An Offer From A Gentleman

An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Summary

Miss Sophie Beckett is the illegitimate daughter of the earl of Penwood. Raised in his home, Sophie has a tolerable existence until the earl marries, when her life takes a distinct turn for the worse. Sophie's new stepmother hates her, and when the earl passes away, she relegates Sophie to the role of servant. Sophie's days are pure drudgery, until one night her fellow servants conspire to help her attend a masquerade ball.

Her life changes irrevocably when she meets handsome Benedict Bridgerton and falls head over heels in love. Benedict is equally smitten, but when the clock strikes midnight his beautiful mystery lady runs from him, leaving only her glove in his hand. He searches London for her, but she seems to have vanished. What Benedict doesn't know is that Sophie's stepmother has discovered her outing and thrown Sophie out of their London townhouse. Sophie leaves London, and it isn't until three years later that Benedict and Sophie's paths cross once again, when he saves her from the unwanted attentions of a drunken lord. Sophie recognizes Benedict immediately, but much to her dismay, he doesn't know her in her maid's dress. Soon, however, Benedict falls in love with Sophie all over again. Believing her to be a servant, he cannot conceive of a way to make her his, as she adamantly refuses to become his mistress. Both struggle with their feelings for each other, their unwillingness to compromise their principles, and the seemingly insurmountable wall separating a member of the nobility and a servant. To add to their difficulties, Sophie's vindictive stepmother discovers her presence in London and sets out to make her life even more miserable. It will take the combined force of the large Bridgerton family to help these two stubborn people realize a happy future together.

Quinn brings a fresh approach to this charming retelling of the Cinderella story, enhancing the tale with a strong Regency setting and the warmth of Benedict Bridgerton's large family. Quinn has a reputation for witty dialogue and endearing characters, and she delivers both in this delightful novel. --Lois Faye Dyer

Expectations
This is the third book in the Bridgerton series, and I have read and loved the previous two. I couldn't wait to devour this book, especially considering the Cinderella-style story. In fact I was trying to finish off some of my other books before I started this but I couldn't wait!

Writing Style
Typical Julia Quinn; fresh, witty and delightful. The story leapt from the page. Brilliantly written.

Plot
It was a lot like Cinderella, but thankfully Julia Quinn had made it her own. I liked the acuracy of how there were no easy answers when a maid fell in love with a gentleman. The developing love story was passionate and delightful to read, perfect fiction.

Characters
Sophie Beckett, the main character, is a delight. Her feelings about being the illigitimate daughter of an earl are conveyed in a believable manner, and her slightly flawed character is charming to read about. Benedict Bridgerton is, if I am honest, not my favourite of the three Bridgertons I have read about, but still a great main male character and a plausible love interest. Great stuff.

Overall
I read this in one two-hour sitting; it is a book which is so delightful you simply can't put it down. A perfect novel.

5 Stars