Does love have a chance if she doesn’t play by the rules?
Lady Patience Kendrick was born to a life of privilege, and with the London Season looming, she finds herself facing unprecedented pressure to adhere to the rules of society. Unfortunately, the free-spirited young woman is anything but proper. Patience’s elder brother, a former military man, bemoans his sister’s antics—but when he accuses … he accuses her of incurable frivolity, it is simply more than she can bear. Determined to prove her brother wrong, Patience undertakes a drastic experiment: she will disguise herself as a maid and demonstrate her ability to work as hard as anyone.
Taken on as household staff by her brother’s former general, Patience soon learns that willingness and ability are two very different things. While her plan sounded promising in theory, the reality is that she is out of her depth—and the irresistibly charming son of the house isn’t helping matters. Patience soon finds herself embroiled in a charade far more complicated than she imagined. With both her pride and her heart at stake, she is determined to prove her brother wrong—even as her plans spiral delightfully out of control.
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The gorgeous cover was the first thing I noticed about this book, and the intriguing story line sealed my interest. I love to read novels set in the Victorian era in England. It’s such an interesting cultural period full of elegance, rules, and sometimes eye-opening social customs and manners. A Proper Charade is a delightfully unique tale set during this fascinating slice of history and is full of colorful, well-drawn characters. Lady Patience Kendrick is an adventuresome, impetuous, somewhat quirky, but completely loveable heroine. Anthony Woodsworth is mostly serious, but charming and endearing when Patience gets involved with him. Together they make a delightful and memorable couple. Their witty banter and hilarious antics had me snickering and sometimes laughing out loud.
Esther Hatch is a favorite author of mine. Her stories are brimming with heart, wit, and charm and never fail to captivate me. Her previous novel A Proper Scandal was also delicious and fun. I’m anxiously awaiting more of her books. This is definitely one for the keeper shelf.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own.
I was so excited to read an early copy of this book and that excitement stayed with me till the end of the story. I loved this book. Esther Hatch nailed it in this fun, charming and hilarious banter filled story about Lady Patience Kendrick and Mr. Anthony Woodsworth. This story is so much more than a lady pretending to be a maid and falling for the leading man. This is a story about two people truly discovering who they are in the throngs of society. Along the way a charade is put in place that changes their lives forever.
What adds to the experience of this story is the dialogue. Patience and Anthony have a chemistry that you will just eat right up. Full of tension, love and laughter you are entertained from cover to cover with their witty banter. I laughed out loud on many occasions anticipating the next piece of dialogue. The side characters including Lord Bryant, Patience mother and brother Nicholas the Duke add to those laugh out loud occasions throughout the book. And I’ve fallen in love with Lord Bryant even more. There is one scene between him and Patience at a picnic where I could not stop smiling. I need more Lord Bryant!
What makes these characters work, and helps you to laugh right along with them, even the scoundrels like Lord Bryant, is the fact that they are relatable. Even though this is a different time period than our own, Esther Hatch writes a captivating story and you feel as if you were in the room with Patience and Anthony just waiting for that kiss. You feel their pains, insecurities and joy. And you fall in love with the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed “A Proper Charade” and can’t wait for Esther Hatch’s next story!
What a fun book! I loved Patience! I loved how even though she learned to be more series she never lost her optimism and desire to have fun. I loved how she helped Anthony to loosen up and to learn that you can be both series and have fun some times. I loved how there were charades piled on top of charades but I loved how through these charades Patience and Anthony fall in love and will do anything to be together. I would recommend this book and I look forward to more by Esther Hatch.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
If possible I enjoyed and loved this book even more than the first! The vibrant personalities of the characters captured my attention straight away. I felt like these were real people and their lives that I was reading. Each character became as a friend to me – except for the Morgan’s of course – and I am eagerly looking forward to reading of them more in future novels. The Barton’s, from the first book in this “Proper Scandal” series by Esther Hatch, were only briefly mentioned but other characters introduced and referred to from that story make an appearance in this one. Whilst it could be read as a stand alone novel, I still recommend reading the other story first. Particularly in order to get a better understanding of Lord Bryant’s character. I actually find his character quite intriguing and really hope to one day read his story. The same with Miss Diana Barton and Patience’s brother, Nicholas – the Duke of Harrington. As I said, I am eagerly looking forward to future novels by Hatch for this series
I received an ARC of this book and am under no obligation to write a review. I truly enjoyed this story, from start to finish and can recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean and wholesome Regency Era romances.
This is one of those books that just sucks you in and doesn’t let you out until you are done! Patience is unapologetically herself and honest, her character was so refreshing! I loved her fortitude and her desire to prove herself capable and hard-working. The hare-brained scheme she comes up with is crazy and yet she manages to get hired on as a maid. I just laughed at her attempt to wax the furniture and enjoyed her talks with Mr. Woodsworth like I was in the room with them. Hatch creates such endearing characters that the entire story came to life right in front of me! The entire time I was waiting for everything to come falling down and crash, but Patience surprised me at every turn. And so did Mr. Woodsworth! Her spontaneity and his planning were the perfect combination of opposites attract. Sit back, feel the sparks fly, and watch this fun and heart-warming story unfold! I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book officially disproves the adage that you can’t judge a book by its cover because the story inside is every bit as breathtaking as the cover outside.
No one brings their characters and story to life like Esther Hatch. You don’t feel like you are reading about a faraway time and place; she makes it so easy to feel like you are right there with the characters. You come to know and love them in a way that makes you wish they could be your friends.
The romance is utterly swoon worthy yet sweet and clean. And don’t forget the laughs! There is plenty of witty dialogue and entertaining moments amidst the romance, so much so that while reading it, my cheeks began to hurt from all the smiling and laughing and, true story, I almost spit hot chocolate out of my nose. If that does not qualify as a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what does!
This book is without a doubt one of the best regency romances of the year and is not to be missed!
I received an advance copy but am voluntarily sharing my own opinion.
I really enjoyed this book! It was lighthearted and well written and had me smiling or laughing out loud throughout the whole story. Patience was such a lovely character and I loved all her interactions and banter with Anthony. I would definitely recommend this book!
Esther Hatch is known for her hilarious banter, great chemistry, and the awkward situations that her characters find themselves due to their own decisions. A Proper Charade has all of these things and might be her most humorous book yet. Lady Patience Kendrick is anything but patient and takes matters into her own hands by becoming a maid in General Woodsworth’s home, a man whom her brother most fervently revers. She then becomes entangled with the generals serious, analytical son and the two opposites manage to bring out the best in one another.
This was a great story that made me laugh and smile and one that was a perfect fit for a nice weekend read. Although A Proper Scandal still might be my favorite *sorry I’m just team Nathaniel Barton*, this book was such a fun read with quirky characters, silly moments, and the wonderful romance you can expect from a Hatch book. This will keep you entertained for hours! 4.5 STARS.
Romance fans be prepared to laugh and love in this beautiful addition to author Esther Hatch’s Proper series. While the second book in a series (book one is A Proper Scandal), A Proper Charade may be read as a standalone novel.
I would call this a Victorian Era Rom-Com, but that wouldn’t quite give this book justice. There is so much heart intertwined in this novel, readers will be delighted as they laugh and swoon, but also edified by the touching story of two individuals just trying to find a way to be all the different parts of themselves.
I truly LOVED this book!!! Patience is a hoot! As the daughter and now sister of a Duke, she has lived a fairly blessed life. In an effort to prove her brother just how much gumption she has, she enlists herself as a maid in a strict general’s house. What she didn’t plan on was his staid and kind son, Anthony. While Anthony probably won’t be every ladies fantasy of a hero, I really appreciated his character and loved how Patience brought out this deeper side of him. Seriously, so so SO many beautiful, fun, and romantic moments!
This novel definitely fits in the clean and wholesome genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed the masterful way in which the author writes these super fun and exciting kisses into her story. I swooned and reread them over and over again. I also laughed out loud more than once.
A definite new favorite, I cannot recommend this book and author enough!
Oh My! I loved this one! SO good. Esther writes the best characters. This is not a book I would normally enjoy. A lady pretending to be a maid, falling for the man of the house. Just not my thing, it’s amazing how a good author can take any time period or idea or old used up book line and make it new and fun! Patience is a fun, vivacious, naive, innocent young lady who I grew to adore! She was perfect for our stiff, unyielding leading man. The flow of the book and the supporting characters made this even better. We get another glimpse into Lord Bryants life! His story must be coming! This is a sweet proper romance full of fun witty banter and amazing tension! My heart was pounding as these two finally found their way. Thank you Esther! Loved this one!
I can always count on Esther Hatch to write a story where I will become completely immersed in her world. Her story-lines draw me in and I love her writing style. I also feel connected to her characters and hate when the time comes to leave them behind.
Patience just wants to feel useful and needed. She never had an opportunity to prove herself like her brother did, so she goes about trying to in a really unusual way.
Anthony has always wanted to make his father proud. Since he promised his mother he wouldn’t join the army, he has to find another way. Anthony is always stiff and serious and all about duty, but he knows how to make some legendary lists. Patience grew up living a carefree life and wants to learn responsibility. Together they will learn what is most important.
Lord Bryant stood out to me in A Proper Scandal and I loved seeing even more of his real self in this book. I can’t wait to read his story.
I have read A Proper Charade twice so far and even the second time I had a hard time putting it down. When I looked at the clock after I finished reading, it was 8am and I had read through the night and turned off my alarm while reading.
There are always scenes that stay with me long after I finish reading. I don’t think I could ever look at a duck’s “smile” the same way again, and who knew that a simple desk and lighting a fireplace could be so interesting. There were so many great moments. You won’t regret reading this book and entering into Hatch’s world.
This book was just what I needed to cheer me up. I giggled, snorted and laughed outright. I just couldn’t help myself. I would consider this a ROM-Com book. It’s just that funny and cute!
Esther Hatch is a new to me author and I really enjoyed this book.
Patience is anything but. I love her because of her spunk and joy for life and knowing how to have fun!
She knows what she wants and goes after it. I like that too.
Anthony is somewhat different. At first I wasn’t quite sure how to take him but eventually I warmed up to him. But he’s sure hard pressed! It’s no fun to be so stiff and formal all the time! My mother was just like him. She didn’t know how to have fun at all.
I finished this book in one afternoon. It was just so good! I did have a few people look at me like I lost my mind but the book was so worth it. I recommended it to them from six feet away of course. They were walking and I was sitting on a picnic table reading and enjoying the sunshine.
I don’t know if they’ll read it or not but hey I tried!
I’m recommending the library to order it so others can enjoy it just like I did! I hope they open soon!
Thank you for such a wonderful read! It made my afternoon so enjoyable!
My thanks for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review but I did because I enjoyed it so much!!
All opinions are my own.