The Spring Bride (Chance Sisters series Book 3)

Stars: 3 StarsFormat: PrintSteam Level: SteamySeries: CompleteCW: Attempted kidnapping of a child, abuse, animal abuseI admit I was not excited about this book when I saw which sister we were going to read about. Jane is my least favorite among the sisters so I was pleasantly surprised on how much I liked her by the end.Quick Thoughts:- Things still very gendered. Male skin, male gaze, male taste...It seemed like rugged stereotypes are the desired thing, slim fashionable (just shy of being called gay) men aren’t. This all super annoyed me. Especially since I have no recollection of this being rampant in the first book- Jane talks about finding love with her potential husband after marriage. Which is a legit thing. But she mentions it A LOT. Now I would have understood if it was written as if she was reminding herself, but (to me) it read more like Jane was imparting new information every time.- I was not completely sold on Zachary at the beginning. I thought he was charming and fun but immature. He grew on me as well- I appreciated that Anne Gracie did not just make Jane pretty and that’s it. Jane experiences unwanted attention from men all her life and has changed/developed coping skills for it- I liked all the little habits and ways of thinking Jane has due to how she grew up, it made sense. Abby was 12 when they lost their parents, Jane was 6 so she really grew up in extreme poverty- Being good with animals and loving them was adorable and a nice touch to make her different from her other sisters- New side characters! And I really liked them. There is a couple you meet towards the end of the book that I was nervous for but I should have trusted Anne Gracie. All the warm fuzzies. And Aunt Beatrice gets a new niece and loves her. There are times I don’t agree with Aunt Bea but I love love love her character- Really liked these character’s evolution, how important Jane turned out to be, and how Zachary realized people cared for him- This is an insta love story and I didn’t hate it. Yay!Overall I enjoyed this installation of the series much more than I thought I would. But I took a star away because of all the super gendered things and repeating of the love after marriage bit. I am excited for the last book as I really enjoy reading about Daisy

Anne Gracie has added another gem to her collection of novels about four poor young women who are takin in by a kindly elderly ton matron. Her latest story the Spring Bride is so far her best in this delightful series.Jane remembers little of her parents before they died because she was young, only six. She doesn’t remember their great love for each other as much as she recalls her life of poverty, fear and hunger. She and her older sister are now quite comfortable but still her earlier time of being destitute has shaped her view of what she seeks from marriage, which is a husband who can provide for her financially. Because Jane’s fears are very real, she accepts the marriage offer of a titled Lord who is rich, and dull.Zachery Black is a titled gentleman who has walked away from England and more importantly his father and his estates. He has been a spy and is an absolutely interesting character, he is utterly charming. He meets Jane in a most unexpected way and they fall for each other from their first encounter. Oh, are they enchanted but all Jane sees is a ne’er do well and though she knows he is all wrong for her, Jane just cannot help her feelings.Zachery rethinks his entire life plan after meeting Jane. He is enamored and finds himself wanting to be everything Jane needs. Problem is he has not been quite truthful with her. He has to go about wooing her and convincing her of his intentions.Zachery and Jane are so wonderful together. They have lovely conversations and I always pictured them smiling when they were in each other’s presence. Theirs is a romance that is just overflowing with curiosity, affection, and sweet feelings. Jane knows she is getting way over her head with Zachery and she turns out to be much more insightful than expected. She matures and recognizes and overcomes her own fears to embrace a new life. Same for Zachery. Together these two have a lovely journey to a happily ever after.

I wish that the author could resist recycling descriptions and episodes. One coincidental meeting with a grandmother who recognizes the heroine by a resemblance is more than enough. Men show their good nature by the same traits when driving, and though initially different - big vs lanky - are identically muscular and godlike later. In between these, the writing is better than much historical romance, though this is not as gripping as the first Chance sisters story.

This is a totally satisfying book. The characters are well-realised and amusing, and there are touches of comedy:- with the deplorable rescued dog and the mischievous worldly dowager, worthy of Georgette Heyer at her best. The narrative is pacey and the plot resolves itself nicely. The author has a feeling for the Regency.

I loved the first two books in the series but for some reason this one did not pull me in as I expected. Somehow I did not find Jane a distinctive character unlike her two "sisters" in the first two books of the series. Still a nice read but not outstanding.

I enjoyed this book but it is not my favourite one in the series. However, I enjoyed the characterisation and the storyline and will definitely put it in my favourites and enjoy reading it again.

A very enjoyable read. Having read the first book in this series and enjoyed this one also. I am looking forward to the third book which comes our very shortly.

I love this series. The characters are engaging, the writing light and lovely, the plotting good and credible. All in all a charming series.

Perfect Thank you

Love this author. Really enjoyed this series of books and can't wait for the final book. Recommend this author.

Arrived in good time,excellent condition,good value also good story.

I love reading Anne Gracie's books

Worth reading

Quite a good story but a little disappointing.

Not up to her normal standard

Nice read

Jane Chance (of the Chance-sisters) is about to make her entrance into high society. Her intends to make a good, safe and sensible marriage is strong. Zachary Black, former spy and now in disguise as a gipsy helps to rescue Jane and a dog.Of corse he is all wrong. And as he is ready to face his past and duty, a strange murder makes everything complicated.After reading Summer Bride, I did expect more humor and action.