Lessons About Children, Family, and Duty

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance

SERIES: The Hapgoods of Bramleigh #3 (Note: each book is standalone and can be read out of order)

THE PREMISE: Hugh Hapgood, widower, successful bank partner, and father of three, is heir to his cousin’s estate Bramleigh. And following in the footsteps of Mr. Collins, he travels to Bramleigh to intentionally seek a new wife from amongst his fair cousins in an effort to atone for the entail…

WHAT I LOVED:

• I ❤️ the Hapgoods: I completely adore everything about this traditional Regency series! The Hapgoods are such a quirky, endearing, and diverting family. And I thoroughly enjoy how Christina Dudley is constructing this multi-installment family saga that spotlights various Hapgoods and builds a whole world around their estate in Somerset. For those who are unfamiliar with this series, the Hapgoods are an almost impoverished gentry family of four independently-minded daughters, a blustery and unsophisticated squire who prefers to spend all his time enjoying outdoor pursuits, and an often indisposed and indolent mother.

• Rosemary DeWitt: Daughter of the Hapgoods’ neighbor, is on “the wrong side of thirty,” unmarried despite receiving several proposals, and not regarded as a great beauty. Sounds like Charlotte Lucas a little, doesn’t she? But unlike Charlotte, Rosemary believes in love matches and did not want to marry someone who was just attracted to her wealth. Rosemary is such a likable heroine whom I’d love to be best friends with. I admired how she interacted with children and her advocacy and efforts for education amongst the village children. And I loved witnessing her heart grow fond for Hugh Hapgood even though she believes it is very unlikely that he would consider her in any way.

• Hugh Hapgood: Poor Hugh had a very unhappy and cold first marriage, and as a result has grown into a distant and too-serious father. But now as a widower, he sets about taking care of his children by finding them proper schooling and a new mother. What an admirable and sympathetic hero! I loved seeing Hugh interact with his children and struggle with making decisions and winning their regard. I also loved his “pirate grin” and fascination with a black-haired mermaid…

• Inner Thoughts: Every interaction between Hugh and Rosemary is full sparks, shimmers, and satire. I loved all the chemistry and tension swirling around them. But what I loved even more was seeing their inner thoughts and yearnings for each other, and how both are so completely unaware that their interest and regard is returned in full measure. Christina Dudley creates such a believable, rewarding, and swoon-worthy romance in this story.

• Mischief, Matchmaking, and Speculation: There is plenty to excite in this tale – Hugh Hapgood’s children decide to take some matters into their own hands and their schemes and pranks are uproariously funny! I love how each and every one did not go according to plan and all the mix-ups and mishaps they manufactured! In addition, some attractive newcomers arrive on the scene, and their actions and behaviors incite no small amount of curiosity…

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Nothing!

CONCLUSION:

For any reader that loves traditional Regency romances full of dynamic and singular heroes and heroines, lovable secondary characters, and excessively diverting romantic capers, I entreat you to acquaint yourselves with the Hapgoods of Bramleigh. This series is thoughtfully-composed, tightly-constructed, and infinitely entertaining. I eagerly await my next encounter with the endearing and eccentric Hapgood clan!

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Meet The Hapgoods!

Book 1 : The Naturalist

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Book 2: A Very Plain Young Man

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