I actually read this one a few weeks ago, before I decided to start this segment on my blog. But it was so great I had to post about it now. 🙂
Saving Grace (Hearthfire Romance #1) by Michele Paige Holmes
genre: regency romance
After the death of her grandfather, the Duke of Salisbury, Grace Thatcher wants nothing more than to live quietly in the country with her younger siblings. Her father’s debts thwart those plans, and to protect her sister, Helen, Grace must marry a man of her father’s choosing.
As each suitor proves less than desirable, Grace comes up with clever schemes, causing each to reject her. While staying at the mysterious Sutherland Hall, a middle-of-the-night mishap sends Grace into the arms of a stranger, Nicholas Sutherland—and provides inspiration for her grandest plan yet—one that will leave her reputation in tatters yet free both her and Helen from all possibility of marriage.
Too late Grace regrets her rash actions when her father’s last choice, Mr. Samuel Preston, proves to be a gentleman and a friend. But Samuel is the sworn enemy of Nicholas Sutherland, the man responsible for her “ruin.” Now instead of being free, Grace is caught between two men—each with his own agenda.
Why I Liked It
This story is a delicious regency romance with all the right elements–scandal, romance, and page-turning good scenes. It had really great conflict and I loved how Nathaniel and Grace balanced each other out. I think that Preston was my favorite, and I’m so excited to read the companion novel about him. It’s really hard for me to get lost in a story these days and not analyze it to death, but I had no problem losing myself in this one. Great pacing, great characters, and an overall great story.
You can by Saving Grace here.