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BEAUTY AND THE BARON
A penniless maid determined to save her father, a broken baron bent on isolation, and the undeniable draw between them that will lead to happiness -- or disaster.
Rose Sinclair has run out of options. With her father in prison and their bookshop sold to pay his debts, she has no choice but to turn to Henry Covington, the Baron Norcliffe. But the baron has more than earned his reputation, and Rose must face his wrath in order to save her father -- and herself.
Since the deaths of his parents, Henry Covington has isolated himself from society, ensuring the solitude of his estate with his deliberate callousness. However, when the beautiful Miss Sinclair appears on his doorstep, begging for a chance to repay her father's debut to him, a moment of weakness finds him offering her a position -- as a maid in his own house.
They both soon learn that first impressions are not to be believed. Henry is surprised -- and intrigued -- by Rose's optimistic charm, while Rose slowly uncovers Henry's true self, his compassion concealed behind the pain of loss and betrayal. But when a shadow from Henry's past returns, their newfound hope is tested. They must decide for themselves who to trust -- and what they will risk for their happily ever after.
Beauty and the Baron is a Regency retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is a sweet/clean romance novella, and is Book 1 in a series of Regency retellings. The stories can be read in any order.
My Review:
Squuueeeeee -- I just discovered a new-to-me favourite Regency author! Thank you Good Reads friends for leading me to Joanna Barker. My fainting couch got a real workout with this one -- partly from me jumping up and down as I shrieked my ecstatic pleasure to the world. Because, not only is Beauty and the Baron a scrumptious Regency romance, it's also a retelling of Beauty and the Beast! Squeeeep!!!
Grinning like an idiot writing this as I remember all the good bits which is basically the whole book. An impoverished, genteel lady with quiet strength and such a kind heart. A seething, embittered baron who has become so jaded by the world that he keeps it at bay with his foul humor. The way Rose softens him by slow degrees, gently showing him a different way to live. Be still my heart! So many happy swoony bits!
But there's treachery afoot and a mystery to solve before we get to "...and they lived happily ever after." I had so much fun spotting the fairy tale elements Barker wove throughout the story. Her unique twists made this timeless story feel fresh and new.
Toe-curling romantical bliss!
Side note: While not a Christian Fiction selection, Beauty and the Baron is a clean read that also inspires with sweet gems like this: "Kindness matters most when it's hardest to give."
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Beauty and the Baron, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 8 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!