Romancing the Artist Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

A budding artist, a gentleman-in-training, and a fake courtship that takes both of them by surprise. Caroline Clapham isn’t a world renowned artist—she’s simply a farmer’s daughter possessed of natural talent with a paintbrush. Talent that her mentor, the Countess of Inglewood, is happy to foster for a summer at her beautiful seaside estate. Caroline wants to see the world and commit its beauties to canvas, but she fears that the season will end and she will return home as insignificant as ever. The lure of an adventure and the enchanting Inglewood estate keep her dreams alive, but when she meets Edward Everly and agrees to fake a courtship with him, those dreams begin to change.

Mr. Edward Everly is preparing to take over the management of the estate from his father. His new responsibilities are many and varied, and include marrying the girl his parents have selected for him. Unfortunately, the chosen bride is in love with another, and Edward would rather help her cause than champion his own. When he stumbles upon Miss Clapham painting in the woods, he hasn't any idea the upheaval she will cause to all his plans. The beautiful young artist agrees to enter into a pretend courtship with him, but before summer’s end, Edward’s emotions are far from feigned.

Though it starts as a ruse, Caroline and Edward’s relationship quickly deepens into something neither of them expected. Edward has a role to fill, and Caroline’s lifelong dream is almost within reach. Will their pretend courtship have the chance to blossom into more, or will Edward follow the wishes of his family and risk breaking more than his own heart?

This is the first book in the Return to Inglewood series and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. Readers of clean and wholesome Regency romances will enjoy this series.

REVIEW

Romancing the Artist brings Caroline Chapman to Inglewood to study art under her father's friend, the Countess of Inglewood. While she's discovering her talent, she befriends Mr. Edward Everly and falls into a pretend courtship with him in order to save him and another from an unwanted marriage. This is the first book in the Return to Inglewood series. It's a spinoff series from the author's series, Inglewood. I enjoyed the clean, wholesome historical romance in the book. Romance fans will enjoy the connections between the characters and the dialogue. The characters are likable and entertaining. I also really enjoyed learning about art at that time and how a woman's artistry may have been limited. The author delves into a bit of the art trends at that time and how a woman's subject for art may have been limited. As a reader, I gained a greater appreciation for our time and that we're not limited in what talents we want to grow. Most books in this genre delve into how a woman's marriage options may be limited or her ability to earn finances, I felt learning about women's struggles with her artistic endeavors was an interesting take. There were several themes that the author had run through the book and it really helped give the book some interesting layers. This could be read as a stand-alone, although, I would recommend reading Reforming Lord Neil first. Sally Britton's fans will enjoy this new book. To learn more about Romancing the Artist, click here.

Please note that I received a free ebook to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links that help support this blog. This book review is in cooperation with the author.