Sian Bessey

Dearest Lady Bessey,

You have done it. This series is the only series in my memory for which I have written a letter review for every book. If I had a fancy engraved crystal award, I would send it to you (though I am fully aware it would mean little). But these books mean a great deal to me! Every one has touched my heart and filled me up with joy and happiness. I have found contentment and tranquility within their pages, my soul is at rest under the balm of your words. They are beautiful, and I am grateful to be able to read them.

As with the others in this series, I loved the historical tidbits and information in this book, balanced with the story. All the info about smallpox just made me so sad, and I loved that you were able to include the first vaccinations. It’s always fascinating to see strides in medical knowledge.

Also, the romance in this one was so good! Absolutely wonderful! Caroline and Benedict were fantastic. I loved Benedict’s care for people in his life, and how much he took to Meg, and subsequently Caroline. My heart just went out to Caroline so many times—I was near to tears at one point, learning her backstory! But her resilience and kind heart made her so wonderful, and I loved her. Meg was a delight! Her affinity for dandelions and mispronunciation of Lord Benning’s name was so sweet. You perfectly captured a young girl’s charm.

I just adore this series and this book. With my whole heart, I’m so glad I got to read all of these and especially glad that you wrote them! They are reread worthy books that I am thrilled to have in my library.

Your friend,
Jessica

**Many thanks to the author for the e-copy. My love for this book is genuine and from my heart.**… (mehr)

Talented author Sian Ann Bessey has written a captivating tale which perfectly illustrates why historical romantic fiction is my favorite genre. I can learn fascinating things about a slice of history while I’m reading an absorbing story. A Provincial Peer is set around the time that Edward Jenner was experimenting with a vaccine to help prevent the dreaded smallpox disease that caused so many deaths. Set in Gloucestershire, England, this tale stars widow Caroline Granger who has been scarred by smallpox which also killed her husband. Left with poor health and a young daughter, Meg, she returns to Leyfield village, her childhood home to stay with her father. When she mistakes her childhood friend Lord Benning (Benedict) as a farmhand, she is mortified. As they get reacquainted with each other, they find their relationship changing. Caroline’s daughter Meg is adorable and such a fun addition to the story. I recommend this book to those who enjoy clean, wholesome, sweet historical romance. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.… (mehr)

All the stars for this charming, gentle romance! I’ve absolutely adored each book in the Georgian Gentlemen series and am sad to see it come to an end, but this book wraps things up in such a beautiful bow. I love second chance romances especially if they were childhood friends. This sweet story involves Caroline Granger who lost her husband to small pox and is recovering herself from the disease. Left scarred and weakened, she returns home to her father’s rectory with her darling four year old daughter Meg.

Though he’s an heir to an earldom, Lord Benning much prefers working on his farm. When Meg wanders onto his property, he’s immediately charmed by the cute little girl. When her mother comes searching for her and mistakes him for a farmhand, he’s intrigued by the veiled woman. When he discovers that it’s Caroline, his brother’s best childhood playmate and the girl he used to race boats with, he’s determined to get to know her again as adults.

I loved this tender romance! Caroline is always self conscience of her small pox scars that ravaged her body and health. I loved the way Lord Benning/Benedict could easily look past the scars, and love her. I also loved how Benedict and the women in her father’s parish help her have the courage to remove her veil. Caroline’s kind, compassionate nature completely won Benedict over and her darling daughter has “Mr. Bent” wrapped around her little finger as well. I loved the visits to the farm, boat races, rescues, the daisy crowns, that first kiss (sigh), and the natural progression from friendship to love.

I knew quite a bit about small pox going in to this story, but I loved the way the author incorporated the history in such a personal, thought provoking way. As with all of the books in the Georgian Gentlemen series, there’s a bit of a mystery involved and I enjoyed the twists that challenged my perceptions of what was going on.

Highest of recommendations for this amazing conclusion to a fabulous series! It can definitely be read as a standalone, but those who’ve read previous books will recognize mentions of familiar characters. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.… (mehr)

Sian Ann Bessey’s Georgian Gentlemen series has been a favorite of mine, and The Unassuming Curator is a wonderful addition to it. Bessey is a master at creating interesting, memorable, engaging characters and building delightful stories around them.

Emily Norton is dreading her upcoming London Season. When she comes across a gentleman digging up a flower near a hedge, she is intrigued. As she meets him again in London at a dinner party, they discover they are interested in many of the same things. Henry Buckland is a curator of natural history at the British Museum and happens to be colorblind, which is a detriment in his job. He is caring and diligent and connects quickly with Emily who enjoys reading, science, and learning new things. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow as they spent time together. When danger threatens, Henry’s Aunt Millward and Emily step in to help. Aunt Millward is such a fun character. She’s witty, adventurous, helpful, and a great addition to the story.

I enjoyed learning more about the British Museum while reading this charming tale. Bessey’s rich historical research is evident, and the author’s notes at the back of the book were very interesting. The writing is excellent and the story flowed well. Although this is part of a series, it can easily be read alone. Some characters from previous books in the series make an appearance in this one, which is an added pleasure. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy clean and wholesome historical romance. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.… (mehr)