“Two strangers, a marriage of convenience, and the Ton determined to judge them both.
When a marriage of convenience brings Lady Cressida Mayfield and Viscount Alaric Ashford together, neither expects more than practicality. Scarred by a tragic accident and judged by society, Cressida enters the arrangement with clear-eyed pragmatism, while Alaric struggles to save his family from financial ruin.
They shared the same passion, her harp, his abandoned pianoforte, sparks a connection neither anticipated. Through the challenges of social expectation, family intrigue, and delicate negotiations, their regard for one another quietly turns into affection.
Can two hearts joined for convenience discover that duty can give way to love, trust, and companionship?
-------------My 5 Star Review- Title: There's more to both of them
Cressida has suffered much from society because of the scar on her face that happened in that carriage accident when she was 12 years old. Her father loves her beyond all and has raised her lovingly after her mother's death years ago. I loved both of them, each struggling in their own ways. His sister, Beatrice is kinda flighty. She doesn't have an evil bone in her body and loves her brother wanting him to be happy. She soon begins to like Cressida although she wasn't sure at first if she was gaining a friendly sister or not. I liked that not only was Cressida such an excellent, break taking harpist, who was in much demand about that. But she also was a regular volunteer and supporter of nuns and orphans the St.Margaret's. A little 9 year old girl named Mary was of special interest and talent when working with Cressida. I was so hoping that Cressida and Alric would adopt her. Daisy, is Cressida's beloved friend and cousin. Someone who she would do anything for if Daisy would allow it. Daisy is a lovely woman who wants what makes her happy. Daisy can't do much because her father is a vicar and she must work to help support her family. She is working for a not so nice wheelchair bound woman, Lady Black, who is VERY demanding. Mr. James Thorton, doctor, is hopelessly in love with Daisy and I was hoping for a HEA for them.
On the other hand, Alaric's Uncle Darwin, was not friendly towards Cressida in fact he was downright hostile. and I didn't like him from the start. I was suspicious about his true motives when he started trying to push people around. He was demanding, greedy and treated Alaric like a child not the Viscount that he now is. Often boasting to Alaric, that he was not as smart financially as the uncle, to leave thing is HIS hands.
There is plenty of emotions, some expected and unexpected challenges. Some other possible romances and an outstanding, welcome Epilogue and a Extended Epilogue. I really enjoyed this book. So sweet and overcoming !! Thank you so much Elizabeth Everly for giving me an ARC of your book.
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Other notes: the nasty uncle made the mistake of being nasty at dinner in company with Daisy & Mr. James Thorton (Doctor) . He vivaciously made remarks to Cressida's face , which she put down laughingly, but when he verbally attacked Bea? She called him on it ! Alaric was out of the room but that didn't stop her.
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