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claire_loves_books's review against another edition
3.0
I did enjoy this but I felt like Zachary treated Jane like rubbish for most the book, we know how important the decisions that Jane is making are for her and her future and it's all a game to Zach I just couldn't feel any connection with Zach when he was treating her like that, he seemed pretty self-involved throughout the book not really bothering to think about Jane's point of view. So I just couldn't believe the romance.
It also didn't feel very historical, the language was all quite modern.
Spoiler
even after she's told him to grow up he's still not honest with herIt also didn't feel very historical, the language was all quite modern.
nickystrickland's review against another edition
4.0
I should really, really remember to not read Anne Gracie books at bedtime. Once again, up way too late for my own good. Loved the interplay between the leads and Lady Beatrice's scenes are wonderful as always.
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
5.0
Very good book. This is the third in the series of books about the four Chance sisters, only two of whom are actually related. The other two are sisters of the heart, brought together by circumstances and bonded by what they've been through. Abby's story, The Autumn Bride, and Damaris's story, The Winter Bride, tell the beginnings of their friendship.
As this book opens, eighteen year old Jane is preparing for her come-out. She's excited about the parties and balls, remembering the stories that her mother used to tell. Her sisters tell her that with her beauty it won't take long for some handsome young man to fall in love with her and her love him right back. But that isn't what Jane is looking for. She saw that love is what got her parents into trouble, leading to the difficult childhood she and Abby had. Jane wants to find a good man with enough money and a home to give a secure life to her and any future children. She is certain that love will follow. So when a wealthy man, looking for a beautiful wife to add to his "collection" proposes, she accepts. But her road to the future isn't going to be as easy as she thinks. When she rushes to the rescue of a dog who is being tortured by some ruffians, she is in turn rescued by a tall, dark and handsome gypsy.
But Zachary Black isn't really the gypsy he claims to be. The son of an earl, he left home at sixteen to escape his abusive father, helping his stepmother to escape also. Since then, he has travelled the world, spending the last eight years working as a spy for the Crown. He has just returned to England with some vital information, only to discover that his father has died and he's the new Earl. But because he's been gone for so long, his greedy cousin is trying to have him declared dead so that he can have the estates. Zachary is ready to reclaim his name and lands, until he finds out that he's also wanted for the murder of that same stepmother. He's told by a friend to lay low until the stepmother can be found, but Zachary is drawn to the lovely young woman he rescued.
I really enjoyed the development of their romance. There is an instant connection between them. Jane is aware that she should not be spending time with him, but she is fascinated by the stories of his travels. Zachary is entranced, not just by Jane's beauty, but also her kindness and compassion. Their meetings as Jane is walking the dog take place under the watchful eye of a footman, so there is no opportunity for hanky panky. Instead they spend the time talking and getting to know each other. Jane desperately tries to resist the feelings that are growing for him, knowing that he can't give her the security she craves. Zachary falls deeper under Jane's spell, even knowing that she belongs to someone else. He becomes more determined to clear his name so that he can pursue her himself. Jane remains stubbornly attached to her plans, until Zachary's arrest makes her realize the truth of her feelings. I loved seeing her come to his rescue rather than the other way around, even though it could end badly if she isn't successful. The ending is fantastic, with a couple of unexpected twists.
Both Jane and Zachary go through some significant changes. Jane has spent so long denying the importance of love in a marriage, that it takes a while for her to accept her feelings for Zachary. I loved watching her deal with the differences between her fiancé and Zachary. Eventually she sees that marriage with a man who sees her as just another beautiful object for her collect can't compare to one with true love. Zachary starts out the book as a charming rogue, but under Jane's influence grows into a sense of responsibility for his land and his people.
The secondary characters all add a sense of depth to the story. Lady Beatrice continues to be a supporter as well as something of an agitator. I loved Zachary's friend, Gil. He was in Zachary's corner all the way, and seeing his reactions to Zachary's behavior made me laugh. Lord Cambury, Jane's fiancé, was a man that was easy to dislike. He looked at her as more of an object for his collection than a woman, and his treatment of her later in the story made that clear. I wanted to shake Jane for saying yes to him in the first place. I loved what she said to him when she broke things off. She was kind, but firm, and refused to be made to feel bad. The other sisters, Abby, Damaris and Daisy all have their opinions on what is best for Jane. I especially enjoyed Daisy's comments on what she believes is happening to Jane. She's also quite vocal on her own plans and expectations for herself. I'm looking forward to reading her story.
As this book opens, eighteen year old Jane is preparing for her come-out. She's excited about the parties and balls, remembering the stories that her mother used to tell. Her sisters tell her that with her beauty it won't take long for some handsome young man to fall in love with her and her love him right back. But that isn't what Jane is looking for. She saw that love is what got her parents into trouble, leading to the difficult childhood she and Abby had. Jane wants to find a good man with enough money and a home to give a secure life to her and any future children. She is certain that love will follow. So when a wealthy man, looking for a beautiful wife to add to his "collection" proposes, she accepts. But her road to the future isn't going to be as easy as she thinks. When she rushes to the rescue of a dog who is being tortured by some ruffians, she is in turn rescued by a tall, dark and handsome gypsy.
But Zachary Black isn't really the gypsy he claims to be. The son of an earl, he left home at sixteen to escape his abusive father, helping his stepmother to escape also. Since then, he has travelled the world, spending the last eight years working as a spy for the Crown. He has just returned to England with some vital information, only to discover that his father has died and he's the new Earl. But because he's been gone for so long, his greedy cousin is trying to have him declared dead so that he can have the estates. Zachary is ready to reclaim his name and lands, until he finds out that he's also wanted for the murder of that same stepmother. He's told by a friend to lay low until the stepmother can be found, but Zachary is drawn to the lovely young woman he rescued.
I really enjoyed the development of their romance. There is an instant connection between them. Jane is aware that she should not be spending time with him, but she is fascinated by the stories of his travels. Zachary is entranced, not just by Jane's beauty, but also her kindness and compassion. Their meetings as Jane is walking the dog take place under the watchful eye of a footman, so there is no opportunity for hanky panky. Instead they spend the time talking and getting to know each other. Jane desperately tries to resist the feelings that are growing for him, knowing that he can't give her the security she craves. Zachary falls deeper under Jane's spell, even knowing that she belongs to someone else. He becomes more determined to clear his name so that he can pursue her himself. Jane remains stubbornly attached to her plans, until Zachary's arrest makes her realize the truth of her feelings. I loved seeing her come to his rescue rather than the other way around, even though it could end badly if she isn't successful. The ending is fantastic, with a couple of unexpected twists.
Both Jane and Zachary go through some significant changes. Jane has spent so long denying the importance of love in a marriage, that it takes a while for her to accept her feelings for Zachary. I loved watching her deal with the differences between her fiancé and Zachary. Eventually she sees that marriage with a man who sees her as just another beautiful object for her collect can't compare to one with true love. Zachary starts out the book as a charming rogue, but under Jane's influence grows into a sense of responsibility for his land and his people.
The secondary characters all add a sense of depth to the story. Lady Beatrice continues to be a supporter as well as something of an agitator. I loved Zachary's friend, Gil. He was in Zachary's corner all the way, and seeing his reactions to Zachary's behavior made me laugh. Lord Cambury, Jane's fiancé, was a man that was easy to dislike. He looked at her as more of an object for his collection than a woman, and his treatment of her later in the story made that clear. I wanted to shake Jane for saying yes to him in the first place. I loved what she said to him when she broke things off. She was kind, but firm, and refused to be made to feel bad. The other sisters, Abby, Damaris and Daisy all have their opinions on what is best for Jane. I especially enjoyed Daisy's comments on what she believes is happening to Jane. She's also quite vocal on her own plans and expectations for herself. I'm looking forward to reading her story.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books.
3.5 Cocktails
Jane is practical, a realist not the least bit dreamy, a standard for women in the 18th century. She grew up poor and scared most of her life struggling for food and shelter and running from men who sort to use her beauty for profit. Zach is angry at the world. denies where he came from, that is until it became an advantage to win Jane.
This book was a nice read but i felt like not much was explored. they both had backgrounds that i as a reader would have loved to delve into, create a stronger bond with the characters. it didn't feel like we even scratched the surface with these two. I get there was a book before this that might have explained at least Jane's background but even highlights would have gone a long way. Made the other books more attractive to me, a must read but it didn't.
Rina's Thoughts
3.5 Cocktails
Jane is practical, a realist not the least bit dreamy, a standard for women in the 18th century. She grew up poor and scared most of her life struggling for food and shelter and running from men who sort to use her beauty for profit. Zach is angry at the world. denies where he came from, that is until it became an advantage to win Jane.
This book was a nice read but i felt like not much was explored. they both had backgrounds that i as a reader would have loved to delve into, create a stronger bond with the characters. it didn't feel like we even scratched the surface with these two. I get there was a book before this that might have explained at least Jane's background but even highlights would have gone a long way. Made the other books more attractive to me, a must read but it didn't.
diannaphantomfiction's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
laurenjodi's review against another edition
2.0
The Spring Bride
2 Stars
In one word - predictable. In fact, it is possible to read the beginning and the end and skip the middle entirely because there is nothing in this book that hasn't been done before.
Jane Chantry is the most beautiful woman in the world and men can't keep their hands off her - literally. She is also sweet, charming, and dedicated to taking in strays of both the human and animal variety. In short, she is a complete Mary Sue.
Zachary (whose other name is an important plot twist, so I will refrain) has an insipid and lackadaisical attitude toward life that is annoying in the extreme, and his covert operative in disguise persona is so ridiculous it amazes me that the French never sussed him out.
To top it all off, Jane and Zach have zero chemistry and the sex scene at the end is awkward and mechanical rather than sensual and intimate.
Overall, this is a disappointing addition to an otherwise engaging series. Daisy and Patrick's book is next and it will hopefully be an improvement.
2 Stars
In one word - predictable. In fact, it is possible to read the beginning and the end and skip the middle entirely because there is nothing in this book that hasn't been done before.
Jane Chantry is the most beautiful woman in the world and men can't keep their hands off her - literally. She is also sweet, charming, and dedicated to taking in strays of both the human and animal variety. In short, she is a complete Mary Sue.
Zachary (whose other name is an important plot twist, so I will refrain) has an insipid and lackadaisical attitude toward life that is annoying in the extreme, and his covert operative in disguise persona is so ridiculous it amazes me that the French never sussed him out.
To top it all off, Jane and Zach have zero chemistry and the sex scene at the end is awkward and mechanical rather than sensual and intimate.
Overall, this is a disappointing addition to an otherwise engaging series. Daisy and Patrick's book is next and it will hopefully be an improvement.
tiredfangirl's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sandlynn's review against another edition
4.0
Anne Gracie’s The Spring Bride, published in 2015, is part of a series. The fact it’s called “The Spring Bride” was the tip off — and, although it can be read as a standalone, there are references to the heroine’s backstory that seem important enough to look into the books which came first, i.e., “The Autumn Bride” and “The Winter Bride,” before tackling this one.
Anyway, in *this* book, it’s 1817 and the heroine is a young beauty just preparing for her London season. Her upbringing, however, was very troubled and, as a young woman, the story Jane “Chance” presents about herself and her family is not exactly the true one. As for the hero, he has traveled to London, in disguise, to deliver a message to his friend who handles spies for the English government. Zachary Black has been abroad for 12 years as a spy, but his backstory is equally as troubled, and he has not been in touch with his childhood home for quite some time. The hero and heroine happen to meet, are attracted, but neither reveals who they truly are to the other.
What makes things even more difficult for the couple is that the heroine is determined to marry a wealthy, stable, but boring man who can keep her and her future children safe and secure, unlike her own childhood. For his part, the hero has not only led a precarious, undercover life for years, but upon returning to England, he finds himself wanted for a serious crime and not free to claim his birthright.
This story is filled with colorful characters, interesting backstories, and unexpected developments, so it always kept my interest. I honestly, until the last few chapters, had no idea how the main obstacle between the couple was going to be resolved. The things that I didn’t like as much was the heroine’s insistence on marrying a totally unpleasant suitor without even going through with the season. Who knows? Someone else equally as wealthy could have proposed to her! So, I found that part of the story a somewhat false obstacle to the hero and heroine’s romance, i.e., he wasn’t a true, potential rival. Also, I do think I would’ve enjoyed the story a bit more if I had read the previous books first, but that’s my fault. I give this story a B+.
Anyway, in *this* book, it’s 1817 and the heroine is a young beauty just preparing for her London season. Her upbringing, however, was very troubled and, as a young woman, the story Jane “Chance” presents about herself and her family is not exactly the true one. As for the hero, he has traveled to London, in disguise, to deliver a message to his friend who handles spies for the English government. Zachary Black has been abroad for 12 years as a spy, but his backstory is equally as troubled, and he has not been in touch with his childhood home for quite some time. The hero and heroine happen to meet, are attracted, but neither reveals who they truly are to the other.
What makes things even more difficult for the couple is that the heroine is determined to marry a wealthy, stable, but boring man who can keep her and her future children safe and secure, unlike her own childhood. For his part, the hero has not only led a precarious, undercover life for years, but upon returning to England, he finds himself wanted for a serious crime and not free to claim his birthright.
This story is filled with colorful characters, interesting backstories, and unexpected developments, so it always kept my interest. I honestly, until the last few chapters, had no idea how the main obstacle between the couple was going to be resolved. The things that I didn’t like as much was the heroine’s insistence on marrying a totally unpleasant suitor without even going through with the season. Who knows? Someone else equally as wealthy could have proposed to her! So, I found that part of the story a somewhat false obstacle to the hero and heroine’s romance, i.e., he wasn’t a true, potential rival. Also, I do think I would’ve enjoyed the story a bit more if I had read the previous books first, but that’s my fault. I give this story a B+.
charlotteklopfer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
2.75