Realizing what a real family and having real friends means…

Synopsis

Sophie is plagued by the shadows of the past…

While driving his curricle, Rufus Solgrave, Earl of Luxton comes across Sophie Clifford lying unconscious in the road, having fallen from her horse.

Not too far from home, he takes her back to Ashby, his country seat, leaving her in the care of his mother, Elizabeth, Countess of Luxton, and his sister, Lydia. Under their kindly supervision, Sophie soon begins to recover.

Upon discovering that Sophie has never mixed with London society, Elizabeth invites her to accompany the family to town for Lydia’s come-out. Unhappy with her homelife and eager to sample the delights of the season, Sophie accepts.

However, her enjoyment is marred when talk of an old scandal surrounding her birth resurfaces. What’s more, her devious stepbrother, Francis Follet, has followed her to London, intent on making her his bride.

Sensing Sophie’s distress, Rufus steps in to protect her from Francis’s unwelcome advances.

And although neither Rufus nor Sophie are yet thinking of marriage, both soon begin to wonder whether their comfortable friendship could blossom into something warmer…

My review

When Sophie Clifford falls from her horse into unconsciousness, she has no idea how her life will change.
Not only is she being rescued by Rufus Solgrave, the Earl of Luxton, but he also leaves her in the care of his mother Elizabeth and his sister Lydia.
Slowly Sophie recovers from her injuries and when her new friends realize she never mixed with London society, Sophie is eager to accompany them to experience the delights of the season herself. Especially as Sophie’s home life was never truly a happy one, and she has always been very secluded.
However, no matter how much she enjoys her newly found freedom, her stepbrother Francis Follet continues on following her, determined to make her his bride, and not because of his affections for Sophie.
But marriage is the last thing on Sophie’s mind, especially one with Francis! But when Rufus steps in to help Sophie however and whenever he can, is there a chance that their friendship will evolve in something more, even if they both are not looking for it?

I love reading how a woman becomes this strong, independent woman, ready to live her life like SHE wants, and not how she is expected to live it, especially in Regency England.

The first impression of Sophie is rather non – existing, as her appearance is an unconscious one…
But when she wakes up and is slowly recovering, it’s clear that her life until then wasn’t a very happy one. Her mother died, her father, stepmother and stepson aren’t really going to win an award for most caring family members.

When she is being taken care of, and also a bit pampered by Rufus Solgrave and his family, she realizes how caring and loving a family can be. So even if I found it a bit strange how quickly Sophie agreed going to London and spending more time with the Solgraves, I was happy for her as having a chance to actually enjoy life.

We see Sophie evolve from this shy, secluded woman into a woman standing up for herself, deciding what makes her happy and has lack of what society may think of her choices. She wants to do what makes her happy and not what is expected from her. And I felt this pride in seeing this young woman standing up for herself. Somehow she is an example for so many.

But be warned, this isn’t simply a story about man meets woman, fall in love and live happily ever after.
Not only is despicable Francis luring around the corner too often, there are also many twists, turns and revelations that left me flabbergasted!

Of course Rufus’ presence is one that made me smile. And seeing how Rufus and Sophie are so much alike, and of course seeing them being perfect for each other before they even have an inkling themselves, was fun to read!

This was a lovely story, but also a strong one. It is about a young woman getting out for the first time, and becoming this strong woman who won’t let anyone dictate her anymore. And even if opportunity arises, she won’t settle for less than for love!
The story revolves about family, love, growth and courage. Surely a treat to read this story!