Can This Foundling Find Her Way?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance
SERIES: Rags to Richmonds #3
THE PREMISE: Frederica arrived as an orphan and has been at the orphanage so long she is now acting as interim superintendent. A new widowed patron of the orphanage recognizes that she might be the last long lost Richmonds sibling, and his discovery changes her world. Now Frederica has family, now she could have a possible different path, now she could have a different purpose. The question is does Frederica want any of it…?
WHAT I LOVED:
- “Therapist, Mother, Maid:” Frederica is shouldering too much labor at Taverstock Orphanage, but she loves it. She is devoted to children. She advocates for her young charges and gives them all the nurturing love and understanding they need. I found Frederica so admirable. I loved following her day-to-day life at the orphanage. Each interaction she shared with a child was heartwarming and endearing.
- Frederica’s Choice: Unlike her sisters, Adelaide and Scarlett, when the Richmonds find her, Frederica is not so sure she is wants to leave her past behind and follow this unexpected path to a new future. Ideally Frederica would like to live in both worlds – but can she realistically do that? It doesn’t seem likely…especially when the prospect of leaving the orphanage briefly for a week to visit her relations in Chiltern Court seems like an impossibility. Frederica’s struggle, guilt, and indecision felt very real and understandable. Her innate sense of responsibility and contentment with her work make her hesitant to quickly embrace anything that would alter that.
- Duke of Penrith: A widowed father of three, the Duke has become very sensible and considerate towards children who lose their parents. He and his children are grieving, and he wants to do what he can to help those who experience similar misfortunes. Again, this series introduces a most compassionate, gentle, and estimable hero for us to admire. These type of worthy and practically perfect men must grow on trees or something! I loved seeing the Duke’s friendship with Frederica – he immediately admires her attitude and passion for her work, but then his looks and actions begin to speak of something more. His support and empathy towards Frederica is everything you would want in an ally or friend, but it is even better because his feelings run so much deeper.
- Full House: I grow more and more fond of the Richmonds with each book of this series. And now they are finally all collected together! I love the jesting and bonding we see them share together. Each person had to work through their own trials and adjustments, and now we see them each embracing those changes. They are finding peace, they are finding love, and it is inspiring to witness. It brings a lot of joy to see them all together.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
- Showdown?: Slight Spoiler Alert! The Richmonds’ worst fear has come to pass and the tension is high! But then it very quickly deflates…without a final confrontation. I really enjoyed the rising build up of the antagonist finally making his move, but I was disappointed it didn’t last longer and that essentially took place off page.
NOTE: While it isn’t completely necessary to read any other books in the series before this book, I’d recommend doing so as it gives more backstory about the Richmond brothers, Adelaide, and Scarlett.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
👑 The Regency fairytale continues – a hardworking heroine finds both a loving family and a compassionate and considerate hero.
🤔 Duty to one’s work or to one’s family? Frederica is confronted with very challenging decisions in this tale.
🎩 While all the Richmonds sisters experienced a similar sequence of events, I’m very eager to see what now becomes of Viscount Oakley and what path he traverses.
