The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere

The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to review via Netgalley
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Book Description:  Cara Bernay has never fit in. At loose ends in 1881 London after a near tragedy costs her a job, she befriends a rising young artist. With his help, she begins planning a new life and developing her own artistic talent. But soon Cara finds herself at odds with the artist's brother—a handsome but serious-minded earl who wants to force his brother back to a "respectable" life.

Henry Burke, the Earl of Morestowe, feels the weight of growing financial burdens. His profligate and emotionally unstable brother is making matters worse, and Henry needs him back home. Despite misgivings about Cara's mysterious background, Henry sees she's a positive influence on his brother and on Henry's unruly young ward, and he strikes a deal with her to return with them to their estate.

But the family has their own secrets, and when Cara, drawn ever closer to Henry, stumbles onto the truth, she must choose between following her heart and pursuing a bold plan that could bring disaster. 

My thoughts: This is the third book in the "London Beginnings" series. I read the first, missed the second, and just finished the third. While I missed the story of the second sister, Julia, I don't felt that it affected my understanding and enjoyment of this story.

Cara is a woman with a good heart. She tries to do her best in all things, but mishaps have a way of finding her. Her latest was an accident that she is keeping close and others are having a hard time forgiving. This "mishap" was the cause of her termination as a governess and her hasty retreat to London. It turns out that the saying "Where one door closes, another opens" led to some great blessings in store for her.

There are moments that left me shaking my head as Cara allowed herself to be drawn into situations that had the potential to tarnish her character. Somehow she pulls through in the end.

This book is one of redemption, forgiveness, and moving forward in times of hardship and trial. The romance was sweet. This book does contain Christain elements.

Source: I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Online Purchase Links:

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About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads) A history fan, travel lover, and outdoor enthusiast, Jennifer Delamere writes tales of the past...and of new beginnings. Her debut novel An Heiress at Heart was an RWA RITA® award finalist, and her follow-up, A Lady Most Lovely, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned her B.A. in English from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where she also gained fluency in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. An avid reader of both classic novels and historical fiction, she also enjoys biographies and histories, which she mines for the vivid details to bring to life the characters and places in her books.

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