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The Admiral's Penniless Bride (2010)

by Carla Kelly(Favorite Author)

3.73 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0373296258 (ISBN13: 9780373296255)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Harlequin

review 1: Well another good call from another fellow reader. Now, I do have mixed feelings about this one…so here goes…I truly did love this book from the start. The crazy and quirky way that Sir Charles and Sophia/Sally came together was awesome. It was witty and it felt real…I love “friendship” stories. I enjoyed watching their friendship grow into something more than a convenient marriage. Sir Charles is the epitome of a “Good Man”…(I miss him already) how can you not fall in love with him. He was so attentive, compassionate and generous. And poor Sophia…a woman with her lovable character should not have been subject to being homeless and losing a husband and child. Oh how I dropped a few tears after hearing her talk about her son’s death. Sir Charles and Soph... moreia were made for each other…now with that being said…. LOVED the book and the chemistry between the characters but I felt like this was just a simple book about a married couple…nothing more nothing less. This could have been such a strong and emotional story if the author just spent more time on story development.The storyline itself was a little strange…I can understand the whole convenient marriage thing…(it’s been done to death)..but what I didn’t understand was why were there characters that came out of nowhere and had no true connection to the storyline..I was thinking “okay maybe they might show back up later in the story..so pay attention” NOPE some of the characters never showed back up, so I wonder why were they ever introduced…and then you have several subplot stories, one being all the servants Sophia hired..it’s understandable she wanted to save as many young ones from the workhouse, then you have the little pots n pan girl that was molested.. these were some good subplot stories but the author never elaborated on them…maybe she could have had Sophia open a foundling home for these children..that could have gave Sir Charles a purpose on land since he was in need of a purpose and had so much money..also I felt the ending was kind of rushed. Again, I loved the story and I do recommend if you have some spare time please read…just don’t expect any real fanfare within the story.
review 2: Another winner from Carla Kelly. What an absolutely beautiful, moving story that touches the depths of your heart. Sophie Paul is a Scottish woman who has had to bear heartbreak after heartbreak after her husband is accused of a crime he didn't commit. He ends up taking his life leaving his widow and young son, Paul, behind. There is no money or source of income and Paul ends up dying. This is the backstory. We catch up with Sophie after she has accepted a position as a lady's companion. Unfortunately the woman has died the day before Sophie's arrival and the family turns her out, even refusing to pay her return fare. She ends up at Drake's for a cup of tea as that's all she can afford. Also in the tavern is Admiral Sir Charles Bright who has been stood up by his affianced. Charles finally notices Sophie and accurately reads her situation. He ends up proposing a marriage of convenience to her as this would solve both their problems. She initially refuses and from here the story develops at a nice pace. The author delves into the characters and we really connect with them. Other secondary characters round out the story nicely. There are many touching, poignant moments throughout but never does the novel steer into drivel. This is a nuanced look at people who can rise above their circumstances and make the best of whatever life hands them. About two-thirds of the way in things come to a head when Charles discovers the truth of Sophie's past involving her late husband. She ends up leaving him after writing a letter fully disclosing everything. He does finally end up finding her after a period of time. Yes, things are resolved by novel's end but nothing feels rushed and the depth of their love for each other really shines through. While the story deals with serious issues it does so with a realistic but light enough touch to not make you feel morose. This was beautifully written with just the right elements for a well-rounded tale. There's wit, humour, romance, suspense, and resolution, all perfectly balanced. I loved it! 5 stars without hesitation! less

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