Jennifer's Books

*This review is based on a advanced reader's copy of the book I won through Goodreads FirstReads Giveaways.*

Sophia Fry, having been orphaned at the age of fifteen, has spent the last several years being passed between relatives and generally being ignored. She became known as The Mouse, and generally faded into the background, observing rather than participating.

Vincent Hunt, Viscount Darleigh, was blinded in battle at the age of seventeen. He runs from his overprotective and smothering mother and sisters when they hatch plans to marry him off. Seeking solace at his boyhood home, he is soon descended upon by the locals, including the Marches--Sophie's aunt, uncle, and cousin, Henrietta. They are truly nasty people. A plan to trap Vincent into marrying Henrietta is thwarted by Sophie, and when she occurs the wrath of her aunt and uncle, Vincent steps in and offers to marry Sophie.

This was a very sweet book. Not angsty at all, just really sweet. I enjoyed watching Sophie and Vincent fall in love, and seeing the way they both broke out of their shells and blossom--Vincent, with the help of Sophie finding a freedom and independence he'd not know since he'd been blinded, and Sophie, realizing, through marriage to Vincent, a blind man, that true beauty is not the same as physical beauty, and that she herself is a true beauty. It brought tears to my eyes more than once.

I've said before in reviews that I relish those books that are not overly angsty, the ones that have no huge hurdles threatening to separate our couple, ones that are sweet, nice books--like this one. I like my angst as much as the next person, but books like this one are such a treat for me. Plus...I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience story. So there's that, as well.

Mary Balogh's writing, as usual, is excellent. She has fast become a favorite author of mine. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.