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Cotillion Ball Saga #5
Blinded by Grace
New York City, 1858
Halwyn Fitzpatrick thinks he's off the hook for attendance at the annual Cotillion Ball. He has no sister to shepherd down the grand staircase this year, and no real desire to go through the rituals of courtship and betrothal himself. Besides, he'll know the right girl when he sees her—especially now that he has new spectacles. But his mother has other plans for him. At twenty-seven years of age, her son is in dire need of a wife.
Grace Wagner needs a husband by July in order to inherit the trust her father has left for her. Her stepfather, though, has plans for the money that don't include Grace, and the last thing he wants is for her to find a husband before she turns twenty-one, thereby fulfilling the terms of the trust. She's been in love with Halwyn since she was thirteen, but he hasn't noticed her at any of the balls they've been at over the years.
With the aid of his new glasses, he spies Grace from across the room and they share a dance. Grace decides to present him with a business proposition that will satisfy them both. But can a clueless knight in shining armor and a desperate damsel in distress find a way to turn this marriage of convenience into something more?
Halwyn Fitzpatrick thinks he's off the hook for attendance at the annual Cotillion Ball. He has no sister to shepherd down the grand staircase this year, and no real desire to go through the rituals of courtship and betrothal himself. Besides, he'll know the right girl when he sees her—especially now that he has new spectacles. But his mother has other plans for him. At twenty-seven years of age, her son is in dire need of a wife.
Grace Wagner needs a husband by July in order to inherit the trust her father has left for her. Her stepfather, though, has plans for the money that don't include Grace, and the last thing he wants is for her to find a husband before she turns twenty-one, thereby fulfilling the terms of the trust. She's been in love with Halwyn since she was thirteen, but he hasn't noticed her at any of the balls they've been at over the years.
With the aid of his new glasses, he spies Grace from across the room and they share a dance. Grace decides to present him with a business proposition that will satisfy them both. But can a clueless knight in shining armor and a desperate damsel in distress find a way to turn this marriage of convenience into something more?
- GenresHistorical Romance
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2019
7 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Becky Lower
43 books195 followersAmazon best-selling author Becky Lower has traveled the United States in search of great settings for her novels. She loves to write about two people finding each other and falling in love amid the backdrop of a great setting, be it in America on a covered wagon headed west or in Regency England. Her Cotillion Ball Series features the nine children from an upscale New York family prior to and during the Civil War. Her first Regency, A Regency Yuletide, received the Crowned Heart and has been nominated for the prestigious RONE award from InD’Tale Magazine.
A regular contributor to USA Today’s Happy Ever After section, her books have been featured in the column on ten separate occasions. Becky loves to hear from her readers at beckylowerauthor@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.beckylowerauthor.com and sign up for advance notice of her new releases on: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/becky...
A regular contributor to USA Today’s Happy Ever After section, her books have been featured in the column on ten separate occasions. Becky loves to hear from her readers at beckylowerauthor@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.beckylowerauthor.com and sign up for advance notice of her new releases on: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/becky...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 16, 2014
A heartwarming continuation of the Cotillion Series by Becky Lower. As Grace enters into her third season, she knows this has to be her year. Desperate to be married and free herself from the clutches of her evil stepfather, Grace must marry this year or lose her hefty inheritance from her father. But with her stepfather, Simon, determined to keep her a spinster, she’s not sure she’ll be able to find a suitor in time. When Grace spies Halwyn across the dance floor, she formulates a plan that may just work, but will she risk losing her heart in the process?
Halwyn hasn’t seen Grace in quite some time, but when he sees her across the ballroom, he recognizes the beautiful woman she has grown up to be. As Grace and Halwyn share a dance together, Halwyn realizes that there is something keeping Grace from being truly happy. When Grace shows up at his bank to confide in him, he’s more than happy to help her out, even if it does mean marriage. When Grace’s stepfather learns of her upcoming nuptials, he’s more than a little angry, and even more determined to keep Halwyn and Grace apart. But will Simon’s actions stop Grace and Halwyn or push them together even more?
Enjoy this sweet, entertaining story of how the oldest Fitzpatrick finally succumbs to the clutches of love. I loved the chemistry between Halwyn and Grace and found their story very enjoyable. There was just enough suspense to make this novel fun, but not enough to overshadow the love story. It was quite entertaining to read both Grace and Halwyn’s point of views on the matter of matrimony since they were both feeling the same way but too afraid to show it. And of course, there was meddling Charlotte who somehow manages to make things work out just right for Grace and Halwyn despite all the obstacles thrown in their way. I just love reading stories with a mother who sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong…or does it? Don’t miss this book, even if you haven’t read the others in the series. It’s a great stand-alone book as well!
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilP
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Halwyn hasn’t seen Grace in quite some time, but when he sees her across the ballroom, he recognizes the beautiful woman she has grown up to be. As Grace and Halwyn share a dance together, Halwyn realizes that there is something keeping Grace from being truly happy. When Grace shows up at his bank to confide in him, he’s more than happy to help her out, even if it does mean marriage. When Grace’s stepfather learns of her upcoming nuptials, he’s more than a little angry, and even more determined to keep Halwyn and Grace apart. But will Simon’s actions stop Grace and Halwyn or push them together even more?
Enjoy this sweet, entertaining story of how the oldest Fitzpatrick finally succumbs to the clutches of love. I loved the chemistry between Halwyn and Grace and found their story very enjoyable. There was just enough suspense to make this novel fun, but not enough to overshadow the love story. It was quite entertaining to read both Grace and Halwyn’s point of views on the matter of matrimony since they were both feeling the same way but too afraid to show it. And of course, there was meddling Charlotte who somehow manages to make things work out just right for Grace and Halwyn despite all the obstacles thrown in their way. I just love reading stories with a mother who sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong…or does it? Don’t miss this book, even if you haven’t read the others in the series. It’s a great stand-alone book as well!
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilP
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
July 29, 2016
Becky Lower is an incredibly talented author. The books that she writes are poignantly beautiful and romantically poetic. Her characters are written with extraordinary depth and detail, and the backdrops she chooses for each story are creatively painted through the words she pens on the page. Every story she tells takes you on a journey through time and brings historical cities to life with their bustling streets and ambitious people. In Blinded by Grace, the city of choice is none other than the epically romantic New York City.
The romance begins with Halwyn and Grace. Both have their own agendas when they come together at the Cotillion Ball. Halwyn is searching for the right woman, and Grace is in need of a quick marriage to save the trust she is set to inherit. So when Grace propositions Halwyn, the two see the benefits of a quick, convenient marriage. But what seemed harmless at first, develops in to something much deeper and the two of them find themselves caught up in a truly beautiful romance.
I cannot tell you enough how much I love Becky Lower's books. She is by far my favorite historical romance author, and I would recommend anything she writes to everyone I meet. She just has a way with words and has a brilliantly warm and classic, romantic heart. Blinded by Grace was just another perfect example of how a love story should be written. Please do yourself a favor and add this book (and the rest of her repertoire) to your to-be-read list. You'll be so glad that you did.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions are my own.
The romance begins with Halwyn and Grace. Both have their own agendas when they come together at the Cotillion Ball. Halwyn is searching for the right woman, and Grace is in need of a quick marriage to save the trust she is set to inherit. So when Grace propositions Halwyn, the two see the benefits of a quick, convenient marriage. But what seemed harmless at first, develops in to something much deeper and the two of them find themselves caught up in a truly beautiful romance.
I cannot tell you enough how much I love Becky Lower's books. She is by far my favorite historical romance author, and I would recommend anything she writes to everyone I meet. She just has a way with words and has a brilliantly warm and classic, romantic heart. Blinded by Grace was just another perfect example of how a love story should be written. Please do yourself a favor and add this book (and the rest of her repertoire) to your to-be-read list. You'll be so glad that you did.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions are my own.
March 3, 2014
Another wonderful book in Becky Lower’s Cotillion Ball Series. The series follows the love adventures of the sons and daughters of the Fitzpatrick family. It is the 1858 debutante season in New York and Halwyn Fitzpatrick is relieved he has no more sisters, ready for the marriage market, to escort to the round of balls this season. However, his mother has determined it is time Halwyn married and settled down; she has a line-up of shy debutantes to parade before him, especially now he has his new eye glasses. Grace Wagner is attending her third season but this time it is imperative to find a husband before her twenty-first birthday. Her father’s will states her inheritance passes to her mother and therefore her gambling addicted stepfather if she is not married by this time. Of course her stepfather is equally determined to destroy any opportunity she may have of finding a husband and will go to murderous lengths to claim her inheritance. Grace has loved Halwyn since she was thirteen but he seemed not to have noticed her. Courageously, she makes him a business proposal of a marriage of convenience, unwittingly placing them both in danger, from her stepfather, and their growing desire for more than a sham marriage.
Like all Becky Lower’s heroines, Grace is smart, beautiful, sensitive and resourceful. Halwyn is portrayed as strong, talented, masculine and vulnerable - a hero to admire and covet. Lower has the skill to take the reader into the heart and mind of her characters and keep you riveted until the last page. This book is filled with twists and turns, adventure, danger and, of course, love. The language and settings are authentic to the period and the fashions are described in such glorious detail, it is easy to visualise them. I didn’t want this book to end but at least I know there are more coming! A beautiful and compelling series, Becky Lower.
Like all Becky Lower’s heroines, Grace is smart, beautiful, sensitive and resourceful. Halwyn is portrayed as strong, talented, masculine and vulnerable - a hero to admire and covet. Lower has the skill to take the reader into the heart and mind of her characters and keep you riveted until the last page. This book is filled with twists and turns, adventure, danger and, of course, love. The language and settings are authentic to the period and the fashions are described in such glorious detail, it is easy to visualise them. I didn’t want this book to end but at least I know there are more coming! A beautiful and compelling series, Becky Lower.
March 5, 2014
Blinded by Grace, Becky Lower’s fifth book in the Cotillion series tells us the story of Halwyn Fitzpatrick. Halwyn is a loveable hero. Serious and responsible (how can you not be as the eldest son in a family of nine children?), Halwyn is the caretaker of his large family. He would like to settle down into married life with a good woman, but does not see the necessity of amorous feelings. Marriage, after all, is an amicable business relationship. If there is one thing Hal is good at, its business.
Grace Wagner is a woman on the verge of losing her trust fund. Unless she is able to marry quickly, she and her mother will forever be at the mercy of her tyrannical step-father. When she sees Halwyn, the man she has been in love with since she was a girl, across the crowded dance floor an idea begins to bloom. She proposes a marriage of convenience to Halwyn and he agrees, both to help Grace and to stop his mother from harping on the fact that he needs a wife.
And here’s where the fun comes in, because we (the reader) know that amorous feeling will appear for Halwyn the longer he spends time with forthright and beautiful Grace. Now that he has a pair of spectacles and can really see Grace for the first time, she is no longer the gangly friend of his younger sisters, but a woman that he could spend the rest of his life with.
On top of this, the story has a sinister character in Grace’s step-father who tries to thwart the marriage which almost results in dire consequences (no more on that, you’ll have to read the story to find out what happens!).
The author dedicated this book ‘to all men who wear glasses’ which was very appropriate. I loved this bespectacled hero and felt that Blinded by Grace was a great addition to the Cotillion series.
Grace Wagner is a woman on the verge of losing her trust fund. Unless she is able to marry quickly, she and her mother will forever be at the mercy of her tyrannical step-father. When she sees Halwyn, the man she has been in love with since she was a girl, across the crowded dance floor an idea begins to bloom. She proposes a marriage of convenience to Halwyn and he agrees, both to help Grace and to stop his mother from harping on the fact that he needs a wife.
And here’s where the fun comes in, because we (the reader) know that amorous feeling will appear for Halwyn the longer he spends time with forthright and beautiful Grace. Now that he has a pair of spectacles and can really see Grace for the first time, she is no longer the gangly friend of his younger sisters, but a woman that he could spend the rest of his life with.
On top of this, the story has a sinister character in Grace’s step-father who tries to thwart the marriage which almost results in dire consequences (no more on that, you’ll have to read the story to find out what happens!).
The author dedicated this book ‘to all men who wear glasses’ which was very appropriate. I loved this bespectacled hero and felt that Blinded by Grace was a great addition to the Cotillion series.
March 3, 2014
Becky Lower's remarkable career as an author has been blossoming since 2012, and I am so honored to have been there from the beginning. Having followed her since Book One of her Cotillion Series, I can hardly believe we are on Book Five! You will be hard pressed to find an author who writes so consistently, so beautifully, so swiftly - there has been a new Cotillion Series novel about every six months - and she has yet to let me down. For a fact, a Becky Lower reader is a happy reader! Each new novel in the series makes me hungier for the next, and Blinded by Grace is no exception. Can a marriage of convenience result in happiness? Whether you have read the previous novels or not, this lovely story can stand alone as Ms. Lower transports us to 1858 New York. She deftly carries us along Halwyn Fitzpatrick and Grace Wagner's journey, opening their minds and hearts to the readers as only she can. A not-to-be missed romance for all historical fans! Immerse yourself in their world and be blinded to all that is around you until you turn the final page.
April 22, 2014
3.5/5.0
This sensuous romantic story is an entertaining tale of a smart, determined heiress who is looking for a husband, and a serious, responsible banker who is only looking for an assistant.
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
This sensuous romantic story is an entertaining tale of a smart, determined heiress who is looking for a husband, and a serious, responsible banker who is only looking for an assistant.
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
July 30, 2014
This installment to the Cotillion Ball Series is right up there with the first book in my heart. The "marriage of convenience" trope is my all time favorite, and I was thrilled to discover that it was the focus of Grace and Halwyn's story. And the amazing twist in the middle hooked me even more. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and am starting in on it right away!
March 16, 2014
http://www.thereadingcafe.com/blinded-by-grace-by-becky-lower-a-review/
5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
BECKY BECKY BECKY (claps hands together). You did it again. That was an awesome read! May I ask how you knew that I have a thing for guys with glasses? Your book dedication to men who wear glasses had me hooked right away! LOL I settled in knowing I was going to enjoy this journey!
Blinded by Grace is the 5th book in Becky Lower's Cotillion Series and it did not disappoint. First of all, let me tell you that the Fitzpatrick family (one by one they are receiving their own stories in this series) is so easy to love. We are consistently experiencing through each of her books some of the younger characters growing up, meeting up with past characters and getting juicy tidbits of how life has treated them, being introduced to perhaps new characters, and enjoying the knowledge that Charlotte Fitzpatrick (AKA Mama Bear) is still meddling and making beautiful things happen for her children!
Halwyn Fitzpatrick has until this novel avoided his mother's meddling to find him a bride. His time however has come to an end and he is resigned, that this season, he has no choice. After receiving a brand new pair of spectacles, he is finally able to enjoy the "viewing perks" of the ton. While attending a ball, he makes eye contact with Grace Wagner. Grace was a childhood friend to Halwyn's sisters, but he is a bit taken back to see she is no longer a child, but an attractive woman. After dancing and chatting, Halwyn begins to think something is very off with Grace and her family.
Grace is most definitely in a pickle. Her father is deceased and her mother remarried a horrible fortune hunter named Simon. Grace is close to receive her father's trust fund, but only if she marries by her 21st birthday. Her step-father is doing all he can to prevent this from happening because if Grace remains single, then the money goes to her mom, which then goes to him. He is an awful man and the way he goes about preventing Grace's happiness is truely heart breaking. Grace realizes the life she faces should Simon get his way, so she approaches Halwyn, proposes a plan that will help not only her situation but will assist in get Mama Bear off Halwyn's back. MARRIAGE!
The ground work has been laid out, but emotions find their way of messing around and throwing a well intended and thought through plan off course. Perhaps love will conquer, or perhaps step daddy dearest will create far too much damage. Becky Lower will take you through a beautiful love story, add just enough suspense to keep you page flipping, and feel enough emotions (be it hate or love) that once you put the book down, you feel FULL!
Another solid story Becky, I can't wait for more!
HAPPY READING! :)
5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
BECKY BECKY BECKY (claps hands together). You did it again. That was an awesome read! May I ask how you knew that I have a thing for guys with glasses? Your book dedication to men who wear glasses had me hooked right away! LOL I settled in knowing I was going to enjoy this journey!
Blinded by Grace is the 5th book in Becky Lower's Cotillion Series and it did not disappoint. First of all, let me tell you that the Fitzpatrick family (one by one they are receiving their own stories in this series) is so easy to love. We are consistently experiencing through each of her books some of the younger characters growing up, meeting up with past characters and getting juicy tidbits of how life has treated them, being introduced to perhaps new characters, and enjoying the knowledge that Charlotte Fitzpatrick (AKA Mama Bear) is still meddling and making beautiful things happen for her children!
Halwyn Fitzpatrick has until this novel avoided his mother's meddling to find him a bride. His time however has come to an end and he is resigned, that this season, he has no choice. After receiving a brand new pair of spectacles, he is finally able to enjoy the "viewing perks" of the ton. While attending a ball, he makes eye contact with Grace Wagner. Grace was a childhood friend to Halwyn's sisters, but he is a bit taken back to see she is no longer a child, but an attractive woman. After dancing and chatting, Halwyn begins to think something is very off with Grace and her family.
Grace is most definitely in a pickle. Her father is deceased and her mother remarried a horrible fortune hunter named Simon. Grace is close to receive her father's trust fund, but only if she marries by her 21st birthday. Her step-father is doing all he can to prevent this from happening because if Grace remains single, then the money goes to her mom, which then goes to him. He is an awful man and the way he goes about preventing Grace's happiness is truely heart breaking. Grace realizes the life she faces should Simon get his way, so she approaches Halwyn, proposes a plan that will help not only her situation but will assist in get Mama Bear off Halwyn's back. MARRIAGE!
The ground work has been laid out, but emotions find their way of messing around and throwing a well intended and thought through plan off course. Perhaps love will conquer, or perhaps step daddy dearest will create far too much damage. Becky Lower will take you through a beautiful love story, add just enough suspense to keep you page flipping, and feel enough emotions (be it hate or love) that once you put the book down, you feel FULL!
Another solid story Becky, I can't wait for more!
HAPPY READING! :)
September 11, 2016
Halwyn Fitzpatrick is being pressured by his loving parents to find himself a bride. Now having discovered that the world is a very different place when viewed through a pair of glasses he’s taking a serious interest in the New York debutantes of 1858’s season. Truth be told he thinks having someone else choose a bride for him would be a less time consuming task. All that love business is for others, he is a serious banker and marriage is a serious business.
Grace Wagner is an old family friend. Grace is in dire straits. If she doesn’t marry before she comes of age, her obnoxious step father Simon Huffman will inherit all her wealth. He is a wicked man, one who spends his time gambling away the family money and being cruel to both Grace and her mother.
Forced into a desperate measures, Grace approaches Halwyn with a deal. Marry her, protect her inheritance and in a year they will part and no one will be any the wiser. Halwyn needs a wife, someone to help him furnish his new brownstone. He readily agrees.
It’s not long before Halwyn realises that Simon is an evil man and will stop at nothing to get his hands on Grace’s money. He pushes forward with their wedding plans. Unbeknownst to him Grace has been in love with him since she was thirteen. She even keeps the Harvard handkerchief he gave her many years ago.
Simon will not go quietly when it comes to losing the fortune he needs. A horse is nobbled, and Halwyn is seriously injured. I enjoyed this part of the story very much indeed. Halwyn’s mother is a kind hearted woman who sees what both her son and Grace are not prepared to admit to each other. She ensures that Grace has to help nurse Halwyn back to health.
As a result of the fall from the horse Halwyn has temporarily lost his memory. He forgets the ‘arrangement’ with Grace and thinks theirs is a love match. The growth of tender feelings between the two of them is beautifully written. Halwyn begins to lust after his fiancé while Grace grapples with her attraction to him knowing it is only a false memory on his part.
She confesses the situation, only to discover that Halwyn is in love with her. There are really lovely written parts in this part of the story. I enjoyed the Fitzpatrick family and their need to assist in the journey of love for Halwyn and Grace. I’m a big fan of the family historical romance, especially with loving and fun parents and siblings.
Simon’s drastic measures toward the end put both heroine and hero in peril, but I am pleased to say love wins out.
I enjoyed this book. It has a simple elegance about it and I look forward to reading the rest of Becky Lower’s Cotillion Series.
Grace Wagner is an old family friend. Grace is in dire straits. If she doesn’t marry before she comes of age, her obnoxious step father Simon Huffman will inherit all her wealth. He is a wicked man, one who spends his time gambling away the family money and being cruel to both Grace and her mother.
Forced into a desperate measures, Grace approaches Halwyn with a deal. Marry her, protect her inheritance and in a year they will part and no one will be any the wiser. Halwyn needs a wife, someone to help him furnish his new brownstone. He readily agrees.
It’s not long before Halwyn realises that Simon is an evil man and will stop at nothing to get his hands on Grace’s money. He pushes forward with their wedding plans. Unbeknownst to him Grace has been in love with him since she was thirteen. She even keeps the Harvard handkerchief he gave her many years ago.
Simon will not go quietly when it comes to losing the fortune he needs. A horse is nobbled, and Halwyn is seriously injured. I enjoyed this part of the story very much indeed. Halwyn’s mother is a kind hearted woman who sees what both her son and Grace are not prepared to admit to each other. She ensures that Grace has to help nurse Halwyn back to health.
As a result of the fall from the horse Halwyn has temporarily lost his memory. He forgets the ‘arrangement’ with Grace and thinks theirs is a love match. The growth of tender feelings between the two of them is beautifully written. Halwyn begins to lust after his fiancé while Grace grapples with her attraction to him knowing it is only a false memory on his part.
She confesses the situation, only to discover that Halwyn is in love with her. There are really lovely written parts in this part of the story. I enjoyed the Fitzpatrick family and their need to assist in the journey of love for Halwyn and Grace. I’m a big fan of the family historical romance, especially with loving and fun parents and siblings.
Simon’s drastic measures toward the end put both heroine and hero in peril, but I am pleased to say love wins out.
I enjoyed this book. It has a simple elegance about it and I look forward to reading the rest of Becky Lower’s Cotillion Series.
September 26, 2015
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: ReadingPatti
Date: August 16, 2015
Grace Wagner meets Halwyn Fitzpartick once again at a ball. She remembers him from the first time they met when she was 13. That was when Grace fell in love with him. Hoping to help her, Halwyn dances twice with her that night, Later that night, Halwyn feels good for having helped Grace by making her happy.
Grace is troubled by her step father management of her trust. She must marry by July or lose it all. Grace comes up with a plan. Grace goes to see Halwyn at the bank and tells him what is going on. They agree to court each other then marry for a year.
Simon will do anything to stop the wedding and he makes it very difficult for these two. There is non stop hurdles and it makes for very interesting reading.
I love this book from the very beginning. I liked how they came together and they knew each other. Inspite of all the obstacles that Simon put in their way, Halwyn and Grace found each other and found their love. I would recommend this book. It is a really good historical romance.
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: ReadingPatti
Date: August 16, 2015
Grace Wagner meets Halwyn Fitzpartick once again at a ball. She remembers him from the first time they met when she was 13. That was when Grace fell in love with him. Hoping to help her, Halwyn dances twice with her that night, Later that night, Halwyn feels good for having helped Grace by making her happy.
Grace is troubled by her step father management of her trust. She must marry by July or lose it all. Grace comes up with a plan. Grace goes to see Halwyn at the bank and tells him what is going on. They agree to court each other then marry for a year.
Simon will do anything to stop the wedding and he makes it very difficult for these two. There is non stop hurdles and it makes for very interesting reading.
I love this book from the very beginning. I liked how they came together and they knew each other. Inspite of all the obstacles that Simon put in their way, Halwyn and Grace found each other and found their love. I would recommend this book. It is a really good historical romance.
March 11, 2019
What happens when the best laid plans to give you what you want, ends up not really being exactly what you want after all? For Grace, that's a hard thing to figure out. Good thing she had some Fitzpatricks at her back to meddle... er... help things along.
I adored Grace, even though at times I so wanted to shake her out of her martyr-like thoughts. She was determined to protect those around her and was willing to risk her heart being trampled on to accomplish it. And her sweetness and humbleness made her all the more charming.
Halwyn proved himself to be a worthy hero for Grace. While he may have been a little slow in realizing how much he was drawn to Grace and why he was drawn to her, his actions proved early on that he was all in for claiming Grace for his own. And when circumstances allowed him to act, he shone brightly - whether in pursuing Grace's heart or rescuing his damsel from her distresses.
This was a fun change-of-pace setting for me, going back in time to Eastern society protocol. It's so easy when reading historical stories to forget about the specifics of "back in Eastern society", where rules of the strictest nature condemn more quickly than forgive, but where heroes (and heroines) can emerge as gallant and strong as anyone else.
I truly enjoyed my time with Grace and Halwyn and look forward to discovering more of the Fitzpatrick siblings' stories.
I adored Grace, even though at times I so wanted to shake her out of her martyr-like thoughts. She was determined to protect those around her and was willing to risk her heart being trampled on to accomplish it. And her sweetness and humbleness made her all the more charming.
Halwyn proved himself to be a worthy hero for Grace. While he may have been a little slow in realizing how much he was drawn to Grace and why he was drawn to her, his actions proved early on that he was all in for claiming Grace for his own. And when circumstances allowed him to act, he shone brightly - whether in pursuing Grace's heart or rescuing his damsel from her distresses.
This was a fun change-of-pace setting for me, going back in time to Eastern society protocol. It's so easy when reading historical stories to forget about the specifics of "back in Eastern society", where rules of the strictest nature condemn more quickly than forgive, but where heroes (and heroines) can emerge as gallant and strong as anyone else.
I truly enjoyed my time with Grace and Halwyn and look forward to discovering more of the Fitzpatrick siblings' stories.
June 22, 2014
Happy endings in books are always to be expected when you have certain genre's. What I think I liked most about this book was that the happy ending wasn't straight up and in your face about it. The characters had to work and develop into a rhythem. It was a nice change from that traditional cookie cutter plot.
Ms. Lower's style of writing was easy to follow. It didn't drag on and give excessive detail. She provided just enough to keep you wanting more and reading.
When I sat down to read this book it was 10:00 at night. I had a long day and now I just wanted to relax. When I finished the book I was shocked to see it was now 1:30 at night and the 130 pages had seemlessly flown by.
I think this book could have had more in it. I think with the several months that passed by the timeline that more could have been given to the reader.
I would have liked to see a bit more of their relationship before the 'big moment' happened too. Them as children or teenagers.
I enjoy historical romance and thought this author really excelledin capturing the 1850's.
I give this book a solid 3.5 Stars. Thank you Becky for sending me this ARC. I really did enjoy it.
Ms. Lower's style of writing was easy to follow. It didn't drag on and give excessive detail. She provided just enough to keep you wanting more and reading.
When I sat down to read this book it was 10:00 at night. I had a long day and now I just wanted to relax. When I finished the book I was shocked to see it was now 1:30 at night and the 130 pages had seemlessly flown by.
I think this book could have had more in it. I think with the several months that passed by the timeline that more could have been given to the reader.
I would have liked to see a bit more of their relationship before the 'big moment' happened too. Them as children or teenagers.
I enjoy historical romance and thought this author really excelledin capturing the 1850's.
I give this book a solid 3.5 Stars. Thank you Becky for sending me this ARC. I really did enjoy it.
March 6, 2014
The latest historical romantic romp in Becky Lower's enjoyable series on the Fitzpatricks has arrived. This book focuses on the eldest son of the prominent New York banking family. Halwyn enjoys his prestigious position in the family bank and his comfortable position still living in the family home. But, at 27 years old, he is about to be pushed out of his comfort zone. His mother has decided that it is high time he took a bride and Halwyn finds himself in the awkward position of being mother's project at this year's Cotillion Ball. Grace is attending her third ball and has become of the "poor unfortunates" sitting on the sidelines. Although she is a beautiful young woman who stands to inherit a sizable fortune, her greedy step-father has made it his mission to see that Grace does not attract any suitors. By keeping her in unfashionable clothing and restricting her attendance at social functions, it is beginning to look like Simon will accomplish his goal. At least, that is, until Halwyn puts on his new and much-needed spectacles and finds himself blinded by Grace.
March 7, 2014
Ms. Lower took her latest foray into the Fitzpatrick world and the Cotillion Ball series to an entirely new level of greatness. Halwyn is the staid oldest sibling of the Fitzpatrick clan. A banker by trade that enjoys his routine life of work then home to the safety of his dwindling family. One by one the kids are bitten by the love bug and Halwyn’s time has run out. Literally his eyes are opened, due to the purchase of a pair of glasses that help him to take the view of his world at a distance instead of only what’s in front of his face. He tries out his new spectacles at the latest Cotillion, only to run into a childhood friend of his twin sisters, Jasmine and Heather. From the wallflower to nursemaid, Grace Wagner becomes a whirlwind in Halwyn’s otherwise calm life. She has much to lose in a small amount of time, but nothing to gain if she’s not willing to gamble her heart. We see it all in the characters that feel like long friends as we are swept up in the intrigue and awakening of what becomes Grace and Halwyn. I hope you enjoy you time in the 1858 as much as I did.
July 22, 2014
I have been a fan of Becky Lower's Cotillion Ball series from the beginning and have loved following the stories of the Fitzpatrick family. Lower not only has created a family of interesting people for readers to enjoy but has placed them into historically accurate settings at an important time in US history.
Book Five tells Halwyn's story--he's just gotten new spectacles and can finally clearly see the women being paraded in front of him by his mother, who wants him married and settled. But he's not interested in most of them. He's intrigued by Grace Wagner, a long time friend of his sisters, who has to marry by her 21st birthday or lose her inheritance to her conniving stepfather. She concocts a scheme to have a marriage of convenience to Halwyn followed by a divorce. He agrees to help her.
But an accident that's no accident and a desperate move by her stepfather interfere with her plan. If Halwyn can see clearly what's going on, however, they might find the happily-ever-after they so richly deserve.
Book Five tells Halwyn's story--he's just gotten new spectacles and can finally clearly see the women being paraded in front of him by his mother, who wants him married and settled. But he's not interested in most of them. He's intrigued by Grace Wagner, a long time friend of his sisters, who has to marry by her 21st birthday or lose her inheritance to her conniving stepfather. She concocts a scheme to have a marriage of convenience to Halwyn followed by a divorce. He agrees to help her.
But an accident that's no accident and a desperate move by her stepfather interfere with her plan. If Halwyn can see clearly what's going on, however, they might find the happily-ever-after they so richly deserve.
February 15, 2015
3.5*
Another good installment in this great series.
Not so much of a historical link up in this book unlike some of the others. However, the plight of women in that age is highlighted - either being the property of their father - or in this case, stepfather - or husband. There being little option to be independ.
Halwyn's story, finally giving in the both his mother's and Grace's machinations. Despite being the quiet banker, he does stand up to Grace's nasty stepfather quite admirably.
Another good installment in this great series.
Not so much of a historical link up in this book unlike some of the others. However, the plight of women in that age is highlighted - either being the property of their father - or in this case, stepfather - or husband. There being little option to be independ.
Halwyn's story, finally giving in the both his mother's and Grace's machinations. Despite being the quiet banker, he does stand up to Grace's nasty stepfather quite admirably.
March 3, 2014
A beautiful novel, filled with hope, love and... yes, grace. I enjoyed every moment of this fabulous read. Halwyn and Grace are pitch-perfect in looks and temperament as young lovers who must overcome conflict in order to find their happily ever after. With this book, Ms. Lower has certainly reached a new high in her Cotillion series. Bravo!
June 12, 2014
3 1/2 Stars
Read the review at InD'tale Magazine
http://indtale.com/reviews/historical...
March 22, 2017
Book #5 book in the Cotillion Ball Saga.....meet Halwyn
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