I met Anne Gracie when she gave an author talk during a writing course I was doing. After listening to her speak I wanted to read her writing. I read her Regency novel 'The Perfect Rake' and loved every minute. A feisty heroine escapes her abusive, mad, grandfather with younger sisters in tow and enlists the aid of a dashingly funny and loveable rake.
Anne Gracie's writing voice is enchanting. Her characters jump off the page. I went on to enjoy some other historical novels by other authors but they're not my thing really. I only love Anne Gracie's Regency novels.
After reading 'The Perfect Rake', I was hooked. I read her backlist and now, each year, I await the arrival of the next Anne Gracie with all the pleasure anticipation can give. When, at last, I get my hands on it, I retreat from the world and enter Anne's Regency England's social world. I meet new friends and am reacquainted with old ones. It's like seeing friends that you've missed after a year's absence.
'Marry in Scandal' released in 2018 was a delightful book. It has all the feels. The heroine, Lily, is resourceful, sweet but tough. Even so, she needs a bit of help because she's been put in an impossible situation. The hero, Edward, respects and admires Lily's gumption and ingenuity to attempt to save herself, making his assistance possible.
I think another reason this book appeals to the contemporary romance reader in me is that while the novel is set in the Regency period, the heroine is very much a woman we can admire today. One who stands up for her self and doesn't take being treated like a commodity lying down.
Last years novel was everything I hoped for. I wait impatiently for her next novel 'Marry in Secret' to be released 02 July 2019. I know it will deliver and I can't wait.
If you haven't yet read anything by Anne Gracie, you have six months to read her backlist before the next installment. I'll probably reread 'Marry in Scandal' while I wait.
Dora Bramden writes heart melting, passionate romance.
