Flora Hendley was born in France, but she wishes she knew more about her family’s past. After her parents died under mysterious circumstances, her family’s once-honoured name became a subject of scorn in England. Things will soon change when on her nineteenth birthday she will discover a shocking truth about her inheritance… While word of a hidden fortune brings mysterious treasure-hunters out … out of the woodwork, there will be a dashing gentleman among them, capable of shaking her world. But will he be someone that she can trust, or just another person trying to take advantage of her?
Spencer Padgett is clever and ambitious. He is ready to do whatever is expected of him for the King and the Country, even if that means he will have to lie. But when it comes to meeting a fascinating young lady and recovering a fortune owed to the Crown, his thoughts will never be that clear again. Will he obey his common sense warning him to stay away from her? Or will he sacrifice his unshakable need for control in the name of the feelings he has started having for the first time in his life?
While Flora delves into a past that she wanted to keep hidden, Spencer has to face his emotions and harden his heart against the beautiful lady. Will the secrets revealed and the perplexing situation make them enemies? Or will they manage to put aside all of their doubts in the name of love?
“The Mysterious Past of a Delicate Flower” is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
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This had some elements I did enjoy, at times I felt it dragged. I couldn’t believe the h wasn’t more upset with her aunt. The aunt kept more secrets than the government did.
We have some twists and suspense and I must admit I didn’t realize who he villain was. The h’s cousin added to the story. This has very little to do with romance, so if that is what you like, you will be disappointed. They are more like friends who after awhile realize they love each other.
All of a sudden, everyone learns of the treasure – really where were they the previous 19 years?
I dislike when you have to download an extended epilogue. Why not just include it in the main story? There has to be a reason, because more and more of these author’s are doing it. This time I would suggest you download it, because the info is worthy. At the end of the main story, the cousin is 11 and the h is 19. In the extended it says the h is 23 and the cousin is 13. Doesn’t compute – 4 years would make the cousin 16.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, violence, no romance nor spice. (ljb)
This one is a hit. I love the characters in this story. The suspense and mystery are excellent with a wonderful twist at the end of the story. I felt so sorry for Flora, because she ended up suspecting everyone, including her aunt, and she truly had no one to turn to. All of her suitors discover that Flora is not a wallflower to be trampled on and shows that she can take leadership when she has to. Our Lieutenant Paggett is surprised by Flora at every turn, and loses his heart to her. I think this is probably the best that Bridget Barton has written.
Flora may have a mysterious past but she is anything but a delicate flower. She is a wonderful character and her cousin Tom is a sweetheart of a young boy. I didn’t connect with Spencer as much as I would have liked to but he was likeable. There is not as much romance as there is intrigue but that is okay with me. Also missing are the total stereotypes you find in a lot of regency stories. The story is good, fast paced and interesting and I think most readers will enjoy this one as much as I did.
A wonderful intriguing, action packed, story with twists and turns abound. This delightful story will keep you glued to each page right to the last page. A must read
Flora, the orphan of a French mother and English spy, has lived with the shame of her father’s traitorous actions against the Crown of England. Coming of age, she sets about trying to find out the truth about her parents and uncover the mysteries surrounding their lives and deaths. Surrounded by several self-seeking “helpers,” she doesn’t know who to trust.
This is a roller coaster of mystery and action. The characters are well-developed, and the plot unpredictable. I alternately loved and hated the different players, and truly felt for the poor heroine as she tried to navigate through the few clues left to her by her father before his death.
This is a wonderful story, well written with a satisfying ending. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good romantic mystery.