pox scars that ravaged her body and health. I loved the way Lord Benning/Benedict could easily look past the scars, and love her. I also loved how Benedict and the women in her father’s parish help her have the courage to remove her veil. Caroline’s kind, compassionate nature completely won Benedict over and her darling daughter has “Mr. Bent” wrapped around her little finger as well. I loved the visits to the farm, boat races, rescues, the daisy crowns, that first kiss (sigh), and the natural progression from friendship to love.

I knew quite a bit about small pox going in to this story, but I loved the way the author incorporated the history in such a personal, thought provoking way. As with all of the books in the Georgian Gentlemen series, there’s a bit of a mystery involved and I enjoyed the twists that challenged my perceptions of what was going on.

Highest of recommendations for this amazing conclusion to a fabulous series! It can definitely be read as a standalone, but those who’ve read previous books will recognize mentions of familiar characters. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Caroline and her daughter Meg return home to her father’s vicarage after smallpox has claimed her husband and left her scarred in 1796. She doesn’t want anyone to see her, but she intrigues Lord Benning, who considered her his younger brother’s friend. Caroline and Meg provide a bright spot for him as he wrestles with his estate manager is evasiveness about Farwell Estate’s needs. Meg steals the story with her comic antics. The tenants’s easy acceptance of Caroline is heartwarming. Lord Benning is swoon-worthy.
A quick read and relaxing story.

What a wonderful book! Sian does a wonderful job researching the time periods she writes about and brings her stories to life with the knowledge she gains. And this book was no different. She wrote about famine and small pox and how those would affect different people’s lives. The authors note at the end was enlightening and I learned something new!
I really liked watching Caroline and Benedict’s love story unfold. Watching each of them admire traits in each other and the good they did shows what true love is all about. The mystery aspect of the story was engaging and kept you guessing. The ending was adorable and perfect. A lovely ending to the Georgian Gentlemen series!

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sian Ann Bessey for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Provincial Peer coming out May 7, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read several books by this author. I love her writing! I think she does a lot of research and sticks to historical accuracy. Her stories are always a lot of fun. I tend to love her medieval stories more. I think this Georgian era setting was interesting. I loved Benedict’s character. He was very generous and kind. There was a little bit of an instalove. I know they grew up together, but he seemed to be into her from the start and it was hard to see why. Especially if he thought she was still married with a child. I would’ve liked to see a little more challenge. There wasn’t a ton of conflict either. I would’ve liked to see a bigger obstacle for them to overcome. But overall, I loved the story.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sweet regency romances!

Caroline is enjoying the countryside again after losing her husband and almost her life. One of the things I truly enjoy about this series is the depth of the goodness of the characters. As always I enjoyed getting to know Benedict and Caroline and seeing their love story unfold!

The setting is a village in Gloucestershire, in 1796, Georgian Era England. Caroline Granger returns home widowed with a four year old daughter. Her father is the vicar. Caroline is scarred by smallpox that took the life of her husband. Her daughter Meg meets Lord Benedict Benning who invites her to visit his new calves. Benedict is not put off by Caroline’s scars and enjoys spending time with her and Meg. Beyond covering the perils of smallpox the story includes investigating some mismanagement of the Benedict’s estate.

I enjoy the easy flow of Bessey’s storytelling. I read a lot of Regency romances and it is nice to go a bit further back in time. I can also count on the author including research and facts of the time period. In this case on smallpox and the wheat famine. This is the sixth (and maybe last) in the Georgian Gentlemen series and I have read most of them. This one easily can be read as a stand alone although I did catch that Benedict writes to the MC in, An Alleged Rogue (Nov 2021).

This is a wholesome proper romance with only a few kisses shared. I thought it was enjoyable and would recommend the whole series. Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

The last book in the Georgian Gentlemen series but definitely my favorite! Benedict is not your average peer, he is so much more in character and integrity, Everything about him just draws you to instantly cheer for this man. He meets the lovely but scarred widow Caroline and her charming daughter Meg. Meg is such a delight!! Caroline is a perfect match for Benedict! The journey for Caroline and Benedict is slow but steady and worth the read. Highly recommend!

I have loved this series, but I definitely think this one is my favorite. If you love a regency novel set in the country, a little bit of mystery, and a heartwarming romance then pick up this book! One thing I love about Sian’s books is how she always puts an event or tidbits of real history in there. I always learn something from her books but I get to do it in a fun way. I loved this book and I highly recommend it and the whole series!
Thank you to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

Beautiful story and fantastic writing! I was hooked just from reading the synopsis! And Sian Ann Bessey is a must read everything she writes author for me! I love her books. I am always pulled in right away and don't want them to end. And that's how I feel about this Georgian Gentleman series. This is the last book and I can't tell you how much I have adored this series. They are all beautiful, tender, sweet stories with some mystery and light suspense!

Caroline and Benedict melted my heart! And that first kiss...be still my heart and all the happy sighs! Clean and sweet romance lovers will be very happy with their whole love story. Add in Caroline's adorable 4 year old daughter Meg, and the cuteness factor is perfect! I love when I read this author's books, especially this series, there's no unnecessary drama between the main characters. They feel so real and are easily relatable to.

I loved the author's note at the end of the book in regards to smallpox. Wow! So interesting and I love how she wove it throughout the story. I highly recommend you pick this one up. It can be read as a standalone if you haven't read the previous books in this series. But I do recommend those books as well if you're looking for some fabulous reads!

Content: Clean. Some talk of smallpox and death and the feelings of loss. A couple of sweet kisses but nothing further.

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

Happy Reading!!!

A PROVINCIALPEER by SIAN ANN BESSEY is a delightful novel that takes place in Gloucestershire in 1796 at Farwell Estate nesr the village of Leyfield. Benedict, Lord Benning, is a hands on farmer and has no time for the social niceties of the ton. He comes from a family where his parents show love towards each other and their two sons. Benedict takes seriously the fact that the people he is responsible for are suffering from lack of food, particularly flour, due to the recent drought.
Caroline Granger and her four year old daughter, Meg, come to live with Caroline’s father, the vicar, next door to Farwell Estate. As a child Caroline was a frequent visitor at Farwell where she played with Benedict’s younger brother, Henry. Caroline bears scars of the smallpox that she caught after the dreaded disease killed her husband….
I like to see the honesty and integrity of most of the characters and their trust in God which comes through the story, underlined by Caroline’s father’s godly wisdom, and I find young Meg quite irresistable…..
A Provincial Peer is a most enjoyable read and one I highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Covenant Communications. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Title : "A Provincial Peer"
Author : Sian Ann Bessey
April 30, 2024

Sian Ann Bessey's "A Provincial Peer" transports readers to the captivating world of 18th-century England with elegance and finesse. In this meticulously crafted historical fiction gem, Bessey expertly captures the essence of the era, delivering a narrative brimming with poignant moments that tug at the heartstrings.
What sets this novel apart is Bessey's masterful incorporation of historical events and figures, such as the pioneering work of Edward Jenner in combatting smallpox. These elements seamlessly blend into the fabric of the story, enriching the reader's experience and adding layers of depth to the narrative.
But it's the characters that truly steal the show in "A Provincial Peer." Each one is intricately developed, their struggles and triumphs painting a vivid tapestry of human resilience. Readers will find themselves deeply invested in their journeys, rooting for them every step of the way.
At its core, this novel explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the pursuit of what truly matters in life. Through the trials and tribulations faced by its characters, "A Provincial Peer" delivers a powerful message that resonates long after the final page is turned.
For fans of historical fiction craving a read that is both uplifting and inspiring, look no further than "A Provincial Peer." With its rich historical detail, compelling characters, and timeless themes, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.

***Many Thanks to the Author #SianAnnBessey, Publisher #CovenantCommunications and #NetGallery for the advanced copy of the book.
#AProvincialPeer #HistoricalFiction #Romance

"A Provincial Peer" is a romance set in 1796 in England. Caroline married hastily and discovered that her naval husband chose the sea over her. He gave her a daughter but brought home smallpox, leading to his death and her scarring after her recovery. Now she hides behind a veil, but she slowly discovers that not everyone judges by appearance and many have scars. Her childhood playmate, Lord Benning, welcomes her charming daughter (and therefore Caroline) to spend time at his farm. The three spend time together, getting to know each other and coming to admire and love each other. Benedict supported Caroline's concerns and found joy in her company.

However, Benedict has some problems with the estates' steward. He must uncover what's going on while Caroline must confront her fear of possibly losing another loved one through disease. The characters were well-developed and likable. Historical details were woven into the story about how the weather created a food shortage and about a surge in smallpox at that time. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.

This was a lovely romance between a gentleman more at home on the farm than in London and a childhood friend, a vicar’s daughter. She is a widow with a young daughter who is delightful and captures the scene more than once. The kindness of both of the main characters is extraordinary. This is the one characteristic that is a must in my book for my heroes and heroines, no matter how dashing or beautiful. In fact, even all of the secondary characters display a wonderful measure of acceptance and kindness except for the dishonest steward. But even he started out his dishonesty trying to help his sister’s family overcome tragedy. I did think that debacle wrapped up a little too nicely, but added to the "Happily Ever After," so I overlooked the unrealistic likelihood of everything working out so well. The insight into the horrors of smallpox and its cure was very interesting. This is why I love historical fiction; you get to learn about the past while enjoying a good story at the same time! I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Covenant Communications. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Such a lovely, tender story! I've read the whole series and this is a great addition.

Caroline and Benedict are wonderful characters who grow from a rekindled childhood friendship into a slow-burn romance that's worth the wait. They have their own problems and shortcomings and they step up for each other.

I liked the gentle rural setting and little Meg stole the show numerous times.

I highly recommend this series!

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

"It is remarkable how God works within the confines of the most trying circumstances to help us improve ourselves."

This entire series has been filled with the most wholesome characters that make you want to be better and look out for those around you. Every book and every characters has been inspiring and left me feeling so much hope and goodness.

This is a single parent and friends to more mash-up that is done wonderfully by the author. I immediately fell in love with these characters! The writing is smooth, beautiful and flows so well. I had a hard time putting this book down. The characters were engaging, the plot was interesting and I felt completely transported throughout.

I have read and studied about Smallpox, but still managed to learn new things and was able to feel even more connected to these characters through the situations they went through.

The romance in this one is incredibly sweet. I loved that our main characters saw each others souls. It was beautiful to experience and I can't wait for more books from this author!!! I'll read anything she writes!

I have enjoyed this series thoroughly and think it's a wonderful book (and series) for anyone who enjoys historical romance with a Christian thread.

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

Content: Smallpox (illness, death, mild descriptions), friends to more, light Christian threads, single parent trope, romance-kisses only.

A wonderful story of differences and overcoming challenges
This book is not only a great story but shows insights into what that time period was like. It is set in England in 1796, where Lord Benning, Benedict, is a peer more interested in his estate farm than in the ton. He knows he needs to marry but the women he has been meeting would not be happy with his choice of priorities. One day while leaving the barn, he meets a darling four-year-old girl, Meg, who wanders into his yard followed by her mother, Caroline Granger, who is wearing a veil that hides her face. Not recognizing the name Benedict soon discovers that Caroline is a childhood friend who is now widowed and wears a veil to hide her smallpox scarred face. Soon he and Caroline are faced with hard decisions about what really matters and what they truly want. A great read you’ll enjoy. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.

I loved this book as well as the others in this series. It is a sweet romance with a little side of intrigue that all comes out in a happily ever after. I liked the characters a lot. I particularly liked the accepting nature of so many of them, both primary and secondary characters. They don't really think twice about literal or figurative life scars. I loved the caring nature of all the family members.
This story was an enjoyable read with not too much angst and plenty of sweet romance.

No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily choose to review it.

#NetGalley# AProvincialPeer

A provincial peer captured my interest from the first page. Caroline Granger and her young daughter Meg return to live with her father, who is a vicar. Caroline is widowed and bears the scars of smallpox. As a young girl, Caroline played on the Farwell Estate and was friends with Henry Farwell.
. Lord Benedict Benning is known to get involved with the happenings on his estate he will help with the cows and out in the fields and his tenants. When he meets young Meg and her mother, he remembers Caroline and his brother Henry's friendship. He wonders why he never tried to get involved in the fun times of youth.
Caroline is weary of the scars that the smallpox left on her body but decides to not let what she looks like stop her from making friends and finding her place.
I loved this book so much. A wonderful and well written story.

I loved this newest book on the Georgian Gentleman series written by Sian Ann Bessy. The Provincial Peer is the story of Benedict and Caroline. Lord Benedict is a kind caring man who believes in the hands on approach to running his estate. He loves working alongside his staff and watching out for his tenants. Caroline is the daughter of the local Victor and a former playmate of Benedict. She has recently moved home after losing her husband and nearly her life to smallpox. Caroline is reunited with Benedict when her 4 year old daughter wanders onto his estate.

This is a sweet story of friendship turning to love and learning that what is on the inside is what is most important.