Step into Rare Confectionery on New Bond Street, where three talented sisters create treats as delectable to the tongue as they are appealing to the eye. One taste is all it takes to be captivated… holds a secret in her heart.
The Viscount Jeffcoat watches the joy disappear from the eyes of the most appealing woman he knows, as sweet as her marzipan creations. Desperately trying to right whatever wrong she is facing, he hopes to woo and win her, only to discover the unthinkable.
When it seems all she has ever cherished will be lost—and by her own carelessness—Charlotte turns to the one man who has promised her nothing while giving her everything. Can she and Lord Jeffcoat overcome betrayal and ruin to build a life of love and laughter?
Engaging characters, attention to period detail, and heartfelt romance — you’ll find it all in the stories by USA Today bestselling author of historical romance, Sydney Jane Baily.
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Miss Charlotte Rare-Foure makes the Marzipan confection at the family’s shop in New Bond Street. With her sisters’ recent marriages more of the work has been on her shoulders. Everything is going well and Charlotte finds someone to help out. When things start to spin out of control there is one person who she can think of to help her.
Charles, Viscount Jeffcoat has known the Rare-Foure family since his friend married the eldest daughter, and has always seen Charlotte as flighty and immature. He soon learns there is much more to her than he believes.
The daughter of a shopkeeper is maybe not refined enough for a serious minded Viscount and barrister, but her sparkling, happy personality can’t help but draw everyone to her.
This is a fast paced sweet historical story that will be better if you have read the previous books in the series, but still enjoyable on it’s own.
Really good fun.
Sydney Jane Baily brings us the third story of the Rare sisters. With her two older sisters married, the youngest, Charlotte is in charge of the family Candy store, Rare Confectionery where one finds the most delectable delights.
I love charlottes exuberance for life and all that it holds. She’s happy go lucky, carefree, charming and loves the family candy store. She fancies her self in love with someone from her art class and allows herself to be alone with him in inappropriate places. They sure seem he kisses and she believes that he feels the same way she does until of course he runs away with the model from class leaving her heartbroken. In steps a friend of her sister’s husband, Charles Jeffcoat to help her with the candy store when things start to go wrong. They become friends though Charles already smitten with her house hopes of something more.
This is a delightful little story that sweet and captivating. The dialogue is wonderful and witty. I’ve enjoyed Sydney’s stories before and look forward to her next. Thank you so much Sydney for this sweet and charming love story.
Opposites Attract 4.5*
Charlotte Rare-Foure is the youngest daughter of the Rare Confectionery shop; having been disappointed in love she believes she will become the mainstay of the shop. Until a certain Viscount starts to take an interest in her and she starts to realise that her past love was just an infatuation. Charlotte is a lovely bubbly character with oodles of confidence, a kind heart and a piercing whistle – a foil for the quiet, serious Viscount but his past history could doom their love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the last book in this trilogy of three sister who run the family Candy store, Rare Confectionery.
The eldest daughter Amity who is the chocolatier for the shop married a Duke. She now spends much less time in the shop as they are expecting their first child. Amity still makes the chocolate treats but from home. The middle daughter Beatrice married and American who received a property from his Grandfather in Scotland that needs a lot of repair. Beatrice does the Toffee for the shop. But is also away a lot with her new husband.
This leaves the running of the shop to the youngest daughter, Charlotte and her mother.
Charlotte is the happiest, carefree, and grounded of the three. She loves working with the customers, she loves showing and telling them about the different kinds of candy. Till her life changes a lot. The brother of her friend Lucy is in the same paint class and Charlotte is in love with him. He takes advantage of her feelings and gets her to meet him after class and in dark hallways for steamy kisses.
Then breaks her heart running off with other. While going thru this heartbreak she learns her mother is leaving her in charge of the store to go the sea with her father.
Without her sisters to help she hires a young boy to help. Then everything goes wrong.
The only one who seems to be around to help and be there for her is a friend of her sister husband the duke . One Viscount Charles Jeffcoat.
There is a lot going on in this book, from Charlotte and Charles attraction to each other.
Problems form Charles past that makes him distrust others. People from her past out to ruin her.
Decisions that she makes that almost cost her and her family everything they hold dear.
This was a great read and I hope you give it a try. The books can be read as stand alone but much better read in order. I was disappointed that one of the characters that helps in each book didn’t get his own story. It would have been great to see what happens to Lord Waverly.
The third book in the Rare Confectionery series a well written story with a great storyline. I was not putting this book down until I was finished. Charlotte and Viscount Charles Jeffcoat’s story there is suspense, drama, twists, turns, and romance. I enjoyed reading this book and I want to go back and read them all again.
I liked this story. It’s more like a Cinderella story. Charlotte is a confectioner and works in the family business. She attracts a Viscount when the object of her affection runs off to Paris with another women. Her oldest sister already had her fairy tale and married a Duke. The Viscount is a friend of the Duke and visits the confectioner shop when the Duke visits his wife there. I think her parents give her too much leeway when they leave and let her run the shop. This story takes a lot of liberties, but always reminds us that they are breaking polite society protocol. Which is a little annoying at times. In fact, I think that it starts to stagnate the story at points. I find the personality of the Viscount stogy and two-faced. He makes all kinds of assumptions and doesn’t ask Charlotte about them. Also he knows the girl is quite naive, that is made clear as to how she has run the shop in her parents absence. My main point of this story is that this romance would never have stood up in the Regency Era. So, I have reduced this story to just a fairy tale.
Charlotte was foolish, impetuous, headstrong, gullible, and acted younger than her years at times in this book. Her head was in the clouds with visions of expanding the confectionary, but she didn’t consider finances and logistics. One disaster after another befalls her, but then her family shouldn’t have left her solely in charge of the business. Lord Charles Jeffcoat was a straight-laced barrister who at first is physically attracted to Charlotte, but then comes to appreciate her cheerfulness and kindness. However, several times in the book he questions whether or not she would make an appropriate wife after she shows common ways and pushes the boundaries of proprietary. He also has trust issues with women after his mother abandoned him as a child. They have a rocky relationship and I wondered at times if they really should be together. This was an opposites attract historical romance.
Trays of Toffee, bunny shaped chocolate, chocolate eggs filled with creamy fondant, fruit shaped Marzipan.. must I go on? Another decadent visit to the Rare Confectionery, where sweets reined and three sisters find their happiness. Oh yes and now it is Charlotte’s turn, the youngest who enjoys seeing the customers become joyous when they taste one of their confections for the first time!
Robin Hood, I mean Lord Jeffcoat was a friend of Charlotte’s brother in law. They had spent time together several times, of course casual with others around, but he had begun to feel attraction for her. But he was worried because she had not given him any hint if she was interested in him!
A short winding path as courtship begins and then he kissed her. Oh yes and what a kiss it was!
I adored Charlotte and Charles! She such a free spirit, who was not as diligent as she could be about her behavior, but a born charmer of customers and yes, Charles. He on the other hand, a barrister, more serious and solemn, took quick to change his mind.
They have a winding path but with Sydney Jane Baily’s magical prose, she brings us to a sweet conclusion! Now if we can find out what happens to Waverly! Simply scrumptious!
I thoroughly enjoyed My Lady Marzipan and in fact got panicky that there was no happily ever after and had to read the end about halfway through! Always a sign of a good book. If you enjoy spirited heroines and patient heroes, you will love this book.
Charlotte is the sister-in-law of the Duke of Pelham, and Charles is one of his best friends. They know each other; they are friendly; but they have looked elsewhere for love interests. It seems that has changed. Charles begins to pay more attention to the cheerful, generous, straightforward, and sometimes socially awkward Charlotte. She hasn’t been in a social mood since the man she mooned over at art class ran to the continent with the class model. When she accepted a date with Charles, she discovered that this friendly, but shy, barrister was fun and being with him made her happy. Can the stickler for propriety and the spitfire, aka Robin Hood and the Turkish Princess, find love? Anything is possible.
This story matches Charlotte’s personality perfectly. There are calm moments, impulsive moments, and some well-earned outbursts (Charlotte provides most of these). This really a fun story with a bit of drama thrown in. The characters are awesome – engaging and intelligent. The Rare-Foure family is just wonderful – smart, warm, welcoming. I love Delia (it looks like she might have a beau as well), and the way she tries to keep up with Charlotte. Charles’s father is sad and cynical, but he perks up when Charlotte is around. This is a heartwarming fun series. My Lady Marzipan is a treat. I enjoyed and happily recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Among the three sisters, Charlotte is the most lively; responsible for making the sculptures in marzipan.
As the youngest sister, Charlotte saw her two older sisters get married.
First it was Amity, who married a duke, and she decreased her hours at the shop, especially now that she is pregnant.
Beatrice married an American, and since he inherited property in Scotland, they sometimes travel there.
Charlotte and her mother were responsible for keeping the shop going.
But Charlotte had a secret.
In her nightly art classes, she had a bigger reason, besides learning to paint. She was in love with her friend Violet’s brother, Lionel Evans.
Since Violet gave up painting lessons to learn the flute, Charlotte and Lionel had more time alone, and he, not a gentleman, started to have more freedom with Charlotte. Despite this, he never mentioned his intention to meet her parents, or to go to the Chocolate shop.
Charlotte was still enchanted by Lionel, even though she would be worried if her family discovered her secret.
Until, one day, Lionel didn’t show up in class anymore. He had run off with the model.
And Charlotte had to face the difficult reality: Lionel’s charm was not just for her.
And she became irritable and without patience with the shop’s customers.
One person noticed the change in Charlotte. Lord Charles Jeffcoat.
Charles was a longtime friend of the Duke of Pelham. Despite being Viscount, he worked as a barrister and intended to one day become a judge.
From the first time he met Charlotte, he fell in love with her, but he was very careful when approaching.
Charles realized that Charlotte went from being a bright rose to someone sad.
He offered friendship, already intending to have something more (even though she sometimes proved so inappropriate to be a Viscountess, whistling loudly inside the theater, for example.)
But at the same time, her simple way of making other people feel good and important made him insist on that friendship.
However, when everything seemed to lead them to be a couple, Charlotte was involved in a huge mess.
When she realized that Charles was the right man in her life, it was too late.
He was determined to leave for Paris.
Well … Charlotte had family in Paris … She would need to make an important decision if she wanted to have the man who treated her like the Lady she really was by her side…
In this last book by the Rare-Foure sisters, we learned a little more about historical events, just as how the three so talented sisters would keep the good business they managed.
Too much chocolate, too much adventure and too much romance.
5 stars
ONE AVALANCHE OF EMOTIONS!!!
Splendid! Sydney pours it on thick, tasty and thrilling with this beautifully composed crème de la crème, rolling out one sensational storyline and complex plot, ratcheting up the heat and magic, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Surprising happenstance and unsettling mishaps, swirl with the formidable trials and challenging tribulations, spinning alongside the deadly twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces, drawing them closer than they could have ever imagined. Coiled, knotted and tightly woven, displaying the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it’s simplicity and awe-inspiring in it’s depth. Shenanigans, escapades and mayhem rule the roost, displaying the drama, anxiety, intrigue, turmoil, secrets, mounting suspense and intense situations along with a boatload of trouble, you have one jaw dropping masterpiece. Lines blur and boundaries crossed, limitations are stretched and bent, catapulting this lil’ fella forward without a hitch, booting this baby into overdrive, blasting it into a hissy with an eye-opening realization. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing an thrilling emotions, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and realism that blend and flow, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Sydney, thanks for sharing this lil’ fella with us.
Oh, I am really going to miss visiting the Rare Confectionery shop on New Bond Street! It has been such a delightful and delicious treat following the Rare-Foure sisters on their journey to finding love. While I adored reading about all 3 sisters, I think I liked Charlotte’s story the best. Her adventurous spirit, kind nature, and unconditional love really stole my heart. Lord Jeffcoat, Charles, may appear a bit stuffy at first, but that is only because he is protecting his heart due to a painful past experience. Though they seem to be complete opposites in character, Charlotte and Charles are perfect for each other. The path to love for these two isn’t easy, though, with the past coming back to jeopardize their future. Ms. Bailey’s vivid descriptions and excellent storytelling really brings this story to life and pulls you into Charles and Charlotte’s world. The book is so much fun filled with romance, humor, and the most delicious confectionery! I absolutely adored this book and the whole series. Thank you Ms. Bailey for writing such a delightful and charming series!
I was gifted a complimentary advanced copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Good story about a lady confectioner, a Viscount, and a swindler who almost costs her everything. I received an ARC of this book.
A great Regency-era book. Charlotte has a problem and Viscount Jeffcoat wants to help her. A must-read by the author. I volunteered to read an advance copy for an honest review.
A read that is part of a series of three books. This read has a plot with twists and turns with characters that are believable and likable. This is a recommended read and a recommended to read series.
This series has been so much fun – I have loved every one of the three sisters, their husbands, and their families. The Rare Confectionery on Bond Street in London is a magical place – not only does it have wonderful chocolate, toffee & marzipan but it is going to get bigger and better.
Miss Charlotte Rare-Foure is living the life she loves, and she is happy with how everything around her seems perfect. She is fun-loving, loves all her customers and thinks she has found a man that interests her until he suddenly leaves England and takes a lady with him which leave her sad.
Charles Jeffrey Lambeth, Viscount Jeffcoat is not only a viscount and future earl but also a barrister and her sister’s husband’s (the duke) best friend. He is handsome, serious, wealthy and takes society’s rules as Gospel.
When Charles finds he is attracted to Charlotte because of the kindness she has shown her customers, the way she brings sunshine to the Confectionery and the fact that she is lovely; he invites her out to the theatre. The more time they spend together, they more these two opposites are attracted to each other and even when the bottom falls out from under Charlotte when her family is all called away from the confectionery; they stay together and work things out. Their adventures to a HEA is full of fun, humor, romance, and some misunderstandings. I highly recommend the complete series. Ms. Baily has created family friendly stories with characters that you cannot help but love.
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
A delightfully yummy story that will make your mouth water and your heart soar. Charlotte tries so hard to take care of business by herself but several mishaps put her in a precarious position. Charles tries to help and they grow closer. But someone from Charlotte’s past may be the worst thing to happen. I really enjoyed this story that I received complimentary copy of and I volunteered to review.
My Lady Marzipan
Rare Confectionery Series #3
Sydney Jane Baily
https://www.facebook.com/sydney.jane.baily/
Release date 06/25/2020
Publisher Cat Whisker Press
Blurb :
Step into Rare Confectionery on New Bond Street, where three talented sisters create treats as delectable to the tongue as they are appealing to the eye. One taste is all it takes to be captivated…
Charlotte hasn’t had anything go wrong in her blissful existence as a confectioner. Always smiling, she loves working with her sisters, and she adores her customers. Moreover, she holds a secret in her heart.
The Viscount Jeffcoat watches the joy disappear from the eyes of the most appealing woman he knows, as sweet as her marzipan creations. Desperately trying to right whatever wrong she is facing, he hopes to woo and win her, only to discover the unthinkable.
When it seems all she has ever cherished will be lost—and by her own carelessness—Charlotte turns to the one man who has promised her nothing while giving her everything. Can she and Lord Jeffcoat overcome betrayal and ruin to build a life of love and laughter?
My review :
Fun how I liked Charlotte’s personality in the previous books for the cheerful character she was but as soon as she encounters her first hardship she becomes bitterness personified and blinded so much by her broke heart to act quite carelessly with her actions and words to hurt others who were kind to her. Hopefully she quickly corrected her slip of behavior, a lapse of temper from her side and was quite chastised with a taste her own medicine by a very nasty customer’s visit.
Still as the youngest sibling, she is also the more carefree and not very aware of the damage a tainted reputation can cause, and she is lucky others have a care for her or she would have been ruined many time because of her impulsiveness and easy trusting nature.
Charles is a straight solemn diligent young man, so much he can’t stand scandal, and while attracted to Charlotte, her easy-going and some time jaunty attitude disturbs him. And while he let first his fear of the busybodies choose for him, he soon decides she is the woman for him, her zest for life and kind disposition go so well with his more straight laced person.
Both are flawed persons, she acts a bit too promptly at time yet for a barrister he acts detrimentally when he refuses to hear Charlotte’s side of her story.
Mrs Sydney Jane Baily with this last book partners once again very different individuals, which in their own way complement the other. They answer one another needs if they can overcome their own grief.
My only complaint is the blurb gives too much of the story, thus I wondered when the said second shoes would drop for most of the story.
Outside this, it is a much entertaining read with humorous dialogues inner or plainly spoken and great characters.
5 stars.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/642419246347250/?d=n
My Favorite Sweet!
While I have truly enjoyed the first first two stories in this series, this just has to be my favorite.
I loved Charlotte’s sense of adventure, her love for life and all that it brings and her unconditional love for her family and then later, the man she wishes to wed.
Lord Jeffcoat has recently been appointed to The Bar where he practices. He was very hurt when, as a young boy, he witnessed the total despair of his father when his mother deserted her family and this changed his outlook on all women. Will Charlotte be able to change this or will he let her slip through his fingers?
Only reading this remarkable love story will give you the answer…..
This is the type of book that I just had to finish in one sitting, so be warned – it was wonderful!
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my voluntary and unbiased review is recorded above.