Because the previous book, THE HONORABLE CHOICE, was such a powerful book, I could not attempt this book until I could forget some of the awful aspects of Lucas Ashbrook. Briefly, as a wager, he faked a marriage to Ruby. When she became pregnant, he rebuked her and told her it was a false marriage. Her parents were horrified and went to the Ashbrook parents for some action. Conrad, a younger son, married Ruby, and Lucas left for America.
In this story, we learn that life in America was not easy, and after eight and a half years, Lucas returned to England with a ward in tow. He only asked his parents for a menial job at the mill. Although Conrad would not talk to him (Conrad is now the mill's manager), Lucas kept working. Other workers were unaware of Lucas's true identity. Lucas was acutely aware that his presence in the Ashbrook home was creating tension among the other siblings.
I did not think M A Nichols could create such a powerful story on the heels of the last one. However, this book had me crying repeatedly (books do not make me cry). Now that I have finished all of this author's Regency novels, I'm unsure what to do. This author has ruined me for the simplistic Regency novels of "boy chases girl until the girl catches the guy." Her stories are so emotionally laden and complex. Beautiful writing.
The Ashbrooks Series -- Total of 5
1. A True Gentleman (2018)
2. The Shameless Flirt (2019)
3. A Twist of Fate (2023)
4. The Honorable Choice (2020)
** 5. A Light in the Dark (May 24, 2024)
In this story, we learn that life in America was not easy, and after eight and a half years, Lucas returned to England with a ward in tow. He only asked his parents for a menial job at the mill. Although Conrad would not talk to him (Conrad is now the mill's manager), Lucas kept working. Other workers were unaware of Lucas's true identity. Lucas was acutely aware that his presence in the Ashbrook home was creating tension among the other siblings.
I did not think M A Nichols could create such a powerful story on the heels of the last one. However, this book had me crying repeatedly (books do not make me cry). Now that I have finished all of this author's Regency novels, I'm unsure what to do. This author has ruined me for the simplistic Regency novels of "boy chases girl until the girl catches the guy." Her stories are so emotionally laden and complex. Beautiful writing.
The Ashbrooks Series -- Total of 5
1. A True Gentleman (2018)
2. The Shameless Flirt (2019)
3. A Twist of Fate (2023)
4. The Honorable Choice (2020)
** 5. A Light in the Dark (May 24, 2024)
