An Unconventional Countess (Regency Belles of Bath)
1806. Ashore after being wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar, Captain Samuel Delaney is visiting his grandmother when he meets Anna Fortini. Though strongly attracted to each other, their relationship gets off to a rough start. He is the presumptive heir to an earldom; she owns Belles of Bath, which is famed for its biscuits, and she despises aristocrats. Though a shopkeeper, however, she also happens to be the granddaughter of a duke, and Samuel’s grandmother not only approves of a forthrightness so like her own, but is a very determined woman. With more than a little encouragement from their respective families, the prospect for overcoming obstacles to a happy ending is promising.
What makes this romance stand out is that most of the significant characters are so likeable. They recognize their own flaws and errors of judgement, apologize sincerely, and do what they can to remedy the damage caused. Most importantly, they learn the lesson to forgive others, even when it goes against the grain. The sparks that fly, moreover, make for a lively narrative. Highly recommended.
