I love a retelling of a classic story. I particularly have a soft spot for Cinderella. I mean, let us never underestimate the glories of Gus Gus.
While this retelling did not feature delightful animated mice, the third Bridgerton novel by Julia Quinn tells us the story of second son, Benedict and the woman he falls in love with at a masquerade ball. However, Sophie is the by blow of an earl but following his death has been relegated to the life of lady’s maid at the hands of her vicious step-mother. She leaves the ball at the stroke of midnight, never telling Benedict her identity. Its two years until they see each other again, but Benedict doesn’t recognize Sophie the maid he rescues from rape as the same bedeviling woman he only knows as her.
This novel worked for me on all levels. Sure, there are a lot of convenient plot points (Benedict happens to fall ill immediately after saving Sophie which requires her to stay at his cottage in the country with him, the nasty stepmother lives next door to Benedict’s mother), but I just don’t care. This was a light, easy read that dealt with some tougher points (the life of maids, no upward mobility, etc.) that also featured more great family dynamics within the Bridgerton clan, which I really do think is Quinn’s specialty. We meet some of the younger siblings for the first time in any depth. But this time Colin was largely missing, which is sad, but Anthony was too, and that was not.
I’ll be putting in my request for Colin’s book from my library soon.
Benedict is one of my favourite Bridgerton heroes, and this is one of the ones I re-read again and again from the series (the fairy tale aspect really doesn’t hurt). He’s just such a lovely man. Most people seem to prefer Colin – not me. I’m so glad you’re enjoying these.
This was the first good recently published romance I puchased when I dove into the genre 3 years ago and it was exactly what I was looking for. I loved it. As Quinn novellas go, it’s pretty much perfect.
“This is a really nice family!”
“I know!”
This is my favorite Bridgerton! I just love Benedict (way more than Colin, it’s easy), and this light, little fairy tale is the perfect rainy afternoon read/re-read.
The thing about Colin is that you also get Penelope, so it’s a toss up for me.
Hyacinth, though. I love me some Hyacinth.
I have a love/oh dear god I AM HYACINTH relationship with her. It’s a hard one to re-read as yeah, that’s my personality in real life… Not always the most complimentary thing.
Colin’s book will be in from the library in two weeks, because I need to pace myself. I’m currently blowing through the Ivy Years series.
Don’t forget to take the time to stop and smell the Andy.
I read his on a whim last night… for now I am attempting to write the review about Bridger and Scarlett. (I am about 3 reviews behind right now).