At the end of this book, I had to look back at the title in puzzlement, because I honestly couldn’t figure out why on earth March Lawson might be considered lucky. Orphaned and left to look after her siblings before she ever gets a season in London, the neglect of the family by their guardian has made it necessary for her to work on the farm as well as scrimp and save every day just to put food on the table.

When their old guardian dies and a new one inherits the position, March appeals to him for assistance. Told to apply to his solicitor (who never answers, for reasons which are never explained) she eventually has to take matters into her own hands and access her own trust fund with a forged signature, just to make sure her family has enough to eat.

I couldn’t believe anyone had the gall to accuse her of embezzling from HER OWN TRUST FUND, and especially not to feed her family. Once Michael was fully apprised of the situation, I couldn’t believe he kept throwing it in her face. Pretty is as pretty does, and while Michael might resemble Michaelangelo’s David - a fact referenced constantly by March - his actions speak for themselves, especially when he is so ready to believe the worst of March even after getting to know her.

There were a few anachronisms in the writing, such as ‘aka’ and ‘gotten’ which threw me out of the story, and other things which were never really explained, such as how March several times referenced herself as being on the larger side when she and her family had been struggling to get enough to eat. March was self-sacrificing and certainly wouldn’t have eaten at the expense of the others.

Michael’s dyscalculia was the most interesting part of the plot, but his anxiety over it felt overdone. Dukes don’t get cut out of the line of succession for such minor issues and his constant panicking that he could be ruined if March found out was annoying. March’s potential illegitimacy was a much more serious issue and yet he just brushed that aside, which made absolutely no sense. His choice to take the word of those he barely knew over March’s felt like contrived drama to eke the story out a bit longer, and her easy forgiveness of him when he finally acknowledged he’d done the wrong thing was frustrating in the extreme.

I really liked March and her family; her brother Bennett was probably my favourite character in the story. Michael, however, was another story, as was his brother. The two of them behaved like the worst kind of entitled males, expecting everyone to jump to their every whim no matter what the circumstances. Yes, Michael had a few moments where he did the right thing, such as telling the suitors for March’s sisters they would need to speak to her, as head of the family. For me, the bad outweighed the good in the way he treated March herself, without respect most of the time. I didn’t feel as though he was a good match for her and I didn’t want them to end up together.

Two stars, for too much contrived drama and a hero I didn’t like most of the time.

March, Faith, Julia and Bennett Lawson’s parents died when March was 17 leaving her to take care of her siblings with the help of her father’s assistant, Hart Pennington aka “Uncle Hart”. Their guardian, Lord Burns, a friend of their grandfather’s does not answer March’s letters for assistance. March knows they have trust funds, but she cannot access them. So, she takes care of her siblings as best she can by moving out to the country estate.

Bennett, now 9, would like to be addressed as “My Lord” and informs March she is fired because they must eat ham and beans too often. He would like some sweets. March discovers that the Marquess of McCalpin is the successor trustee of their accounts as her father’s solicitor has died. He writes a letter of introduction but has never answered her requests for money to live on. She decides to take matters into her own hands and move to the London house.

Michael Cavensham, aka Marquess of McCalpin, has a secret that he doesn’t want known. He has several people who work for him and his younger brother, William, is his personal advisor. Mr. Jameson, a bookkeeper in his solicitor’s firm, has discovered irregular requests for disbursements. Looking at the requests, he realizes it’s not his signature, but a very good copy.

March meets with McCalpin to request her trust. He refuses as he doesn’t believe she’s 25. Though he is curious and starts looking into their circumstances. He finds her interesting. After seeing how they live, he has them move into his parents’ home where the Duke, his father, takes Bennett under his wing. There are many things going on in this wonderful book and I won’t spoil them. You will enjoy learning their secrets and watching them fall in love. I highly recommend this book! You won’t want to put it down.

This is another one of those novels that completely stands on its own. In fact, I have not read any of the prior novels in this series, and was able to understand and enjoy this one without issue.

On the whole, I enjoyed this story. The author started off strong, and introduced us to some complex and interesting characters. March is a woman who doesn't shy away from hard work, or making the tough decisions. Even the fact that she forges Michael's name isn't enough to make the reader dislike her especially considering that her pleas for her guardian to turn over money to keep her little brother's estate afloat (as well as care for even the most basic of the families needs) have gone unanswered. She had no other option, and because she is having the money released from her dowry, she's not even technically stealing money from Michael or his family. I also enjoyed the way that Michael was flawed, but managed to still perform the duties required of the eldest son of a Duke. Once he saw the dire need of March's family with his own eyes, he was more than willing to help them.

Where the story lost some of its shine for me was both with the actions of some of the secondary characters, as well as some later actions and reactions of Michael himself. I don't want to give too much away and spoil it for other potential readers, so forgive me if I'm a little vague. To begin with, there is a cousin to March's family who is a right little git. He does everything he can think of to ruin March and her family in the hopes that he can take over the estate until her brother comes of age. It comes across as too over the top, and if that wasn't enough there are some other elements that are a direct result of this that cause even Michael to turn from March and believe the worst of her. Granted, it is understandable to an extent considering their past, HOWEVER, considering all they had shared between their first meeting and when these events took place, it really seemed a bit extreme and out of place.

Overall, I do believe fans of historical romances that aren't entirely light and fluffy will enjoy this one. I would read more from this author.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

This is a historical romance with a strong, determined young lady as the powerful lead character. March Lawson is an orphan who is struggling to care for her younger siblings after the tragic death or their parents eight years ago. They are supposed to have a suitable allowance to help maintain them home and keep them in the style to which nobility expects but their trustee seems reluctant to let them have any monies and March has to do more and more to just keep them fed and safe. She should have been given her own trust funds to manage when she was 25 years old - three months ago. However, the trustee isn’t responding to any communications so she decides to obtain her own money to help keep her siblings safe, warm and fed - she signs instructions for monies to be paid into her account but she signs them as the trustee, Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin. When he discovers what she has been doing he decides to investigate . . .

This is a well crafted story with brilliant characters - some you’ll love and others, well I’d better not type what I’d like to do with them! There’s mystery, intrigue and suspense, threats, danger, lies and disgrace as the story unfolds. There’s also a heartwarming romance that may well bring a tear to your eye as it develops with so many twists and turns to keep you guessing. If you enjoy reading historical romance I recommend you don’t miss this - but keep the tissues handy whilst you read it!

I requested and was given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

When I requested this ARC, I promised to give a fair and honest review in return. I have read other books by Janna MacGregor and always find them good stories. I kept getting closer and closer to the end and still no culprit. Was getting a bit anxious that I would not find out until a further book. A story about two imperfect people who fall perfectly in love.

The Luck of the Bride
by Janna MacGregor

This was a fantastic read! I looooved Michael and March they didn’t start of on the right foot he believes she’s a thief even though he doesn’t see the bigger picture at how her life was/is, she totally lived for her siblings putting their needs above her own. She believes him to be uncaring and neglectful, but oh my goodness this book just pulled at my heart and then pulled some more, from the beginning life for March was not the way she had dreamt about, one day she’s thinking about her debut and balls the next she’s without her parents alone in charge of her much younger siblings and without dreams. So much emotion and angst this was the kind of book that a box of tissue is required when the emotions run high and they will, trust me. You have a villainous relation plenty of twists and turns before they get their much deserved happily ever after!
I TRULY ENJOYED THIS!
Janna MacGregor has the gift of captivating the reader with her exquisite storytelling! I highly recommend.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

This is far and away the best book of the series. I fell so hard for March and Michael. The emotions in this story were overwhelming and I found myself in tears several times, and full on crying at other times. March and Michael are the perfect couple and the perfect compliments of each other.

At the beginning of a book, my mind naturally tries to work out what the fallout would be between a couple. This story turned out to be nothing like I expected. March's struggles felt so real and my heart repeatedly broke for her. I hate the way she viewed herself, but could also relate to it. I loved the way Michael viewed March and even when some things came to light, it didn't automatically change how he viewed her. He struggled with his feelings for her because they were so strong and real. The slow burn between them was so powerful and sexy, easily burning away the pages. March and Michael are the kind of couple I could read over and over again. Highly recommend this beautiful story!

ARC provided by NetGalley.

ixed feelings about this one.
Liked the story. Loved the strong heroine and the sensitive hero. Loved Bennett and can't wait for him to grow up and have his own story. I thought the story was well paced.
The only thing that really bothered me was the inauthenticity to the era. An all women bank would have been shunned at the time. Character dialogs are too modern. March's lack of chaperone wherever she went, was unbelievable.
It's been awhile since I couldn't put a romance down, but this was one of those I just wanted to keep reading once you get past the not so accurate to the era flaw.

the latest book in the cavensham series, pairs desperate, brilliant mathematician march lawson with dutiful, generous, non-mathematically inclined michael cavensham, marquess of mccalpin. they meet when he discovers she's been embezzling from the trust her father set up for her to inherit on her twenty-fifth birthday. unfortunately, he's only just learned about the trusteeship, given that he inherited it from an uncle, and the documentation available doesn't back up her claims.

i'll be honest, the whole paperwork issue—which does become an even bigger deal later in the story—was super confusing and i'm still not sure why any of it actually came into play in the first place. it was a very convoluted way to create obstacles where there weren't really any.

especially since the moment they set eyes on each other, michael and march are totally enthralled. she is unreserved in her admiration, and while he is equally smitten. they both have baggage and insecurities, but they complement each other so beautifully. it's just a really sweet love story in the end.

**the luck of the bride will publish on may 1, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press (st. martin's paperbacks) in exchange for my honest review.

I have enjoyed this series a lot, especially with the not-so-happy circumstances that arise. It did take me a little bit to get into the story, more so than the other two, but once it got going, I could not stop turning the pages. This story made me laugh, cry, and sigh. The strength that March had to keep their farm and home going, her family together, and improve their future was admirable. I loved how Michael stepped up once he knew he had been lax with his responsibilities. I loved all the characters throughout the series and this book. I highly recommend this book and the series.

I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and it is a Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team selection. This is my unsolicited review.

I could not put this book down once I started it. I didn't really enjoy the first book in the series but I loved this one. The only two things that got me was the fact that Micheal felt the need to hide the fact that he wasn't good with numbers (I get that it was considered a stigma back then) and that March took him back after he didn't believe her about stealing the 5,000 pounds from him. March should have made him suffer for that. I know it looked bad but I guessed who the culprit was as soon as Rupert said Mr. Jameson helped him. I definitely recommend this book to lovers of Regency romance.

March Lawson is trying to raise her siblings, but the marquess in charge of her accounts isn't responding to her pleas for her allowance. I never expected bookkeeping drama to be so engrossing. I loved the interaction between March and the marquess Michael, but I was annoyed by the "villain" in this piece as his last attempt to drive them apart felt very overdone and didn't leave enough time for a reconciliation between March and Michael that I believed.

This story was absolutely delightful! The writing was first rate and the characters were wonderful! I loved Michael and March and adored seeing them get their HEA. It was nice to read about the characters we met in the earlier books in the series as well. I can’t wait to read Daphne’s story next, the finger’s crossed it will be William’s turn! Highly recommended.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher*

Kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.....

Wow, blown away !. Janna had me completely emerged in his historical beauty.

Okay, quick re-cap. This is March and Michael's tale. She's on the verge of losing everything when the new trustee steps in. Has all been saved or is this the beginning of a web of lies, secrets and passion that March cannot escape ?.

Loved the plot twist and the fact that our leading lady March is such a strong, family first, sweetheart. As for Michael.......well what a weight you carry.

Definitely a passionate romance !!

5 "take me to the past and let me keep your secrets" Stars from me !!.

Well done Janna, gorgeous tale x

Many thanks for this opportunity x

Family secrets, mistaken identities…love and money make people do crazy things in The Luck of the Bride, the third Cavensham Heiresses novel.

March Lawson has never had much luck, and in a desperate move to save her family, she's been posing as the Marquess of McCalpin. But when she's summoned to a meeting with the Marquess himself, March expects jail time…not to be bewitched by dark hair and sapphire eyes.

Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin and heir to the Duke of Langham, finds himself drawn to March despite the judgments from his peers. He isn't sure he can trust March, especially since Michael has a secret that could ruin him and his family.

But society conspires to keep March and Michael apart, and when March is accused of not being who she says she is, will Michael toss her aside or fight for the woman he's come to love?



This was a very emotional read and I loved it. I so understood the struggle of the main female character and fell in love with both of them and their struggle to be who they needed to be for their families while finding who they wanted to be for themselves. I absolutely loved the characters of the book, even though I didn't read the series in order of publication, you don't need to as the book is written in a way that you can read it without the knowledge from the other books. Michael is a future Duke who is struggling with a major secret. March is one of his charges that the future Duke has regulated to his stewards to take care of and in so doing left her to fend for herself and her family. March was doing her best to take care of her siblings, she's struggling and she comes up with an idea to be a little more successful to protect them and in doing so comes to the attention of Michael.



Some of my favorite characters in this book were Lord Bennet Lawson the youngest of the Lawson siblings and seriously the funniest as he attempts to fill in as Lord while still being a child who hasn't learned all there is to know about the job. I loved how his letters helped to further the story, bring grace to his sister's struggle and also injected the much-needed humor into the story. March is the second favorite character because she's loyal, loving and despite her plans going awry she still protects everyone she loves even if it means she's in pain herself.



One of my favorite scenes has to be March's trip to London, the different sights described to show the countryside, her journey from there to proper town was mirrored in her eventual journey financially and socially as well. I loved that she loved her country home but realized that for her siblings to have the proper futures she needed to adapt and leave and she was willing to do so. The author does a fantastic job making you feel as if you are apart of the world of the aristocracy, the dizzying journey from where they were to be the Belles of the ball and the fears that the journey brings. As I was reading I kept thinking about Downton Abbey and it's inhabitants; this felt like an episode of the show in a way that felt right at home and this made me love the story even more.



While this is a romance and the ending is almost guaranteed to be a happy ending the journey to get there is the part I read for and until the very last few pages, the author kept us right on the edge of the seat. I was uncertain how it would end and I was freaking out as the pages flew by and the final confrontation didn't happen. ahhhhhhhhh so nerve-wracking, and emotional. I wanted to cry, sobbed a few times and anxiously read to get to the ending. There are several times I wanted to reach into the book and knock Michael in the head because he kept stumbling, he so desperately wanted to hang on to his secret that he was willing to believe the 'evidence' of March's betrayal and yet claimed to love her. Ugh silly man, the biggest part of love is trust and if you don't trust her then you can't really love her like you claim.



There was a moment in March's home estate that Michael confronts her but because he's struggling with his secret he didn't look beyond the surface and March had communicated with him however due to a misunderstanding Michael missed the letter. Those moments as they stood there hurting each other without really knowing the full scope of the others pain made me want to cry, poor March was unaware that he hadn't read the letter and he was too prideful to admit to wanting her for himself and they both just. Ugh the tears. I wanted to scream at him to go home and find the letter, and at the same time beg March to hold out hope. It was just a roller coaster ride of emotions and even writing this now remembering that scene I'm getting a little misty-eyed.



I do definitely need to read the other stories in the series because the glimpses of the secondary characters were wonderful and they were such good friends to both Michael and March when they needed them. Michael came from a great strong family and his parents really reminded me of Downton's family and I just absolutely loved the way they embraced the Lawson children. I loved that they discussed how the secret was handled and when Michael finally owns it that it doesn't bring him to his knees like he thought it would. I would, however, like five minutes with his former nanny. I loved his brother and their relationship and I can't wait until we get his book, he's so fiercely loyal and loving, he certainly deserves a great story as well. There were a few great discussions about the laws that affected so many and I just really loved how the book touched on so many things including how women couldn't handle their own money unless they were widows.



I highly recommend this story and I can't wait to get to the other books because I'm sure they're going to be good emotional reads as well. It was fun, it was sweet, emotinal with smart women and loving charasmatic men. Even the mystery that needed to be solved was complex in it's reasoning. I just loved it.



★★★★★

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Happy Reading my loves,

March Lawson was an amazing heroine and I was impressed with her dedication to her family. She is smart, independent and resourceful. She has been the anchor for her family since her parents died and when all pleas to her trustee are ignored, March will do whatever is necessary to provide for them - even steal, from herself!

Michael Cavensham, Marrquess of McCalpin and heir to the Duke of Langham is the executor of March's trust and is shocked when he learns that someone has been using his name to withdraw funds. He summons March to London and is immediately impressed with her bravery and resourcefulness. When he learns the extent of their suffering, he immediately tries to set things to rights. But he has to be careful, because Michael has a secret that would humiliate him if anyone finds out.

I really liked March and Michael, I thought they were perfect for each other and balanced each other nicely, I was enjoying the book right up until about the 75% mark, that's when it nose-dived for me. When accusations are made, instead of standing by the woman he asked to marry him, he turns on her. Even when his family doesn't believe the accusations and tell him he is wrong, he still doesn't believe her. I was disgusted when he finally finds the real villain and goes to her - he says sorry and she says lets not dwell on the past - come to bed - WHAT??

The book started out really good and I was really enjoying it and I probably wouldn't have even minded if the author threw this twist in earlier, but it happens too late in the book for them to have a believable recovery - and he really, really, really needed to grovel - but there was no groveling at all, he had no faith in her until he found PROOF that she was not guilty and then she just forgives him and they live happily ever after. I just don't believe it.

This is the third book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone title. I don't know if I would recommend this book or not - the author's writing has definitely improved and she is a good storyteller, but I just didn't care for the way this book ended.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

I received The Luck of The Bride by Janna MacGregor on NetGalley in exchanged for a far review. This is the third book in her Cavensham Heiresses series and the first book I have read by Janna MacGregor so it can be read as a stand alone. However, after reading about March and Michael, I intend to go back and read the last two books.
March Lawson lost both of her parents on the eve of her first season at the age of 16. From that day forward, she became to sole person responsible for raising her three younger siblings; but didn't have access to any of the funds her parents left in trust. Forgotten by all, and with no one to help, she sets outs to steal, from herself, by masquerading as the Marquess of McCalpin.
Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin, can't stand numbers. So, when it is brought to his attention that someone is stealing from the trust he is responsible for, he sets out for justice. What he finds is .a woman that will do anything for the welfare of her family. Coming from a loving family himself, Michael quickly rights the wrongs of years of neglect, only to have lies and deceit risk all.
I was quickly drawn to March. She a strong, independent woman that maintains her love of family. Through all the neglect, lack of funds, and other hardships, her love never dies. At times, I just shed tears for March and her neglect. To have everyone simply ignore you when you ask for help for the basics make me cringe, and angry. But, March perseveres. Janna MacGregor created a heroine I came to love.
Michael is so insecure about his trouble with numbers, at times, I want to hit him. I had to remind myself, this time period had zero tolerance for limitations and "weakness" However, he has such empathy and compassion that he is determined to take care of March. The way he attempts to bolster March's self esteem just made my heart swell. I so enjoyed this book!!! #TheLuckoftheBride #NetGalley

March Lawson is left to look after her siblings when her parents die, her dreams of a future die along with her parents. Her hopes soon spiral down when their Guardian doesn’t send them any money to keep the estate going or to put food on the table. Taking over as estate manager she runs their farm, she must keep it afloat until her brother can assume his roll as head of the family. March has a strong mind for numbers and is not afraid to do what’s needed, even if it fixing downed fences or shirring sheep faster then most men. She will do what’s needed to protect them, even if that means forgery.
Michael Cavensham, Marquess of McCalpin is the heir to a powerful family. There are many people who rely on them and many businesses to run. He’s a strong intelligent man nut numbers make no sense to him. With his brother William’s help he manages everything but the cloud of discovery always looms over his head. When he learns someone embezzling money from Lawsons trust using his signature and seal he demands March come to London to meet with him. Not trusting March or her story Michael goes to Lawson Court to investigate for himself. He learns that the family has been suffering for years and March did what she did to feed the family and keep the estate from falling down around them.
Michael and March come to an agreement no more embezzling and Michael will assure the Lawson’s are well taking care of. Michael starts to see March as someone he could spend his life with, someone who could be a true helpmate. March starts to have hope for her siblings future and possible her own. Then one day accusations made pull the rug from under her feet and new found trust and love are put to the test. Will Michael stand by her side or will duty cloud his decision?
This is the first book I’ve read by the author and it will not be my last. I loved everything about it and the secondary characters made it a joy to read. I laughed and cried and with the twists and turns I could not put it down.

Janna MacGregor's first foray into writing her first series continues. Book 3 is the story of March and Michael.
March Lawson, is the oldest sister to young Bennett, Viscount Lawson and to Faith and Julia. Orphaned at tender ages, March became the caretaker of everyone and everything at Lawson Court from age 17. March has done an exemplary job.
Michael Cavensham, Marquess of McCalpin, heir to the Duke of Langham, is the successor trustee to managing the monetary affairs of the Lawson sisters.

The heroine and the secondary female characters are all endearing. But I couldn't warm to the hero and the rest of the male characters, and there are a few of them, with the exception of Hart, Bennett and the Duke of Langham, these three have stellar personalities, especially 9-year-old Bennett, he amuses me greatly. I find the hero lacking in strength of character in general not because of his math dyslexia? or dyscalculia? but the way he handled his relationship with March, both personal and financial. It just wasn't well-done. He could have done so much better, in words and in deeds.

Barring the aforementioned, this is fine story-telling, for the women are portrayed as self-reliant, enterprising, resourceful, good-hearted, affectionate and clever. They set the bar high on self-sufficiency, proving themselves strong in the face of conflict.

I voluntarily read an eARC from NetGalley. This is my impartial, unbiased review.

This new author is continuing to improve and refine her craft in this, her third book. While she still has issues with modern concepts and language creeping into the story, they are fewer than in the previous books – and maybe they’ll be caught and corrected before actual publication since I have an advanced copy. This book could have, so easily, been a full 5-star book, but the last part changed that. I thoroughly enjoyed the book up until about the 80-85% mark where there were some very contrived situations and some very unnecessary pain and suffering and the forgiving was much too easily won. I’d love to re-write that part of the story so that trust is unquestionably given and then working together to find the villain rather than the way it was written.

I loved all of the characters in the book. They were all fully developed, likable and very relatable. I particularly liked all of the Lawson family. They were so supportive, sweet and loving – everything a family should be. I particularly loved Bennett, the young Viscount, who was wise beyond his years. They were an awesome family and anybody would have loved to be a part of them.

March, Faith, Julia, and Bennett lost their parents eight years ago when March was just one week shy of her seventeenth birthday – Faith was eleven, Julia was ten and Bennett was just a one-year-old baby. They were now March’s responsibility to care for, raise and nurture. How was she going to do that when she was still a child herself, just getting ready to have her first season? She didn’t know how she was going to do it, but she definitely was going to. Unfortunately for them, her father named a man who was going mad as their guardian. That guardian also had very poor solicitors and as he descended into madness and subsequently died, the Lawson’s were forgotten and lost in the shuffle. No funds came in to support them or to maintain the estate. March was doing the best she could to keep food on the table and basic repairs done by raising sheep (she even sheared them herself) and offering her mathematical skills as a bookkeeper to various merchants in the village.

The Lawson’s situation was getting more and more desperate. Unexpected storm damage had caused major roof damage as well as damage to their only remaining tenant’s home. They had no food – and March was desperate. Why wouldn’t their new guardian answer their pleas for funds to manage the estate – after all, it was their money and his responsibility to see to their care. She’d written to the guardian as well as his solicitors as he had requested and still – no answers and no funds. Desperation leads to desperate acts – and March was desperate.

Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin and heir to the Duke of Langham has a warm and loving family. He also has a secret. His secret failing makes him feel unworthy and inadequate and therefore very insecure. His brother William is the only one who knows his secret and William is very, very protective of his older brother. This insecurity is what is supposed to be the driver behind his actions later in the book – but – well – I’ll let you read and decide what you think of it. I thought it could have been written differently.

McCalpin is stunned to discover that someone is using his name and seal to embezzle funds from a Trust account he is responsible for and he’s determined to get to the bottom of it. He summons March to London to make an accounting of herself – and is struck by her bravery and tenacity. As he meets the family to whom the Trust belongs, he is stunned to see how they live – and he can’t believe it. Their circumstances are dire – they have little food, a home in disrepair and a cousin who is bent on causing them harm. He immediately has himself declared their guardian as well as the one who is responsible for their Trust –and he takes those responsibilities seriously.

The first 80% or so of the book moves along quickly and you come to know and love all of the parties involved. Neither March nor McCalpin are prone to trust others, for very different, but very valid reasons. So, it is nice to see them grow to love each other and to trust each other. That is what made the last 20% so sad. This author does tend to choose the darker route when a much nicer uplifting route is available. While I am not an author, I certainly read enough to know that there was a much more uplifting way to handle the issues that were thrown in their path. Had McCalpin, who supposedly loved March beyond all else, chosen to believe in and trust her, then they could have worked together to find and identify the villain. That isn’t what happened. Since the author chose another path, I think she made the reconciliation and forgiveness much, much, much too easy. It was just basically an “I’m sorry, will you forgive me?” And a “Yes” and that was it. After what he did and the heartache and suffering he caused for March and her siblings because he couldn't/wouldn't trust – it should have been much harder than it was. Then – the villains – one is punished – probably more than he deserved given what he did and the other one was actually rewarded. Say what!!! The dude who was rewarded is the one who was actually responsible for the heartache, suffering, and damage that was done to March and her family -- yet -- because he had a sad story he is rewarded.

So – for my rating – the first 80% of the book gets a full 5-stars, but the last 20% gets a 3-star rating. That comes out to my rating of 4-stars. I’ll look forward to the next book.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."