This book didn't meet my expectations- the heroine seemed like an interesting departure, but she was just as naive and kinda boring as any debutante. It's not precisely insta love, but it's certainly not based on shared values and common cause.

The pacing of the book also threw me, as the first third is really the set-up, the middle separates the lovers, and the last third is just an unholy mess. I just did not care for it, and I found both of the protagonists to be pretty dull, bordering on annoying. I'm just going to give up on this author, probably just not for me, though I really liked Izzy's book of this series, this one turned me off completely.

This book was a fun and light hearted read. The main characters are full of secrets and humor. There are some interesting twists and turns that keep you reading until the end.

The Secret Daughter by Anne Gracie is the next title in the Brides of Bellaire Gardens series. As in the other books in this series, Gracie explores the seamier underside of High Society. Zoe Benoit’s father is a character in previous books and a real stinker. Her mother, a child of the French aristocracy, fled the French Revolution, escaping to England with no resources and no connections. Zoe was raised in the slums of London, until her sisters found her. She had been sent to Paris to learn French and Society manners. While there, she makes an impulsive visit to what was left of her mother’s family estate. When attacked she is rescued by an amiable man named Renard. She joins his travels for a short period until she finds out what he is doing. She flees back to England and rejoins her sisters. Renard searches for her with no luck and eventually returns to England where he is Julian Fox, Earl of Foxton. When he encounters Zoe at a ball, the game is on. Gracie does a great job of examining the bleaker side of society and particularly the effect it has on women and children. Her look at the plight of the French emigres is also enlightening. She continues to addresses the roles of women in Society and how limited they are. Another fine story from Anne Gracie! Strongly recommended.

This book is my favorite that I've read from this author. Anne Gracie is gifted at writing character development through both inner monologue and character action. Zoe and Julian are lovely characters, and I found myself rooting for their HEA from the moment they met. The storyline itself was very unique, and the anticipation of their eventual reunion grew with each chapter. While in the first portion of the storyline I could put the book down to do other things in between chapters, once I got to the point where they were going to be seeing each other again, I could not stop reading! All of the clues ans missed connections Gracie incorporated were fantastic. Julian was such a sweet romantic hero, and the way he worked to help Zoe overcome her feelings of inadequacy was so romantic. This book is part of a series, and so reading in order is always recommended, but Gracie writes in such a way that you don't feel lost in the story, even if you start it a few books in.

Absolutely gripping! This historical romance is packed with angst and is beautifully written. The characters' emotional journey is intense and unforgettable, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a deep, heartfelt love story.