Women of Weymouth

History and romance author, and Dorset resident, Rachel Knowles has published a new Regency romance series set in her home town of Weymouth. I’ve already devoured the current two, so here are my reviews.

The first (the prequel), Miss Harding’s Hope, is a Christmas novella and introduction to the series. Lady’s companion Meg Harding meets gentleman Peter Crowley in a chance encounter on a coach. To her, it is a moment to cherish, an attraction she knows can never come to fruition. To widower Peter, it is the love he thought he’d never feel again. When they reunite several months later in Weymouth, it seems their positions have reversed – Meg is to all appearances her employer’s heir, while Peter’s livelihood hangs by a thread. Will pride and hidden secrets vanquish love at first sight? If, as I do, you enjoy a relaxing, heart-warming seasonal read (or two, or three) over Christmas, this is definitely a book for you!

Miss Vincent’s Vow, Book One in the series, is a full length novel. I particularly liked the premise because Ms Knowles seizes on a reality that hit me on my recent re-read of Austen’s novels as a woman who is, ahem, past youthful notions of romance: the actual fear that lurks behind her heroines’ search for love. So much is at stake for the genteel young woman; unless she has wealthy relatives, there are few options besides marriage that will allow her to keep her status, her agency, or even her integrity.

Rector’s daughter Cassandra Vincent has been left destitute by the death of her father, and when respectable businessman Jethro Hunt offers her a marriage of convenience, it takes only a minute for her to seize her chance. Jethro, whose life is consumed by work, thinks he is getting another employee, one who will guide him through the maze of genteel society. However, as both honourably try to live their vows, they find that promising to love leads to the real thing – yet both are afraid to admit they want their marriage to be more than a business deal.

These novels are sweet romances (closed bedroom door), so if Bridgerton made you blush, you’re safe with these 😊 Rachel describes them as faith-based – they’re not evangelical, but express the Anglican faith that was so important to Jane Austen herself. You can find out more or buy the books by visiting Rachel’s author pages or hopping straight to Amazon.

Rachel knows her stuff as she and her husband, Andrew, run a Regency/Late Georgian history blog (regencyhistory.net), a great source for this period in general and Dorset-area history in particular. So if romance is not your thing, or you are looking for writers’ resources, be sure to check that out!

For full disclosure, Rachel is a new acquaintance of mine – we met through a writer’s association. But I’m reviewing her books of my own volition and because I genuinely like them. I will definitely buy Book Two as soon as it comes out – I’m already trying to guess who in the current cast of characters will be next to find romance!