Sophy Hester

The Proper Proposal by Sophy Hester

Lately, I have been on a string of historical romance-esque series (both novels and television) - The Other Boelyn Girl, Downton Abbey, Reign, The Crown... The list truly goes on. For whatever reason, this type of media has been calling out to me and how could I say no? There are so many fantastic versions of historical fiction/nonfiction literature and television/movies out there!!

So, when I received The Proper Proposal and it popped on my desk, it was very hard to not immediately grab onto the book (despite being super busy and knowingly should not be reading but instead doing work... but like any bookworm, I became a dog when they see a squirrel).

This book was rather easy to read, and that's not an insult. It's a book that's easily to follow along and becomes instantly addicting. I had a very hard time putting it down because I really wanted to finish it all in one sitting - it was that great!!

This book is beautiful in the sense that it's style is written like the era it is from. I loved seeing big words and references to other works outside of the novel - it's such a nice change! So many books bore me with texting lingo and simple language. I applaud Sophy for expanding the types of words used in this novel. There's nothing more irritating than a historical novel using current language throughout the entire book. It was so refreshing and so beautiful, that it deserves a great review just for that content alone.

There isn't much I'd change about this novel. If anything, I'd just beg Sophy to continue writing more books (whether it be in this genre or others, I think she's fantastic and needs more books out in the open!). The novel is not to short and not to long - just long enough that it's rewarding, but short enough to finish in one sitting. The characters are lovable, even if their romance seems "rushed" (in their time it wouldn't be, but readers today may find that a tad bit interesting). I also enjoyed that there were a few storylines to follow, but our main characters of Louise and John were the main focus. This book doesn't veer to off to throw the reader off course.

Overall, this book deserves five out of five stars. I was hooked, I didn't want to put it down and I found it adorable. I love a good historical romance that doesn't bore me to tears! This book did quite the opposite!! More readers and bookstores need to pick up on this author - Sophy Hester deserves so much more recognition. This book was fantastic!!!

Five out of five stars!

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.… (plus d'informations)

With a fresh voice, and a great love of subject, author Sophy Hester spins a delightful Regency Romance in “The Viscountess Bequest” (The French Adventure). Henry Wenton, the 6th Earl of Brentford, has long been the despair of his family and polite society. A bequest from a distant French relative proves to be a challenge and an adventure for Henry, who travels to France with his brother, Stacy. With the inheritance of the estate comes an unexpectedly appealing condition: Henry must marry Florence, daughter of his benefactor, in order to inherit the estate known as Maligny. Although young and aware of Henry’s experience and autocratic manner, Florence has a mind and spirit of her own. Sparks and words fly between Henry and Florence, but can these two fiery hearts find the sweet compromise of love for a future of lasting happiness?

Book Copy Gratis via Author… (plus d'informations)

Author Sophy Hester's "The Proper Proposal" is an engaging, well-written Regency Romance with all the traditional elements that readers of this genre find so appealing. However, the author's voice is all her own, and she tells this story in such a way that one is reminded of why we first fell in love with Regency. I so enjoyed "The Proper Proposal" with its detailed story line and characters for whom you root to find their happy ending. At age sixteen, John Bradley, the 4th Baronet of Chalkstone, lost his parents and gained a heavy burden. Not only did he become responsible for all lands and obligations, he become the responsible guardian of his five younger brothers. Not only did Sir John rise to the challenge, he brought prosperity and security to his family and his community. After ten years, at age twenty-six, he began to realize that it was time for him to find a suitable wife and make a satisfactory marriage. Where better to look than London for a lady of quality who met his qualifications? As soon as he meets Miss Louise Staunton, he sets about in his usual forthright manner to quickly woo and win her for his bride. A visit to his home place, accompanied by her cousin Harriet, seems just the thing to convince her of the pleasant practicality of the arrangement. Louise is quite taken by the beautiful manor and countryside, and she is most enamored by her persuasive suitor, but she wants more than just convenient companionship. Sir John is used to commandeering, not compromising, and Louise fears his heart may never become involved as hers has become in the relationship. Can her gentle, womanly strength, along with her beauty and intelligence open his eyes and his heart? I loved "The Proper Proposal" and hope that the author will write a sequel featuring one the secondary couples, Victoria and Lester.

Book Copy Gratis Author… (plus d'informations)

Regency romance at its best.

The opening chapter gave me tingles of delight as I realised that this regency romance was going to be as good as a Georgette Heyer.
Humour is embedded in the story right from the beginning; first, through the letter from a dead man outlining his reasoning for wanting Henry to marry his daughter, and secondly, Henry himself, his younger brother Stacy and the rest of his eccentric family are hilarious.

I enjoyed watching Henry stumble through a quick engagement to Florence only to ruin it all through jealousies, misunderstandings and general bickering.
After some time apart, Florence decides that she will find someone else to marry and travels to London for the season.
Henry has come to the conclusion that he loves Florence and sets out to court her. However, Florence is a popular lady and more than one young buck wants to win her affections. Not all of her suitors have good intentions towards her but Henry is more than able to scare away the competition and fight for the girl he wants to marry.

Despite her youth, Florence and Henry make a great couple. Neither conform well to the conventions of society but Henry finds himself changing his rakish ways the more he gets to know Florence and by the end of the book he has transformed into a gentleman of marriageable quality.
I loved Florence's character. She is determined, loyal, and has a strong sense of self worth. She doesn't cow down to Henry's domineering ways and forces him to rethink his attitudes.

A delightful, charming book. I couldn't put it down.

A writer to watch out for. I really hope this is only the beginning of a whole series of regency romances by Sophy Hester.

I kindly received a copy of The Viscountess Bequest from the author in exchange for my honest review.… (plus d'informations)