I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

Not enough heat but very strong story and characters, 3.5 rounded up

As it is my first read by Mrs Jane Ashford (I know, I say it every day), and the third in a series, the prologue introduced the hero but also the two from the previous installment so I do believe the prologue is adjusted depending the hero but is nearly the same and the Earl of Macklin acts as a soul healer and matchmaker.

Fenella has always admired Roger from afar as a child but when their father join together to marry them, she ran away to avoid their scheming plan and him.
She has always been shy and reserved and how could she not be, under the verbal abuse and ill treatment of her father, even if it was not physical, he continually belittled her because she was born a girl. Gladly under her grandmother’s care she grew a spine and become who she was meant to be.
Roger Berwick, the Marquess of Chatton thought he has all he ever wanted in front of him, until his father summoned him to marry his neighbor’s daughter. Such a spoiled and conceited brat he was at that time, and still, for sure it comes with the tittle. Until his selfish personality drove him in the right place and finds him leg shackled to a beautiful but unsuitable bride. When this same bride gave a final breath, the best he could do was to charge others and Fenella especially.
I admire Fenella, she could have become bitter and resentful when she is only acceptance, patience and kindness. I doubted at time that Roger deserved her affection.
The author crafted a very genuine tale of second chance when life could have simply torn them apart.
Roger after his failure of first marriage at the beginning avoid society, he bears the guilt of it but can’t accept his own fault, why he put the blame on others and in the way hurt Fenella more. He felt twice guilty, for failing his wife but also being attracted to the bride-to-be he rejected years ago. So when in close proximity and because Fenella showed no sign of resentment, he got to know the true character of the young woman he disparaged in his youth. He has work in front of him to earn her respect and at time, the spoiler child in him resurfaces.
I was so angry on Fenella’s behalf, how a fool and egotistical was her father, I hurt for her how everyone in her family ill treated her, but still she did not bend, she ponders every aspects of her situation before acting, she is a true strong woman, doing with what life throws on her way.
This story ringed true, life is not fair, not every vilain gets its right reward, but tiny things and believing in what is good can alter too the course of life.

I was provided an advance copy thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca but I purchased my own copy. This is my true and unbiased opinion.

Roger is a determined man, “I will,” he interrupted. “You’ll see. I’ll begin immediately.” Before Fenella could suggest that he take some care with whatever he planned, he was riding away." I liked this book, I liked Roger.

This was a fun story between two neighbors whao have a complicated past.. Roger Berwick and Fenella Fairclough are neighbors who grew up together. Their fathers were friends and they wanted their children to marry but Roger refused and F ran away to Scotland.

This is the story about how finding love at the right time once matured can change everything. F is 23 and 5 years before her father wanted her to marry R. But she and he were very immature and young. Now 5 years later R is a widower and F is a strong woman and the two form an attraction to their mature selves.

Roger was a wonderful character and the author showed how he had a very unhappy marriage but how he truly changed. F was freinds with his former wife and even as the two form a mature relationship, that friendship causes them some problems.

This was a wonderfully written story and I truly loved it and all the characters the author created. Its a great 2nd chance at love historical romance.