Review: A fabulous romantic weekend read!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 7, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.This was my very first time reading a Regency type romance novel. I will admit I never was sure if I would enjoy them as I am not a huge history person. When Ruth apprached me to ask if I would review this book I thought why not? can't hurt right? So I said yes and here is what I thought about the book.First off I did have to get used to the way the characters spoke in that time. I am not sure when it was that it took place but it took place in a day with people of Titles and a big "class" separation. Francesca has grown up around cats, BIG cats as her father is a Zoo worker. Her mother left when she was 9 years old, she ran away with a man and not just any man a Earl. This is the backdrop to understand where Francesca's fathers dislike for people/men with a title comes from. Francesca spends her time talking with the cats at the zoo but has to stay on the outside of the cages during the day, at night though she sneaks in to visit her big feline friends.One day a gentlemen visits the zoo and makes acquaintances with Francesca, they find that they both have a big love for cats and Francesca is there to save Mr. Fairgate when the gate to one cage opens. This storyline is written at a great pace that you get to really know the characters and I felt I was able to form a likeness to Mr. Fairgate (John) and Francesca. They are both sweet mannered and easy to like. Their spark forms at first sight. We later find out that Miss Cartwright wants to marry Mr. Fairgate as they are of the same class and have known each other for many years. Miss Cartwright is not a likable character, she is a snotty gold digger. All she is wanting is to have a man with loads of money. She hates the Zoo and cats.This is a cute sweet romance with an olden day feel while courting and proper appearances/class are in need. I felt myself falling in love with the main characters and routing for their love. Hoping they can over come the division and find happiness by the end of the book. I was actually sad to put down the book at the end as it would have been interesting to read more about Francesca and John. This book is a must read if you like regency and sweet romances. There isn't any swearing or hot love scenes, just cute innocent love/courtship. It was very well written and I look forward to reading more from Ruth Hartman.