Mr. Dale and The Divorcée

The Brazen Beauties, Book 1

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 23 Nov 2021 | Archive Date 06 Nov 2021

Talking about this book? Use #MrDaleandTheDivorcée #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

He's a respectable barrister...
She's the most scandalous woman in England...

Wilhelmina Hewitt knows she's in for a rough ride when she agrees to help her husband get a divorce. Nothing, however, prepares her for the regret of meeting Mr. Dale on the eve of her downfall. No other man has ever sent her heart racing as he does. Unfortunately, while she'll soon be free to engage in a new relationship, no upstanding gentleman will have her.

James Dale would never pursue another man's wife. Or a woman reputed to be a deceitful adulteress. Furious with himself for letting the lovely Mrs. Hewitt charm him, he strives to keep his distance. But when her daughter elopes with his son, they're forced into a partnership where passion ignites. And James soon wonders if there might be more to the divorcée than meets the eye.

He's a respectable barrister...
She's the most scandalous woman in England...

Wilhelmina Hewitt knows she's in for a rough ride when she agrees to help her husband get a divorce. Nothing, however...


Available Editions

ISBN 9781393394518
PRICE

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)

Average rating from 66 members


Featured Reviews

Mr. Dale and the Divorcee is a cautionary tale of a man who nearly loses the joy of his life because he accepted a situation at face value. After a few twists and turns he gets his HEA, but he has to set aside his prejudices and accept that sometimes things are not as they appear.

Was this review helpful?

Wilhelmina Hewitt knows she's in for a rough ride when she agrees to help her husband get a divorce. Nothing, however, prepares her for the regret of meeting Mr. Dale on the eve of her downfall. No other man has ever sent her heart racing as he does. Unfortunately, while she'll soon be free to engage in a new relationship, no upstanding gentleman will have her.

James Dale would never pursue another man's wife. Or a woman reputed to be a deceitful adulteress. Furious with himself for letting the lovely Mrs. Hewitt charm him, he strives to keep his distance. But when her daughter elopes with his son, they're forced into a partnership where passion ignites. And James soon wonders if there might be more to the divorcée than meets the eye.

I love the characters in this book. Wilhelmina is brave and kind. James is smart and noble. Both very likable. I love how their relationship grows... Great chemistry between the two. :) Love the ending especially.
I also love how the book talks about divorce which is so rare in historical romance. I actually learn something about the law from the book!

Thanks to the publisher for providing an arc.

Was this review helpful?

This was a typical 'father doesn't approve of son's fiance, but is attracted to fiance's mother and he isn't supposed to be.'
For the most part, this was funny with the main characters tossing insults around. The fiance's mother, the heroine, is divorced from her husband. It took 2 years and 2 men had to swear in court that she was a trollop and floozy. The reason the heroine did that was because she only married her husband because she was pregnant from being raped. She couldn't do anything because (spoiler), her daughter's father was an aristocrat. They married because they were friends who grew up together and their fathers both travelled together around the world and died on one such trip. So when her husband of 20 years fell in love, she offered and forced him to divorce her because she wanted him to marry the woman he loved. So after the divorce, he left with his new wife for Michigan to build furniture.
She moves to the country and brings her daughter when the hero refuses to allow his son to marry her daughter. The hero takes his son to his parent's estate and they are neighbors to the divorce'. The kids meet and ride off to Gretna Green, and the parents are forced to follow.
This book was a good story about a stick in the mud hero, who only sees in black and white, no gray. This story develops two stories as we read about the conundrum of the children.
I give this book 4 stars. I enjoyed the story, but it had a lot of drama and too many incidents for me. It was a good, quick read, but it was one negative incident after another, and sometimes, I just want less drama. I do recommend reading this book because it deals with divorce at a time when it wasn't really done. And I liked that they were not aristocrats.

Was this review helpful?

I am a big fan of Romance books and I found this one to be a very enjoyable read. I will be looking for more books from this author.

Was this review helpful?

James Dale a barrister will learn that things aren't always what they seem when he is forced to allow Wilhelmina a divorcee with a bad reputation to accompany him to find his son and her daughter who eloped. Close proximity shows James how wrong his feelings were toward her. His attraction to her and feelings for her put him in a quandry. After all she is not someone he should be associated with. A story of misconceptions, yearning for love and being a devoted friend.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoy Sophie Barnes' books so I was excited to see a story from a new series.
Wilhelmina is married to her childhood best friend, who came to her rescue in her time of need. To give him the happiness he deserves to be with the women he loves, she must take on the role of adulterous so they can get a divorce which is near impossible in this time.
James is a respectable barrister who meets Wilhelmina one day at a ball where all of her adulterous ways come to light (or so it seems). His past experiences make him a little obsessed with following her story to the courtroom to fuel a deep hatred towards her. Then their respective children force them into a situation that makes him reassess everything he thinks he knows about her.
I really enjoyed this story because it really takes on a different side to relationships of that era. A look at what needs to happen for a divorce to happen and the end result to their reputation. Both Mina and James have such a hard time with believing they deserve love and don't know what to do when that opportunity is thrust at them. I was captivated by this story and I can't wait to see more stories involving James' friends.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Sophie Barnes for my complimentary eARC copy.

Was this review helpful?

Wilhelmina Hewitt loves her husband and will do anything for him, even go through a divorce for him. Yet, on the eve of her downfall, she meets Mr Dale, a man whose company she enjoys. Yet two years later, James Dale still shows her his hatred. When her daughter and his son, decide to elope, both Mina and James must join together to prevent their marriage, realising the scandal that will be forever attached to them. Yet, the more time James spends with Mina, the more he accepts that there is more to the divorcée than meets the eye.
This book has been one of the best reads this year. I loved both love stories with the romance between the two children of Mina and James, being quite sweet. James whilst so caught up in the law, begins to see a side of Mina that conflicts with the image that society has of her. Both main characters are so determined to do what is best, that they almost miss finding their own happy ending. The friendship that begins despite their earlier perceptions of each other, is one that had me captivated. The intensity of their feelings, both of respect and love, leap off the pages of this story. I was so appreciative of the chance to read and review this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Wilhelmina offers to give her husband a divorce. Not easy to get in the nineteenth century. Knowing her reputation will be ruined, Mina is willing to sacrifice herself for her husband's happiness. Mr. James Dale is a solicitor and lived with a cheating wife. He has no respect for Mina, until a journey to save his son and her daughter from making a mistake, reveals she is not the woman she portrays. What a nice change to have James and Mina from working class families. An unusual plot that revolves around divorce and it's consequences.
Likable characters and a nice progression to an HEA. A definite 5*STARS* for the beginning of the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Loved the premise.

Mina and her husband George carefully orchestrate her fall from grace.
Just as they embark on a lengthy divorce, she met James Dale, briefly.
James was smitten with Mina at first sight, but burned with continued disappointment at Mina's divorce proceedings.

What I really liked was that Mina was 38 when she initiated the divorce and James in his forties. I liked that they had both been married before, had a child each and had experienced life, good and bad.

James sat in the strictest judgment of Mina, without knowing all the facts, just the public divorce, because of his own shortcomings. He made Mina pay for his own wife's crimes. That was so frustrating, was his continued judgement of her.
I did like that their story is a long, slow simmer, spanning a great deal of time.

Recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Wilhelmina Hewitt was just publicly divorced her husband and Mr. Dale is a very proper barrister… they make a very unlikely pairing as they race across the countryside for Mr. Dale to stop their children from marrying.

This was a delicious tale with absolutely endearing characters. I adored how these characters had so much more to offer than meets the eye. Both the hero and heroine had such courage and strength to do what they felt right for their loved ones and would move heaven and earth for them.

The debate over right/ wrong and what constituted goodness warred throughout this book as many heartfelt actions resulted in dire consequences and vice versa.

Sophie Barnes is a gem at creating HR characters on the fringes of high society and delivering unique stories that result from it. Divorce before the 20th century was not an easy prospect. I really appreciated how she tackled this in a creative way that stays true to the time.

In the end, I couldn’t put this book down! I’m eager for the next instalment of the Brazen Beauties series!

Mr. Dale and the Divorcee by Sophie Barnes was released November 23rd, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sophie Barnes through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#MrDaleandtheDivorcee #SophieBarnes #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Was this review helpful?

This is an author that I have loved reading from her very first book I picked up. Her writing style and attention to details are such that her stories are realistic and they pull you in. This book is no different. It is a well written story about James and Wilhelmina. James would never go after another man's wife but he is guilty of being charmed by one. She has agreed to help her husband in a divorce but she never expects to meet James. What will happen when their children marry? Could there be more to Wilhelmina than meets the eye? This is a great historical romance story that I had a hard time putting down. It is fast paced and engaging. The plot growth is great as well as the characters. This is a must read and one of my favorites by this author. I highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

A wonderful story about middle class people caught up in the burdens of the mores of their time in history, when marriage was far more permanent than disposable and the social fallout from such deviation was far more grim. Mr. Dale is a by-the-book barrister who sees the world in more absolutes than shades of gray and Mina is a blight on the lives of those she knows due to her status as a wandering wife. The book captures the weight of societal opprobrium and its consequences to the people of that time. Sometimes mere survival takes courage that is as great as that soldiers assume for battle.

Was this review helpful?

This is a story about Mina and James. Mina meets James at a ball the same night she and her husband put in motion the actions that will ensure that they are able to get a divorce. James and Mina don't meet again for two years, right after her divorce is final. There isn't much of the book devoted between the ball and right after the divorce, but those two years are summed up nicely so you don't feel you missed anything important. I don't want to go into the plot any further so I don't spoil anything, but the story does progress smoothly and believably. I really enjoyed it and am excited about the next book in the series. I am happy to receive an advanced copy from NetGalley for this hones review.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book in the Brazen Beauties series and it is off to a wonderful start! I have not read too many Regencies that bring up divorce, so this was a unique story in that way and also an interesting one to see that topic addressed in the Regency fashion. Ms. Barnes did a great job of describing and explaining this in an authentic way.
Wilhelmina and George have always been there for each other. They even ended up marrying each other, although they were not in love. Then, twenty years later George is in need of saving and he and Wilhelmina hatch a plan to create a scandal so they can divorce. After they do divorce, she becomes the pariah of the ton. There is a chance she may find happiness with James, but will he accept such a scandalized, cast-out of society?
The writing and storyline were well done and I enjoyed reading this first installment. I look forward to reading more of the series.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Was this review helpful?

Amazingly complex, romantic, and heartwarming story!

How can we get behind a female main character who willingly ruins her reputation just to help her husband divorce her? The author really took on a daring challenge here, and I was absolutely blown away by the exquisite execution of the story.

Mina turns out to be one of the most heroic of historical heroines, and I adored every bit of her story. James, on the other hand, is such a staunch rule-follower that he's positively beastly toward her until he starts to question the facts of her divorce. Still, Mina handles it all with grace and dignity, which ultimately forces James to reevaluate his opinions and what he thought was true.

I loved the coincidence that brought these two into each other's personal lives, forcing them to look past their public personas and work together for a common goal. Even when you think there's no possible path to a HEA for everyone involved, still you hope, and trust that the author will get you there by the end. And the ending truly is splendid for everyone.

The writing is simply sublime. Because we understand where each character is coming from we can sympathize with them even though they're at odds with each other. Here's a wonderful example of the lyrical, heartfelt writing:


He tilted his head. “You truly do think the worst of me, don’t you?”

“It’s no less than what you think of me,” she countered.

Pinching the bridge of his nose between his fingers, he closed his eyes briefly and finally shook his head. “God help me but I’m bound to regret this.” With apprehension in his eyes, Mr. Dale sighed and gestured toward the carriage. “Get in.”

When Wilhelmina hesitated, he took a deep breath and appeared to reach for a secret supply of good manners and patience. With a grimace, he offered his hand to assist her and said, “Please, Mrs. Lawson. Time is of the essence.”


There are some truly despicable people in this story, and I loved how they were put in their places. One of the main reasons I read romance is for the "good wins over evil" satisfaction and the author easily delivers that here.

I admit that the premise made me hesitate a bit, but I'm so very glad I gave this book a chance. As much as I've loved this author's other books, this one is hands down the best I've read. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Will their past wounds and her present circumstances keep them apart…

This is the problem with books you want to read, even in your hands, you have to wait because of other obligations, for me to be such a glutinous bookworm I had to make a schedule for all my reads.
So here, I am finally able to sit and read this book. It is not often I have read a story with a divorcée. Set in Regency, I do believe only one, and the hero was the divorcé. As difficult to make of an adulteress a heroine.
Yet here the author passes the challenge with flying colors. A divorce during the period was quite a much difficult action but not impossible, yet the women were the ones to pay the price.
Wilhelmina is a willing sacrificial lamb, she wants so much to please everyone, she is left behind with nothing. Yet, it is understandable she wants the best for the man who has been her lifelong friend and rescued her when she needed saving.
But she might not have grasped all the ins and outs she would face after the divorce.
James used his past wounds to taint his view of Wilhelmina, and after all, he is like everyone else, he witnessed her downfall. So normal for him to believe the worst of her. Yet he is a man of facts and proofs, why despite everything he can’t shake the idea something is not right, all the while he loathes everything this woman reminds him, his own unfaithful late wife.

There is in addition a second love story between their own children, who are quite mature for their young age, they counterbalance James’ very arrested opinion and Wilhelmina’s own struggles because of her many secrets.

I loved those two couples, the youngest more sensible than their elders. Yet James once he understands the errors of his way redeems himself wonderfully.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC of "Mr. Dale and the Divorcee," from Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Sophie Barnes' ability to tell stories is fantastic as we readers are drawn in to the lives of her characters.
Wilhelmina (Mina) Hewitt, cordially asks her husband, George for a divorce so he can marry someone he loves.They had married 20 years ago  for practical reasons, not romantic at all, and lived like siblings, rather than spouses. A nasty 2 year ordeal finally ends in a divorce that leaves Mina seemingly as the cheating conniving culprit who broke her marriage vows. Finally, a single, but outcast woman, she finds herself drawn to the magnetic charming barrister, James, who is trying to save his son and his reputation from the clutches of Mina's widowed daughter, Cynthia, who by association to her mother, her name and character are also tarnished.
This is a beautiful love story of not believing all that we see and hear without first knowing the circumstances behind the actions and deeds. To learn about another, sometimes,  we have to analyze our own behavior and past experiences to see how biased our views may be.

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed Mr. Dale And The Divorcee due to its differences and uniqueness. This book focuses on a more mature couple that is not members of the aristocracy. I related quickly to James and Mina. It was refreshing to read about more seasoned, experienced characters than the usual eighteen-year-old debutantes. This book tackles complex elements that come with experience and age.

James Dale is a barrister in London. To James, everything is either right or wrong; there are no grey areas. James judges quickly and adheres to strict societal norms. Jame’s reputation is everything to him. James becomes enraged when he discovers the woman he is attracted to is embroiled in an ugly divorce. Mina’s reputation is obliterated, and James is her harshest critic.

Mina has led a complicated life. Mina has faced atrocities in her past and has overcome enormous odds. However, Mina’s sweet spirit shines brightly in this book. There are complicated circumstances involved in Mina’s divorce. She is ostracized and ridiculed. Mina gives up everything and places those she loves first. Mina has an indomitable spirit and a fierceness about her that is breathtaking.

The couple who are sworn enemies is thrown together when their children fall in love. James is adamantly against the marriage. He is cruel, but his motivation resonated with me; in the end, he is a father trying to protect his son. James fears for his son’s heart and reputation. James was especially harsh on Mina because he was jaded by his past and ignorant of Mina’s situation. Mina is unflappable and loyal to a fault; my heart went out to Mina and her plight. She was so alone and held a quiet grace.

The enemies-to-lovers theme is played out beautifully. The couple’s connection, understanding, and passion build at the perfect pace. Each character was charmingly well developed, and the storyline was complex yet entertaining. I loved that the couple was in their forties; their life experiences were organic and brought depth to the plot. The emotional growth of the characters throughout the entirety of the novel was exquisite.

Mr. Dale And The Divorcee is the first book in The Brazen Beauties series. These books follow a group of former soldiers that find love in unconventional ladies. The biggest strength of this story was the emotional depth of the main characters. The couple evolves into better versions of themselves throughout the journey of the book. Sophie Barnes has created a well-orchestrated, ingeniously written love story about flawed, broken people who find healing in the understanding power of love. This novel is messy, angsty, and full of sweet redemption! The epilogue was fantastic. This is an elegant, raw romance that will keep you wanting more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book was amazing and exactly what I dreamed it would be after reading the description! I was immediately swept up and engaged in the story from page one. Sophie Barnes has done a wonderful job crafting a love story that feels fresh and unique, has great pacing and is peopled by thoughtful and intriguing characters. Barnes weaves together some of my favorite tropes and packages them in a fun and fresh way. I was rooting for the two lovely love stories that we encounter in the novel, and I was captured while watching the growth of our main Hero's understanding of the world and his perceptions of good and bad.

This book is mainly focused on Wilhelmina and James, who are both older characters, who both have children and who both have had complicated marriages. Wilhelmina starts the novel on the journey of divorcing her husband, who is her best friend and who is in love with someone else, so Wilhelmina hatches a plan to get them divorced so she can return the favor of his kindness he offered in his youth. Their divorce proceedings take two years and Wilhelmina's reputation lies in tatters at the end. James Dale, who is a barrister, has been witness to the entire ordeal, and his thoughts and ideas on Wilhelmina are tainted through the eyes of his failed marriage. Wilhelmina and James met two years ago at the start of Wilhelmina's downfall, and they both felt a spark of attraction and interest (which then have never felt before) and then they are thrust back into each other's company when it comes to light that James' son (Micheal) is in love with Wilhelmina's daughter (Cynthia) and they both want to get married. James thinking that he knows what is best for his son refuses to give his blessing and is working hard to separate the two. When Micheal and Cynthia decide to elope to Gretna Green, James and Wilhelmina strike up a truce in order to pursue the couple. Thus we embark on a road trip that brings forth many eye opening discoveries. (Content Notes for sexual assault and rape).

I absolutely love a road trip style romance, and I think Sophie Barnes utilizes it in the perfect way by putting our hero and heroine in forced proximity which leads them to slowly open up and examine each other in a way they would not typically be able to. This is the perfect way for Wilhelmina's true nature can shine and where James can question his understanding of the woman she has been presented as in her divorce dealing and recon that with the woman in front of him. This novel is very character drive in which both our hero and heroine must learn to grown and fight for what they want. Wilhelmina is strong and independent and has sacrificed a lot, she must learn to trust and that it is okay to seek someone's help and comfort. Wilhelmina learns how to be open and speak her truth to James, she also learns that she likes working and finds a way that she can support herself. James must learn to see past the black and white/right and wrong world that he has taught himself to live in, because of his work in upholding the law. Through Wilhelmina, James is able to see that the world is full of gray, and sometimes wrongs are not what they seem. I really love that both James and Wilhelmina want what is best for their children, and they want to protect them (even if they don't always know what is right). I love watching Wilhelmina and James' attraction grow as they learn more about each other. This novel is very sweetly sensual, it is not overtly explicit and not closed door, and I think it worked really well with conveying the gentle and mature romance between these two. I also love that both Michael and Cynthia can help their parents to grow and get a better understanding of romantic love, and that if that love is true it is worth fighting for.

This is really just a delightful novel that has such lovely character growth for all our lovers, I absolutely love the way Barnes walks us through this story from beginning to end and my heart was filled with so much joy at the conclusion. I so highly recommend this novel, it is a wonderfully fresh historical romance that I will definitely revisit and I am looking forward to the rest of the novels in this series!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This book was beyond amazing! It starts with MIna, who is in her late 30s, asking her husband for a divorce. She asks because theirs is a marriage of convenience among friends and she knows he has fallen in love with another. He once saved her from ruin and now she wants to do something nice in return. Unfortunately, a divorce in 1820s England is not as straight forward and basically, she has to be proven to have taken lovers which brings about a big scandal on herself. Before the storm hits, she meets James Dale and they share an immediate attraction. However, when the divorce proceedings happen, Dale is revolted by her because his wife cheated on him through their marriage. They are forced together because of their children, but the slow slow SLOW burn in this book is so worth it. Sophie Barnes is a new for me author and I cannot wait to read her backlist!

Was this review helpful?

An enjoyable book to read. There was love , excitement and plenty to enjoy. It was easy to keep reading and see if they get together. Recommend it is read.

Was this review helpful?

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley.
It is a wonderful love story. The misconception that James had of Mina at the beginning of the book and after getting to know her was touching. I loved the way the story was interwoven with her first husband and her daughter and James's son. Definitely a five star read.

Was this review helpful?

Wilhelmina Hewitt was married a touch over twenty years, But she felt he should have a chance at love and he never would if he stayed married. They loved each other but as brother and sister. He had helped her out of a bad situation and she was going to help him.

George Hewitt was a furniture designer and Manufacturer. He made beautiful stuff and it was in high demand. But if they did this then he was going to America. He had been seeing a lady called Fiona and she was in a family way actually his family way. It took them two years to finally get the divorce.

James Sebastion Dale, he was from a very nice family. His parents loved each other. His wife was dead but he had his son. He also was a Barrister, here in London. He loved the law and found it to be a big challenge. He found Mrs. Hewitt absolutely lovely but she was taken.

I loved this wonderful story. She was George's friend and would do anything for him. She willing made her life hard so he could find his happiness. James hated her.

It was a mesmerizing tale. Her kindness, strength, and beauty stayed with her. But she got lonely sometimes and thank goodness she had her daughter. She also missed George. They had grown up together. There were some twists, it was exciting but also encouraging. The characters were excellent. Once I picked the book up I could not put it down, It seemed like a fresh look at things.
I received this ARC Review from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Was this review helpful?

A cautionary tale which brings to light the need to look below the surface. Mr. Dale, although attracted to Mrs. Hewett/Lawson from the first, allows his opinion to be influenced by his previous experience as well as what he sees on the surface rather than what he sees beneath. As a result, he interferes with his the happiness of his son. It will take an unexpected trip and forced closeness to change the way they both feel.
A very enjoyable read from Sophie Barnes.
Thank you Sophie Barnes and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

Was this review helpful?

He's a respectable barrister...
She's the most scandalous woman in England...
Wilhelmina Hewitt knows she's in for a rough ride when she agrees to help her husband get a divorce. Nothing, however, prepares her for the regret of meeting Mr. Dale on the eve of her downfall. No other man has ever sent her heart racing as he does. Unfortunately, while she'll soon be free to engage in a new relationship, no upstanding gentleman will have her.
James Dale would never pursue another man's wife. Or a woman reputed to be a deceitful adulteress. Furious with himself for letting the lovely Mrs. Hewitt charm him, he strives to keep his distance. But when her daughter elopes with his son, they're forced into a partnership where passion ignites. And James soon wonders if there might be more to the divorcée than meets the eye.
James and Mina are just the right couple. This book is a 2 romance story in that it is the story of love between the daughter of Mina and the son of James and Mina and James.
Sophie Barnes is a favorite author of mine.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

This is Mina and James story. Mina was in a married to George. George was in love with Fiona and he had gotten her pregnant. Mina suggested.they divorce. This was a time where you could only divorce if the wife commits adultery. The divorce is terrible for Mina’s reputation. James and Mina fall in love. He is her staunch supporter.

The plot was well thought out. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Was this review helpful?

Another winner! Great start to a new series. I love that this is a story of 2nd chances and also a slightly older couple than the normal. Wilhelmina married her best friend who came to her rescue, but George
is like a brother to her. When the chance to repay him for all the years of friendship, protection and love came, she didn’t care that she be the one to suffer or that her reputation be ruined, As the stage is set at the Pennington ball, she chance to meet James. There is something so exciting about him, but then George begins her downfall and James winds up tangled in it. Unknowingly a innocent caught in a web of lies. The motion has been set and George files for a divorce. James as a barrister can’t help but follow the trial, he also can’t believe the Mina he met is a women of loose morals as one lover after another gives testimony.
Two years later their children have fallen in love and James can not allow his son to be connected to the daughter of a divorcée. Trying to keep them apart has brought Mina back into his life, but there are secrets and he is determined to cover them and maybe even love.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #SophieBarnes #MrDaleandtheDivorcee

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: