Cara Bernay has never fit in. At loose ends in 1881 London after a near tragedy costs her a job, she befriends a carefree artist. With his help, she begins planning a new life and developing her own artistic talent. But soon Cara finds herself at odds with the artist’s brother–a handsome but arrogant earl forcing his brother back to a “respectable” life.Henry Burke, the Earl of Morestowe, feels … Morestowe, feels the weight of growing financial burdens. His younger brother is the one person who can save their family, and Henry needs him back home. Despite misgivings about Cara’s mysterious background, Henry sees she’s a positive influence on his brother and on Henry’s young ward, and he strikes a deal with her to return with them to their estate.
But the family has their own secrets, and when Cara, drawn ever closer to Henry, stumbles onto the truth, she must choose between following her heart and pursuing a bold plan that could bring disaster.
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I loved this book so much, I couldn’t put it down! I was drawn in from the beginning.
In the prologue, we learn that “Cara had been right all along.”
Chapter one begins Cara’s story where she is a governess. I thought her employers, the Needenhams, were quite a bit overdramatic and too harsh in their treatment of her.
I loved how Cara’s story played out. I liked her introduction to Langham and the art world, he is a unique person. The sense of trust she had was remarkable.
I also liked her introduction to Henry, Langham’s brother. I did feel bad for Henry though, he has so many responsibilities. Henry also has the most interaction with their mother Viola Burke, the Countess of Morestowe. I really disliked her throughout the entire book. She’s simply not nice.
Cara helps Henry see things a little differently, he seems to lighten up around her. I loved the attraction between the two.
Little Amelia is a very head-strong little girl. You’ll have to read of all her antics yourself.
Filled with drama, fun, tension, and healing this book was a wonderful conclusion to the series.
I will warn you to keep a box of tissues handy near the end, the tears just leaked out.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not obligated to provide a review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
“He barely registered the room around him, because standing in the center of it, lit by sunlight, was a Greek goddess.”
What a wonderful conclusion to this fantastic series! This book is #3 in the London Beginnings series featuring three Bernay sisters but it can be read as a stand-alone. The author does an excellent job pulling in characters from previous novels and explaining the pertinent events from those novels that tie in to the plot in this book. Jennifer Delamere’s writing flows well and is easy to follow. The setting of 1881 England with its finery and artistic world is easy to imagine from the author’s vivid descriptions. The plot is well-constructed and keeps a nice pace throughout the book. The characters are interesting, endearing, and unique. There is also a nice faith thread in the book that is woven seamlessly into the characters’ lives.
Cara and Henry are total opposites yet so alike in their generosity and loyalty. Cara is the youngest Bernay sister who is artistic, a little flighty, carefree but with a huge caring heart and a knack for understanding difficult children. She’s had mishaps in previous employment and goes to London to stay with her sister’s family when she encounters a budding artist Langham who introduces her to the world of professional art. Henry is an earl, the older brother of Langham’s, who is struggling to keep themselves financially sound. He is hard-working, steadfast, conscientious, and guided by clear principles even if those around him are not. Cara brings sunshine and laughter to Henry’s long dreary days but their relationship is fraught with opposition, misunderstandings, and half-truths. Throw into this mix Cara’s father who is thought to be long dead, Henry’s very difficult ward Amelia, and the bohemian brother Langham and we have a delicious recipe for a fun book.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you will totally enjoy this book and the whole series! I was given a copy of the book from Bethany House and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Loved this final book in the London Beginnings series! For anyone who loves art and appreciates the aesthetics movement, you will enjoy this book. Cara is an interesting character. She is kind and loving, but she is somewhat irresponsible throughout the series until a tragedy makes her rethink her profession as a governess in this third book. She goes to London and because of misunderstandings with her sisters, she winds up taking up with the brother of an Earl who is an artist.
Cara is introduced into the bohemian world of the artists. She also meets the handsome extremely serious Earl who disapproves of his brother and his artist world. When the Earl’s difficult ward is in need of a governess, Cara agrees to go to their country estate not to be a governess, but to help care for the child. Cara quickly wins over the handsome Henry who may just be willing to risk his heart again. Before they can truly explore their feelings, Henry’s mother arrives and throws a wrench into everything.
This story is filled with drama, secrets, and ultimately an inspirational message of forgiveness and redemption. Filled with rich historical detail and interesting characters, I was drawn in from the beginning and found I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. This book could be read as a stand alone, but it is much better read as part of the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance that contained threads of family brokeness restored, secrets brought to light, and healing of the deepest hurts. The characters were warm and compelling. The setting and details rich and vibrant. Cara does trust people almost to her detriment, but to me it added to her whimsical appeal. She lives life open-hearted and seeing the best in others. Now I must go back and read the sisters’ stories.
A wonderful ending to this series!!
I have to admit I like Cara. She’s a lot like I used to be and still am in many ways and does not fit in anywhere.
I love Jennifer’s writing style!!
I love secrets!! But only the good ones!!
I love the mystery that she weaves into her stories along with the historical aspect of it.
I learned a lot from her books. This is why I love historical fiction!!
Some of the places I even went to look up and wow I do want to visit someday! Jennifer is at her best here!! Her characters are easy to make friends with and you gotta love them as well!!
I also love the fact that she included the characters from her previous books too!
There wasn’t one thing that I could find fault with! This is a book that will keep you entertained for a few hours at least.
Henry is a good man. I enjoyed getting to know him.
My thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book
No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!!
Loved seeing Cara’s journey to happiness and how she grew as a character. Being the youngest of her sisters she is a free spirit and it was entertaining seeing opposites attract, the conventional Earl and aspiring painter!
What a wonderful book! A book and a series I hated to see end! Jennifer Delamere has put together a beauktiful love story during the Victorian era! She has masterfully woven together love, suspense and mystery with just a touch of humor and charm to create a story of Grand proportion! You will fall in love with Cara and Henry and be charmed by Langham and Amelia as they find true love, acceptance and forgiveness along with God’s redeeming love and forgiveness! The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere is a book you won’t be able set down until you have read the last page
An excellent Regency romance! Henry Burke, Earl of Movestowe, is a great male protagonist as he attempts to keep his countess mother happy, look after his emotionally unstable artist brother and a young ward Amelia, and find financial backing for a copper mine! Cara Bernay grew up in an orphanage and is great with Henry’s ward while pursuing a career as an artist but she wonders who Amelia’s parents really are! I enjoyed this third book in the London Beginnings by Jennifer Delamere. I received an advance copy of The Artful Match from Bethany House and the author. This is my honest opinion.
I loved this third book in the London Beginnings series. I think that Cara was my favorite sister. It was interesting to learn about the artists of this time period. I liked how Cara dealt with both Henry and his younger brother, Langham. This is a very interesting time period. I also love how everything from all the books in the series are tied up in this book. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
VERY good read. See my review at http://notenoughtimeforbooks.blogspot.com/2019/05/hello-artful-match-is-now-out-by-very.html
This is the third and final book in the London Beginnings series by Jennifer Delamere and I loved it as much as the first and second book. They are the stories of three sisters that grew up in an orphanage after their father disappeared one day and their mother passed away. As adults they strike out on their own to make a living for themselves. This story is about the baby of the family Caroline “Cara” Bernay.
Cara lost her job as a governess after a near tragedy and goes to London hoping to find help from her middle sister, Julia. However, she finds out from her sister’s landlady that she has left the country for a time. Roaming the streets of London trying to find her way to her other sister, Rosalyn’s in-laws home Cara runs into a Mr. Langham Burke, an artist. Mr. Burke takes pity on Cara and invites her to an art gallery before helping her find her sister.
Cara eventually ends up at Langham’s home with his room-mates and since Cara longs to become a painter, they take her in and give her a job as a model so she can make some money to buy painting supplies.
Once Cara meets Langham’s brother, Henry Burke, the Earl of Morestowe, the attraction between the two is intense. Henry wants to take his eccentric brother home with him to keep him out of trouble and from spending what’s left of the family fortune, which isn’t much. So he invites Cara to come along as a guest and she agrees.
Henry has a young ward, a seven year old girl believed to be Langham’s illegitimate daughter that Langham believes is actually Henry’s daughter. Cara and Henry’s mother, the Countess, do not get along and she, the Countess, takes every opportunity to belittle Cara and make her the stand-in governess when the original governess is called away for a family emergency. Cara has sworn off being a governess again, but agrees just to keep the peace.
Ok, that’s enough of that. If you want to find out more about this story you are going to have to get the book. If you like clean, historical romance, you will love this book and I suggest you read them in order starting with The Captain’s Daughter, then The Heart’s Appeal and finishing with The Artful Match. Enjoy!
I won this book in an online contest and am voluntarily leaving this review.
In the final book in Jennifer Delamere’s series, the youngest Bernay sister gets the spotlight in this stand-alone novel.
In the previous books, readers got just a taste of Cara’s free spirit and maybe a bit of gullibility. That is really brought to light when Cara leaves her post as a nanny and travels to London. There she meets Langham Burke, an artist whose jovial, effervescent nature draws her in and opens up the possibility of a new dream.
As Cara’s life becomes entangled with both Langham and his brother Henry, the Earl of Morestowe, she finds herself wanting to draw out kindness (and a few answers) from the serious earl. Her kindness toward Henry’s young ward and her gentle nature with Langham intrigues Henry.
I’ve loved how Delamere has highlighted the changing opinions of the people during the Victorian era in this series, and The Artful Match is no exception. Readers will get a peek into the emerging artistic community and the changing aristocracy while gaining a little more historic knowledge about England in this delightful series finale.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I’ve enjoyed reading the London Beginnings series by Jennifer Delamere. It follows three sisters in London in the 1880s. The Artful Match is the concluding book and features Cara Bernay, an aspiring artist, as she attempts to navigate the London art scene. Cara was spunky and charming, although a bit naïve. Henry Burke seemed a bit austere at first, but I was happy to see that he loosened up and began more endearing as the story progressed. Langham, Henry’s brother, and Amelia, Henry’s ward, were both unruly and caused Henry much trouble and grief, but they, too, mellowed out and became quite lovable by the end of the story.
Cara’s sisters, Julia and Rosalyn, were mostly absent during this story, but it was fun to have them make an appearance and see what they were up to. Delamere is a talented writer and created great characters for this series. Her obvious knowledge of the setting and time period added to my enjoyment of it. Themes of family, forgiveness, and healing relationships give this book an added dimension. Although it’s part of a series, this book can stand alone. I’m looking forward to more stories from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This was a delightful romance between two likable people struggling with secrets while trying to figure out God’s will for their lives. I really enjoyed it. Full review is at my website. 4 1/2 Stars.
Note: I was gifted this book by the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed are my own.
This has to be one of the oddest books I’ve read in awhile. Considering I didn’t realize that I was jumping into book three of a series, it didn’t really matter. The previous stories had already occurred and this one about the third sister. Fortunately I was able to get into the swing of things, although the background and characters were just different.
The prologue of the story, is probably the one area that had me confused as to the purpose of the rest of the story. I didn’t know who this Julia character was and why the story was starting out as it did. So in turn, I thought that was to be a key play in the story. It wasn’t.
For me, it was a spin on the 1800’s and the era of sophistication and the elite, the ball gowns and the women trying to find their matches. It throws you into a bohemian sect of artists trying to make it. This was the part of the story I wasn’t expecting, and the character, Caroline, I was trying to get a grasp on just who she was to be.
All in all, it was an interesting story that I fought my way through reading. Every chapter I just wanted to read forward and figure out if the story was worth reading all the way through. It was, but it’s unlikely I’m going to read the first two stories in this particular series.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through NetGalley.
This is my first read by Jennifer Delamere and even though it is the conclusion to a series it was fine as a stand-alone. From the cover to the conclusion it is a beautiful portrait of Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
This story has faith woven in and enough sweet romance amidst some historical facts that blend together perfectly like an artists palette. Well written with believable characters that show humanness. We all carry things from our past that affect our responses to circumstances of life. Amelia will worm her way into your heart and you will want to mother her by the end. She is delightful and headstrong at the same time. You will be swept away to England and feel like you have visited when you are finished.
I definitely look forward to more solid reads by this author. A pleasant discovery to me.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
What a wonderful conclusion to this fantastic series! This is book 3 in the London Beginnings series featuring three Bernay sisters. You would not have to read the two previous books as Jennifer Delamere brings in some of the sister’s doings from the previous books into this one to tie it altogether. Delamere’s writing is believable and easy to follow. The setting of 1881 England with its finery and artistic world is very interesting as we glimpse it from the author’s vivid descriptions. The characters are interesting, endearing, and unique, with some twists and surprises. There is also a faith thread that is woven seamlessly into the characters’ lives. All of this with a very satisfying ending,
Cara Bernay has never fit in. At loose ends in 1881 London after a near tragedy costs her a job, she befriends a carefree artist. With his help, she begins planning a new life and developing her own artistic talent. But soon Cara finds herself at odds with the artist’s brother–a handsome but arrogant earl forcing his brother back to a “respectable” life.
Henry Burke, the Earl of Morestowe, feels the weight of growing financial burdens. His younger brother is the one person who can save their family, and Henry needs him back home. Despite misgivings about Cara’s mysterious background, Henry sees she’s a positive influence on his brother and on Henry’s young ward, and he strikes a deal with her to return with them to their estate.
But the family has their own secrets, and when Cara, drawn ever closer to Henry, stumbles onto the truth, she must choose between following her heart and pursuing a bold plan that could bring disaster.
This book is the final in this series. Its not necessary to read the first two books to understand this one. This is Cara’s story. The book also wraps up any loose ends from the previous books.
This book shows the snobbish behavior of some of the aristocrats of England and how servants were treated. It was an easy enjoyable read. It was one that you could put down and pick back up without any problem. I recommend this book.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
A gentle read and romance, The Artful Match is a delightful conclusion to Jennifer Delamere’s London Beginnings series but also can be read as a stand-alone.
The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere is the final story in the London Beginnings trilogy. I believe this book could be read as a stand alone, but encourage reading the first two to better appreciate the end. This book features the youngest sister, Cara. She is a sweet young lady who is a bit naive and a day dreamer. She loves art and wants to be a successful artist. The hero, is an aristocrat named Henry and reminds me a bit of the brooding Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. I really enjoyed the story and how the author tied up all the loose ends to finish the series.
*I was given a copy by Bethany House and this is my honest opinion.