In another book in this series,"In My Wildest Dreams", the author took on Sabrina and did a fairly good remix of Sabrina.
This book is supposed to be a remix of "The Sound of Music" with a colonel von trapp, the huge number of children and a remixed version of Maria. Maybe Julie Andrews did too good a job with her version that Christina Dodd's version doesn't really work.
The Chemistry between the main characters is not very convincing and maybe even the espionage angle was not really handled all that well on this book.
The reason for the separation, the forgiveness and I guess the 'rape' was all a bit too much. Not a convincing book at all.
All in all this is one book in the series that is definitely worth a miss ( )

My Favorite Bride
3 Stars

Another installment in the Governess Brides that is based on a movie. This time it’s The Sound of Music, but instead of the mild mannered Maria, we have outspoken pick-pocket Samantha Prendergast alongside the stern and strict Captain Von Trapp or rather Colonel William Gregory.

Like Dodd’s previous attempt at re-telling an old favorite, My Favorite Bride fails to impress. Although the kids are cute, they lack the charm and sweetness of their cinematic counterparts not to mention their musical abilities.

The romance has potential, but neither Samantha nor Gregory are particularly likable. He is a self-righteous jerk and she is rather whiny. The espionage plot adds nothing to the story and the resolution is obvious and anti-climactic.

In sum, Dodd does better when she isn’t messing with perfection. ( )

What a great story! I laughed and cried many times! Such wonderful writing and really engaging characters!! I love this authors work!!

I am currently on a Regency kick and this one was terrific!! ( )

So we are still dealing with spies and the damage they can do when they tell the opposite side what they know. This story deals with the capture of Lord and Lady Featherstonebaugh. I was kind of sad that this couple was part of the ring in England causing all the harm. I mean they had been friends with the Throckmorton's for a long time and were the godparents of Ellery. I am sure that finding out that they have been harboring spies was quite a blow to the family. The story shows Lady Featherstonebuagh's true colors however. She isn't a very nice person and she is a scheming and mercenary woman to boot. Her husband is a womanizing nitwit that should have been caught a long time ago. I think that they got what they deserved in the end.

Now on to the main part of the story the part of the story that brings two people that are in need of love and companionship. There are also the children that are without a mother and in need of someone that will understand them and what they are going through. Colonel William Gregory treats the girls as if they were part of his battalion and not as his children. I am surprised that the girls hadn't hurt anyone to this point. They so wanted their father’s attention they were willing to do almost anything. It took someone that was sneakier and clever enough to outsmart them to keep them in line. I grew very fond of the girls as I read the story. They are all very clever and logical, at times. They have learned to stick together and scheme to get rid of those that can’t or won’t try to understand what they are going through.

Colonel Gregory is one of those upright, righteous people that can’t see that some people are driven to do what they do to survive. His world has always been black and white. Being in the military all his life has defined in ways that many people don’t understand. His record is exemplary. He is a great tactician and is clever in his search for the spies that were involved in the murder of his first wife. He is also all alpha male. I like him for the most part. However, there were times I wanted to smack him and show the error of his arrogant ways. I guess that is the perfect definition of an alpha male.

Samantha Prendregast is the product of her upbringing. She was raised on the street of London and forced to beg or do whatever was necessary to bring home money for her father to squander away. Her mother died when she was seven and no one else would take her in and care for her. However Samantha was intelligent enough and determined enough to change her ways so she could have a better life. She has learned to be a good governess. She has wonderful manners and speaks properly. She isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in and she won’t tolerate a bully or anyone being abused. I like her very much.

This was a very good story that moved with speed to a climax that had some twists that I hadn't expected. There are parts of the story that some people are not going to like but that is what makes life interesting. Ms. Dodd continues to write stories that draw you in and won’t let you go until the last page. Her characters are lovable when they should be and despicable when they should be. Another addition to the series and genre that everyone should read. ( )

Although I love Christina Dodd's books, and particularly this series, this book in particular has a bit of "The Sound of Music" to it. Still an enjoyable read, though. ( )