From shopkeeper… to Earl’s wife! Two things are certain: Annabelle Fortini makes the best biscuits in Bath and Samuel Delaney, the charming bachelor who’s just entered her shop, is trouble! Her mother’s unfair exile from society has taught Anna aristocrats can’t be trusted. Samuel may be a famous naval hero and reluctant heir to an earldom, but Anna can’t fall in love with him! Unless she can … Unless she can overcome her pride…and surrender to her heart!
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
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4.5 stars rounded up.
Captain Samuel Delaney is in limbo, stuck on land until the matter of his inheritance is settled. He is getting bored and restless, which is the only reason he agreed to accompany his old friend Ralph Hoxley to Belles of Bath – a bakery, so Ralph could flirt with the shopgirl. Ralph tells him he needs Samuel to distract the “other” girl.
The “other girl” is Annabelle Fortini, the owner of the shop and she is not happy about Ralph’s interest in her assistant Henrietta – nor is she too happy about Henrietta’s return interest. Henrietta is young and Anna is all too aware of how aristocrats view shopgirls – so regardless of how handsome the man sent to flirt and distract her is, she will not back down.
Samuel is fascinated by Anna and for the first time in months is enjoying himself. She makes her opinion of the nobility clear and he thinks they will never see each other again, much to his disappointment. But when they meet again a few days later and he enlists his grandmother – the very formidable Baroness Jarrow to help, nothing between them will ever be the same again!
This was a very well written, sweet story with a very interesting and entertaining plot. It is set in Bath and features a very opinionated, independent woman and a charming beta hero. There is no real villain and the story does have a bit of a “Pride and Prejudice” feel, but it is a very entertaining story with mild love scenes, wonderful characters, biscuits, deception, secrets and a lovely HEA. Personally, I found Anna to be a little annoying – thus the 4.5 stars _ but I did love the story and I would happily recommend it. And I will definitely be awaiting the next book in the series!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
This is the first instalment in the brand new series; Regency Belles of Bath by award-winning Jenni Fletcher, and it is a doozy! I am a huge fan of this fine lady’s writing, her gift at swirling a certain fairy tale-esque magic around a simple and classy love story is always enchanting.
I don’t know who came up with the title of the series; Regency Belles of Bath, but I love the nod to Annabelle’s biscuit’s which are called Belle’s, I’m not sure if that was intentional, but I thought it’s such a lovely touch. This first book is a cracker, I can’t wait to see what is in store for us all in the second book and to see what mischief and scrapes Henrietta gets into with her own story, which is sure to be another flawless love story like this one is.
I am going to have to mention it, honestly I can’t help it….and it’s probably just me, because I am a wee bit odd…but every single time Samuel appeared on the page whether or not in uniform (preferably in uniform though, aye, that gorgeous Navy Blue…swoon!!! ) I had the theme tune for Hornblower playing in my head, plus the dimpled and dashing Jamie Bamber (IE: Left -Tennent Archie Kennedy) in uniform spring to mind….deep swooning sigh!!!
For those who follow the blog and read my waffled attempts at reviewing, my obsession with a man in uniform will not come as a surprise that I loooovvvvee this man!! For those who have just stopped by…well you will have to get used to the swooning and sighing over dashing Captain’s
Regency Bath, what a magical this is, full of beautiful scenery, architecture, a certain famous spa and biscuits…yep the home to some of the best biscuits in the country. Annabelle Fortini has taken on the running of the family biscuit shop, and what a glorious shop that is….honestly, I need one, or two…or maybe three of those biscuits!
Annabelle does distrust and dislikes the aristocracy; in fact, you could even say she hates them with every fibre in her body, but then again she has a right to; her mother was an aristocrat who married below her station, her father’s footman to be precise and because of that blatant disregard to their rules her family disowned Anna’s mother and never had any contact with the family again. I think Anna and her family have done far better for themselves out of the fold then they would have ever been while within society’s gaze. She has worked hard to carry on and keep her parent’s little shop going despite having other worries stressing her mind, but our Anna is a determined, strong and resilient woman.
I love the way the story opens with Samuel and Anna meeting literally within the first few pages, I liked that instant introduction not just them as a reader but them as a couple, it was as though everyone was getting to know one and other all at once which was a lovely idea.
Captain Delicious – sorry, I mean Samuel – Delaney…be still be beating heart….if ever there was a man-made to stand aboard a frigate and boom orders to men on the deck, this is him. Samuel has the very crashing sea running through his proud blood, he loves the Navy, he has worked hard to be in the position he is and he wants nothing more than to sail away again, he is a loyal, proud and determined man. But after getting wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar, Samuel has returned to Bath to recuperate and to find out if is to become the next Earl of Staunton, if he does then he can wave a sad goodbye to his much-loved Navel career. He hates the thought that for once in his life he has no control over his future, that he made be forced to leave the one that fills his heart with freedom.
Ahh, Samuel, how much do I love this man? He is…well, I don’t quite have the appropriate words to describe how much I have been daydreaming about this gorgeous uniform wearing man. I need a gif or lots of heart eyes and flames emoji. Honestly, what most people think, It’s true I am obsessed with a man in uniform, I can’t help it!! I blame my family for encouraging me to watch Sharpe and Hornblower
Due to certain things out of their control, Samuel and Anna do spend a lot of time together, in this time they slowly and steadily grow closer and closer, the attraction between them is palpable, they both see something of themselves in the other and I love how they also see each other’s inner turmoil and inner strength which only makes them even more attracted to each other. But there is also a cloud hanging over them, this cloud is the fact that Samuel hasn’t told Anna that is maybe a part of the very aristocratic society she hates so much. To her he is this charming, loyal Naval Captain, a hero a decent chap – yes he is all those things, but what on earth will happen when she learns the truth?
Nope, I am certainly not going to give away that juicy snippet
I have to mention the chapter where Samuel is talking to Anna about the Battle of Trafalgar, the way he tells it makes you think you were right there amongst the chaos of what was one of the greatest British naval battles of all time. It is as plain as day that Jenni Fletcher has done considerate research into the history of the battle, It made me think of Bernard Cornwall’s; Sharpe at Trafalgar, which I read many years ago. The writing is solid, as solid and sure as the mighty Victory leading her little fleet into that historic and triumphant battle.
Hmmm?! I may have gone a little off course there….Where was I?
The thing I love about Jenni Fletcher’s stories is that they are not all aristocratic lords and ladies swanning around like sheep following each other in the latest fashions (No offence to other authors who do write lords and ladies, most I do genuinely love) her characters are real, they are in no other words to describe it; normal, they work hard and I do connect with them, they are fabulous!
Anna especially is a new favourite of mine, no wilting wallflower here she is a brilliant, passionate, loyal, caring and intelligent woman who has a little too much weighing on her slim shoulders, which is why Samuel and she are so perfect for each other. They are from the same mould, he doesn’t want a brainless ninny in his life, he needs someone who not only can challenge and banter with him but who is matched in intelligence and passion.
I love the way Jenni captures the very essence of Regency Bath, the whole book sparkles with her passion and knowledge for the era, for the story, for the history …and of course for the biscuits!
This book is as delicious as the biscuits in Anna’s shop, it swirls magic and joy around the reader like fine sugar in a bakery. Its a testament to what a brilliant author Jenni Fletcher is, full of romance, history, laugh out loud character banter, a brilliant plot which flows with such ease that the reader will be swept away…hopefully right into the waiting arms of a certain man in uniform – a girl can dream
Charming and perfect – I don’t think there is any more to say, is there?
Good book. I especially enjoyed that the setting and characters are outside the usual London during the Season location. This book takes place in Bath, and the two main characters are a shopkeeper and a naval officer. Both have aristocratic blood, but it is more of a hindrance than a help in their eyes. Samuel is a Royal Navy captain, a veteran of Trafalgar, who is home recuperating from an injury. Though recovered, he is stuck waiting to find out if he will inherit an earldom. He doesn’t want it but may have no choice. Samuel’s father was disowned and disinherited by his family because of his profligate ways, and Samuel was ignored along with him. He is somewhat bitter about being expected to give up the life he loves for a family that didn’t want him. Bored with inactivity, he accompanies an old school friend to a local biscuit shop. He is to distract the owner while his friend flirts with her assistant.
Anna is the owner of the biscuit shop. Her parents started it, and after her father’s death, Anna took over. She spends her days working in the shop and caring for her widowed mother. She is not happy about the men’s arrival as she has a low opinion of “gentlemen.” Her mother is the daughter of a duke and was disowned by her family when she married a footman. Anna is angry over the way her mother was treated. She also has a more direct reason for her attitude thanks to poor treatment by a supposed gentleman when she was younger.
I liked the first meeting between Anna and Samuel. She suspects his motives but drawn to him anyway. At the same time, she intrigues Samuel. She’s sassy and smart and says what she thinks. They connect over his naval service as he answers her questions about what life is like for her brother, a lieutenant in the navy. After hearing Anna’s concerns about his friend and her assistant, Samuel feels a bit guilty about his part. That guilt comes into play a little later when Anna requests his help to protect Henrietta from making a mistake. This scene is highly entertaining, as Samuel recruits his grandmother, Lady Jarrow, to deter the ill-intentioned suitor.
This begins a series of events that throw Anna and Samuel together. Anna doesn’t trust easily, and Samuel makes a couple of missteps that reinforce her feelings. As they spend time together, they have a chance to get to know each other and discover that they have more in common than they knew. Anna and Samuel each recognize and understand the other’s inner turmoil, which draws them even closer. There are some marvelous scenes of them together, from sharing of their pasts to teasing to unexpected flares of attraction. Anna is especially resistant to the idea of a relationship, believing that Samuel’s possible elevation to earl puts him too far above her. Samuel, however, is confident that she can handle anything. There is one misunderstanding near the end caused mostly by Samuel’s insecurity, but some well-timed advice from Lady Jarrow helps them get past it. I liked their big moment at the end. The epilogue was a terrific lead-in to the next book. I can’t wait to see what happens there.
The secondary characters were great. Anna’s assistant, Henrietta, comes across as a bit flighty initially, but she quickly wises up. I liked seeing her growth through the book and her maturing into much more than Anna’s assistant. Anna’s mother was sweet but also had a strong will. She survived and thrived in unusual circumstances for one of her class. I enjoyed her part of the story and the unexpected twist that Lady Jarrow brought to her life. Lady Jarrow was a force to be reckoned with. She has definite opinions and voices them whenever she wants. She also meddles when she believes she knows best. I enjoyed watching her “guide” Samuel and Anna where she wanted them to go. I also liked how she reunited Anna’s mom with her family.
This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Fletcher and it was an enjoyable read. The moment Captain Samuel Delaney walks into Annabelle Fortini’s biscuit shop she’s captivated by the handsome man. For the first time in a long while Anna is open to pursuing a relationship with Samuel. He’s everything she’s looking for–honorable, respectful and attentive, but when he confesses that in their first meeting he was tricking her so his friend could talk to her assistant, Anna is determined to dismiss him from her life. Except, Samuel is also smitten with the shop owner and vows to do everything in his power to win her back.
I loved that this book wasn’t set in London amidst the glittering ballrooms, but in the quaint city of Bath. I adored Samuel–a man with his own secrets he doesn’t want to share with Anna, but even though Anna has an aversion to the aristocracy, Samuel eventually tells her about his potential inherited title of Earl. I thought Anna’s character was a little too rigid about her views on the aristocracy and it made her a touch unlikeable in the beginning. Of course, the one who stole the book is Samuel’s grandmother with her outspoken and bold ways. She was a hoot!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
An Unconventional Countess is the first book by Jenni Fletcher in her newest series, Regency Belles of Bath which is set around a biscuit shop in Bath. I’m a big fan of Ms. Fletcher’s writing and this book was absolutely fantastic! I can’t wait for Henrietta and Sebastian’s story!
Annabelle “Anna” Fortini owns and operated one of the finest biscuit shops in Bath. Anna dislikes and believes all aristocracy are not to be trusted, even though she is the granddaughter of a Duke. Anna’s mother was disowned from her family years ago when she ran away and married an Italian footman for love…
Captain Samuel Delaney has been back in England for four months on sick leave. Now that his injury has recovered, he’s still not able to go back to the Navy. His life is on hold waiting to see if he will be inheriting an earldom, that he really doesn’t want. Feeling bored, melancholy, and homesick for his ship has Samuel going with an old friend to “Belles of Bath”.
What an absolutely fabulous couple and setting! From the moment this couple first meets, you sense an attraction between them, although neither one is looking for a relationship, they are drawn to each other. For Anna, she’s been running the family business ever since her father died and helping to take care of her ailing mother. The business is a tiring job and although she is grateful for what she has, she can’t help but sometimes feel trapped at the never-ending work. She is an intelligent, capable, strong-willed and very direct young woman. She was a wonderful character and I loved her personality from the start! As for Samuel, he’s a handsome, kind and honorable man who just wants to return to his ship. He never wanted or expected to inherit an earldom and is struggling with the wait not knowing what the outcome will be. I loved watching this couple get to know each other and learn to trust and love one another.
Ms. Fletcher did an outstanding job with Samuel & Anna’s story! As always, her writing is flawless with wonderful secondary characters and a storyline that had me struggling to put this book down. I also have to make a special mention to Samuel’s grandmother, Lady Jarrow, she was a fabulous secondary character who deserves her own story! An absolutely fantastic start to this series that I highly recommend!
This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Fletcher and it was an enjoyable read. The moment Captain Samuel Delaney walks into Annabelle Fortini’s biscuit shop she’s captivated by the handsome man. For the first time in a long while Anna is open to pursuing a relationship with Samuel. He’s everything she’s looking for–honorable, respectful and attentive, but when he confesses that in their first meeting he was tricking her so his friend could talk to her assistant, Anna is determined to dismiss him from her life. Except, Samuel is also smitten with the shop owner and vows to do everything in his power to win her back.
I loved that this book wasn’t set in London amidst the glittering ballrooms, but in the quaint city of Bath. I adored Samuel–a man with his own secrets he doesn’t want to share with Anna, but even though Anna has an aversion to the aristocracy, Samuel eventually tells her about his potential inherited title of Earl. I thought Anna’s character was a little too rigid about her views on the aristocracy and it made her a touch unlikeable in the beginning. Of course, the one who stole the book is Samuel’s grandmother with her outspoken and bold ways. She was a hoot!
Biscuit shop owner Anna Fortini is fed up of having to fend off gentlemen with amorous intentions toward her pretty young assistant Henrietta. When Captain Samuel Delaney enters her shop with his friend, it’s very obvious Samuel’s only there to distract her while his friend attempts to woo Henrietta. She finds herself unwillingly intrigued by Samuel, though, especially when it becomes apparent he doesn’t approve of his friend’s actions. The story really gets going when Samuel’s grandmother comes into the picture, though, and I’d just like to say that I could have read an entire series of books about Lady Jarrow and her adventures. She was FABULOUS.
As a business owner and an attractive single woman, Anna’s seen more than enough of how the men of the upper class behave towards those they think are beneath them, and that’s before you even consider that her mother was cast out by her own family for marrying below her station. She’s quite righteously prejudiced… but interestingly enough, so is Samuel, for all he’s set to possibly inherit an earldom, because his father was the family black sheep and apparently a wastrel of the first order. The two of them have a lot in common, as they slowly discover throughout the story. I really enjoyed the fact that though there was an almost instant attraction between the two – and Lady Jarrow quickly started meddling to bring them together – they still took the time to get to know each other and realise that their goals and beliefs were mutually compatible.
I’ve read quite a few Jenni Fletcher books, but she normally writes in the medieval sub-genre of historical romance and I believe this is her first venture into the Regency space. I very much hope it won’t be her last, because this is a genuinely delightful story – and I’d love to read Henrietta (and hopefully Sebastian’s) story too! Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title from the author.
This was a delightful start to a new series. I loved all of the characters, especially the main characters, Anna and Samuel. There is a wonderful chemistry between them and you just know that they belong together. The story was well-written, well-plotted, and fun to read.
Annabelle (Anna) Claudia Teresa Fortini is famous – in Bath – and well – actually it is her biscuits that are famous. Her biscuit shop, Belle’s, was started by her mother (the daughter of a duke) and father (a footman). The shop prospered and they did well for themselves. They weren’t rich, but they weren’t wanting. Anna spent many very happy hours with her father – baking the biscuits. After her father passed away and her mother couldn’t work in the shop anymore, it all fell on Anna’s shoulders. She’s happy with her life and has no intention of changing it.
Anna isn’t a fan of the aristocracy. Her mother is the daughter of a duke who totally disowned her when she married the footman. There was never any contact between them again. Anna doesn’t trust anyone in the aristocracy – especially the males. When a ‘gentleman’ starts paying attention to Anna’s young assistant, Anna does what she can to keep them from interacting – and she does a pretty good job of it. At least she does a good job of it until the day when the ‘gentleman’ comes into the shop with a friend. She knows the friend is there to distract her, but she has no choice, he’s a customer and she has to spend the time to serve him.
Captain Samuel Delaney is the gentleman who was enlisted to distract Anna while his acquaintance flirted with the shop assistant. It doesn’t take long for Samuel to begin to feel guilty about what he’s done because he realizes that his friend doesn’t have good intentions toward the young lady. He’s also intrigued by the woman he’s supposed to distract. She is plain-spoken, intelligent, and curious and makes no secret of it.
Samuel’s life is in limbo at the moment. He ran away and joined the navy when he was sixteen and now, ten years later, he is a Captain. One of the youngest in the fleet. He was recently injured in the battle of Trafalgar and is confined to land and at the same time, he’s been informed that he may be the next Earl of Staunton. The former earl has died, but the wife is expecting. If the child is a girl, Samuel will inherit the title. Samuel doesn’t have any more use for the aristocracy than Anna does even though he is the grandson of a baron and an earl. His father’s family disowned and disinherited his profligate father and included Samuel in that even though he was only an innocent child. Samuel has made a life for himself – he’s successful and prosperous – he has no desire to become an earl.
I love how Samuel and Anna came to trust each other, but it wasn’t easy. Anna was super mistrustful and Samuel did some things that cost him Anna’s trust. While their relationship moved steadily forward, they had many setbacks and obstacles to overcome. It was lovely to watch them come to their HEA.
I really loved Samuel’s maternal grandparents – his grandmother was a force all to herself. I also loved the setup for the next book which will feature Anna’s brother Sebastian.
I hope you’ll enjoy the read as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.