Apple Blossoms: A Regency Fairytale

Apple Blossoms

by Britain Kalai Soderquist

Edition: Kindle, 2020

Synopsis:

It is a truth universally acknowledged that one’s first London Season will always be fraught with intrigue.

Anxious heiress Margaret finds herself the victim of a failed abduction attempt by the roguish Marquis of Halford. Plagued by nightmares and mistrusting her own judgement, she assumes a new identity and flees into hiding deep within the Welsh countryside. Her guardian aunts caution against further romantic entanglements, but Margaret’s heart is put to the test again when Major Philipps, a handsome cavalry officer, returns home to the beautiful Picton Castle.

Back in England, spirited Bianca struggles to learn the desires of her own heart as she takes the role of spy against Margaret’s villainous Marquis. A flirtatious stepmother and a half-dozen bumbling suitors complicate matters further, for without a proper chaperone in London’s gossip-filled ballrooms, Bianca soon realizes the Marquis is ruthless enough to sacrifice her reputation—and both girls’ happy endings—to his search for Margaret’s whereabouts.

When Margaret travels to London, she never expects to have her head turned by the roguish Marquis of Halford and then have him almost abduct her. To keep her safe, she is sent to her three aunts in the Welsh countryside where she takes on a different name. Meanwhile, her close friend Bianca contrives a scheme to also go to London and does what she can to keep the marquis from discovering Margaret’s location. Romance blossoms for them both but will the marquis find a way to ruin them both?

This was a lively and charming read. I have a fondness for fairytale retellings, especially when they are set in the real world. It was fun to see the nods to the original tales as I followed Margaret and Bianca through their stories. It is told through a series of letters exchanged between the pair. At times, the word-for-word recitation of events made my hand ache imagining handwriting that much!

Both girls made me feel so old at times with their impulsive actions. I found myself shaking my head and occasionally tutting, especially at some of Bianca’s antics! They both leap off the page and their personalities made them seem so very real.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy fairy tale retellings, sweet romance, and Regency era stories.