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The Earl's Unlikely Bride by Ella Matthews #Review #TheDashworthBrothersBook1

  We are back in Regency England for Ella Matthews' historical romance, The Earl's Unlikely Bride.    One summer to make her his…   After four failed seasons, Emily Hawkins is tired of following the rules. Aside from crossing swords with her lifelong enemy, Freddie Dashworth, she is an exemplary member of Society. But after all this time, she’s yet to find a husband and life with her over-bearing mother is becoming intolerable. Freddie returns to his childhood home to help look after his orphaned niece. His neighbour, Emily, has been his nemesis for years. The infuriating miss is the only woman immune to his charms and there’s nothing he enjoys more than her disapproving glares. It’s a shame he can’t stop thinking about her, because she clearly despises him. One minor indiscretion later and everything in Emily’s ordered world changes. The one person on her side appears to be Freddie but can she trust her former antagonist? And what will happen to her when ...

Sugar and Snails by Anne Goodwin


    In Sugar and Snails, Anne Goodwin has written a complex and intriguing book which really makes you think about issues around identity. Diane Dodsworth, the central character, is well drawn and complicated. We learn early on that she harbours a secret and that she has self- harmed since adolescence. A quiet, withdrawn person, she keeps most people at arm's length.We come to know the  significant people in her life and gradually understand more about them. 

    I enjoyed the clever way the story was structured. Written in the first person, there are different strands of the narrative as it changes between the present day and different earlier periods in Diana's life. This novel certainly made me think. Not wanting to let slip any spoilers, I won't comment on the story in more detail. Suffice it to say, I had not guessed Diana's secret and I then enjoyed thinking back to earlier sections of the book with more insight.

    I particularly enjoyed the way that the author's psychology background shone through, at times with humour. Empathy for Diana is built up as she tries to come to terms with how she feels about herself and about decisions which she has made. The book examines ideas about identity, how others see us and self- image with a deft touch. 

In short: a poignant, challenging and ultimately enlightening read

Thanks to the author, Anne Goodwin for an e copy of the book. If you want to find out more about Anne, her website can be found here.
    

   

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