Grace Sinclair has been callously cast out of her home. And though taken in as an orphaned child by the vicar and his wife, her unsurpassed beauty makes it impossible for her to remain in the vicar’s household—with two daughters of their own about to enter Society, the vicar and his wife see Grace as nothing but competition. Thankfully, Grace’s estranged Aunt Bell has agreed to take her in to her … her home in London. But Grace soon learns her situation has just gotten much worse.
It takes only a moment’s acquaintance for Grace to ascertain that her aunt has married a detestable rake. And Aunt Bell, recognizing the danger of having her lovely niece too near her husband, gives Grace an ultimatum: the young woman has two weeks to find a man to marry, after which she will be turned out. With no experience in the art of attracting a husband, Grace quickly realizes that a worthy suitor might not be so easy to ensnare.
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Oh my goodness, how I loved this book! This isn’t your typical love story, Grace needs to get married quickly in order to escape her uncles nefarious clutches. She tracks down who she needs to marry and tries to catch him. It’s hilarious and heartwarming at the same time. I loved the plot and the characters were so sweet. Loved every page!
My kids were late getting picked up from school, my son was late going to a birthday party, I missed phone calls/texts, and everyone felt thoroughly neglected today because I couldn’t put this book down! The story is about Grace and her need to get married pretty fast because of bad luck (and a creepy uncle!) and has to learn quickly how to seduce a man. This book has great romance, humor, and very likable characters.
I have read The Roses of Feldstone by Esther Hatch and knew I wanted to read her second book, A Proper Scandal, as soon as I heard about it. I went into reading A Proper Scandal with high hopes, and I was not disappointed! I even stayed up until 5am reading it, and then I had to tell myself to stop thinking about the book so I could get some sleep.
Grace Sinclair never wanted someone to be interested in her only for her beauty and dowry. She is forced to leave the home she grew up in, and she is taken in by her Aunt and Uncle Bell. Uncle Bell gave off a creepy vibe from the very beginning and only got worse. Grace has to choose between staying with her uncle who wants to take advantage of her or going against her morals by compromising someone into marriage.
The meet-cute between Grace and Nate was unusual and adorable. Before she is even properly introduced to Nate, she asks him the most random, inappropriate, and funny questions. Grace has no idea how to attract a man which leads to the most hilarious conversations. I will always think of these two when I have something in my eye.
A Proper Scandal is funny, sweet, and romantic and it has a large twist that I never saw coming. I really enjoy Esther Hatch’s writing style. I love her characters; even the side characters are interesting and well developed.
Speaking of side characters, I don’t usually like stories where the hero is a rake, but I would love a redeemed rake story for Lord Bryant. He seems like he has a great sense of humor and despite being a rake, I liked his character. He seems to have a good heart underneath it all.
I do not know what Esther Hatch’s next story will be about, but I do know that I look forward to reading it.
Beautiful inside and out! Both Nathaniel & Grace are gracious, principled & conscientious individuals. She has frustratingly found herself at the mercy of her guardians since the early death of her parents. No matter who they are, her life has not been her own. Finding herself in a situation that goes against all of her inner morals, it is no surprise that she cannot bring herself to follow through – without confiding in Mr Nathanial Barton to some degree.
A man of gentleman standing, and heading up a newer faster way of railroad building – Nate is heavily focused on attracting investments for his business. He has no time nor the inclination to become involved in the marriage scene, that London is so famed for. A chance meeting on a train station with a beautiful young lady will turn his carefully orchestrated world upside down.
I loved everything about this story. Fresh & original plot line mixed with a carefully detailed story. There is none of the skipping and jumping around, and it keeps you engaged as the reader.
Esther Hatch has yet again, captured the imagination perfectly and beautifully.
I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book & then proceeded to purchase my own paperback copy. I love the matt texture and the cover artwork. This is my honest review.