Monday, April 15, 2019

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE SOCIAL TUTOR, a Branches of Love novel by Sally Britton

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that in publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of THE SOCIAL TUTOR, a Branches of Love novel by Sally Britton, published January 30, 2018.

Blurb for THE SOCIAL TUTOR:

A Sweet and Swoony Regency Romance

After years of escaping etiquette lessons in favor of the stables, Christine Devon’s grand debut in London is only weeks away, though her deportment lacks the sophisticated polish she needs to achieve her goals of a lofty marriage. Desperate to take her place in society, she needs someone to instruct her in proper behavior.

Thomas Gilbert, newly returned from Italy, is ready to begin his dream of founding a horse farm. But during his time away, the estate’s finances have dwindled to almost nothing. Unless he can find a way to save his family from ruin, he will be forced to sell his horses and give up his dreams entirely.

A chance meeting between them may solve both their problems. Christine gains a tutor in the finer arts of polite behavior, while Thomas is given access to the finest bloodlines in England. But as time passes, the arrangement is less about business, and more about love. Will they see it in time, or will Christine leave Thomas behind for the splendor of London’s ballrooms?

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Connie’s Review:

November 1811

Christine Devon, age 19, is sitting with her sisters, Julia and Rebecca, awaiting a postal delivery. Their Aunt Jacqueline, the widow of an earl, is to be sending Christine a letter about sponsoring her debut. Her older sister, Julia’s debut 4 years ago had been an "unfortunate affair." But the whole story about what actually happened remains a secret. When her aunt’s letter finally arrives, it confirms that she will soon be off to London. But Julia is quiet about wishing her well other than to say that she hopes Christine can find a titled man that would please their father and his strict standards. Their mother passed away some years ago and their father is a hard, cold man who shows no affection for the girls. He simply issues orders and expects them to be obeyed.

Thomas Gilbert, age 28, has just returned from being abroad in Italy. He has truly missed the quiet English countryside. He learned quite a lot about horse breeding during his 2 years in Italy. Now, he finds the family’s estate monies are in trouble and his father has asked for his help in finding ways to save them all.

Tonight, the family is off to a neighboring family for a dinner party with other neighbors, including the Devon family. While at dinner, Christine is quite outspoken with the vicar questioning him about something that angers the man.

The next day, Christine sees Thomas when they are both out riding. They discuss what happened with the vicar and Thomas tells her that she needs to be more subtle when speaking to people. She is unsure of herself as she had no mother to help guide her, so Christine asks Thomas to tutor her in the ways of society and in exchange, she will give him stud rights to her prize horses.

Now, Christine’s father has given her a list of men with whom she can make a marriage. Anyone other than those on that list are forbidden to her. Should she deviate from his directions, she will be sent home.

By spending so much time together, Christine and Thomas have sparked an attraction that grows. How can there be a chance for them to find happiness with her father’s dictates and the lessened finances of Thomas’s family?

I loved this sweet and clean historical romance. Christine and Thomas are strong characters and both of them share the same interests. What happened with Julia’s “unfortunate debut” is a good story and one that I believe will be revealed in another book by the author. I’m betting this will turn out to be a delighted series.

Copy gifted to me via Amazon in exchange for an honest and fair review.

THE SOCIAL TUTOR, a Branches of Love novel by Sally Britton, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

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