Customer Reviews

Bride to Be (Bargain Book)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jane Ashford has written her best book yet with Bride to Be. Her writing improves with every novel she publishes, and I hope to see -- and read, of course -- many more of her novels in the years to come.

Bride to Be is not a completely typical romance, though a Regency romance novel can never really escape the confines of it's genre (nor would the readers want it to), neither the hero nor the heroine are wealthy, and the courtship is not conducted in the . . . usual manner.

What sets Jane Ashford apart from other historical romance writers, and what makes her books so enjoyable, are the historical details and the way she makes the relationship of the two main characters progress convincingly. While there are flaws in the book (more detail about the hero's survival in the South American jungle, for instance, would have been a welcome addition), I know of very few books without flaws, and Ashford's novel is a joy to read and worth every penny. I can't wait wait for the next one.

The romance between this couple was under-developed and unbelievable. While Emily's character was full and her motives understandable, Richard's character was sparsely developed. I wish the plot had been more straightforward instead of the many sub-plots which could have been interesting if fleshed out a bit more. The true enjoyment in this book is the relationship between Emily's parents. Since I enjoyed Ms. Ashford's other books very much, this one was a real disappointment.

In 1790, her aristocratic parents scandalized the Ton with their bohemian behavior. The twosome have never looked back as they enjoy their life together. However, their daughter Emily Crane wants a more stable life for herself. Therefore Emily's mother arranges for her sister, Aunt Julia to introduce Emily to society. Very quickly, Emily finds the rigid rules boring. Her only exception being the time spent with Richard Sheldon, Baron Warrington.

Everyone, including his beloved mother thought Richard died in the shipwreck off the South American coast, but somehow he survived living in the jungle. Richard returns home a changed person. The Ton bores him except for his time with Emily. As Emily and Richard fall in love, an unknown assailant tries to kill him.

Jane Ashford is the popular author of several popular Regency intrigue tales such as CHARMED AND DANGEROUS, THE BARGAIN, and THE MARRIAGE WAGER. Her latest tale, BRIDE TO BE, is an interesting mixing of a Regency romance with mystery elements, an exotic combination that will occupy readers from start to finish. The lead protagonists are an entertaining couple, but Emily's eccentric parents with their loving but odd behavior makes this a must read for sub-genre fans.

Harriet Klausner

If you like the regency genre, you will like this book. It is fast-paced with richly developed characters. In fact, I recommend all of Jane Ashford's books.