Synopsis

Complications arise when Marietta’s secret love letters are accidentally found by the wrong man. 

1828, the London countryside

For years, Marietta Stone has harbored a secret infatuation for the handsome Frederick Finch and has poured out her deepest feelings in a series of passionate love letters that she keeps in a locked drawer. But when Marietta’s private letters are accidentally delivered to Frederick’s house, she must retrieve them immediately before they fall into the wrong hands. If the letters were read by anyone else, the resulting scandal could jeopardize her reputation. 

Gerard Hartwell has no time for infatuations, courtship, or even love. He must find a wife with a substantial inheritance if he wishes to save his late father’s bankrupt estate. When he accidentally discovers Marietta’s love letters at his cousin Frederick’s estate, he strikes a bargain with her. If she helps him court her older sister, Anne, he will return the letters and help Marietta win Frederick’s heart.

Marietta agrees, and the two quickly pretend to be courting in order to spend time with their individual love interests. Yet, what appeared to be a straightforward bargain becomes complicated when Gerard realizes that the more time he spends with Marietta, the more he wishes he could court her for real. But can he persuade Marietta to give him a chance when her heart might belong to another man?

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Review

I stayed up late reading this book. It’s so much better than the synopsis lead to to believe. (With this book, Julie Wright has secured herself as one of my favorites.)
I loved Etta and Gerard.
I loved Etta and Anne. I adored Lucy. (When Etta and Anne go by her house, even though it’s in part a desperate attempt to get letters back that wasn’t meant be sent, Lucy’s immediate and emotional reaction at seeing her friend was emotionally charged.)
The dynamics between all the characters and inner family workings was realistic and relatable.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the ARC, and thank you to author Julie Wright for another beautiful story.