The Autumn Bride (Chance Sisters series Book 1)

Having previously read and loved THE PERFECT RAKE, I had high expectations of this book, the first in Anne Gracie’s Chance Sisters series. However, while there were aspects of the book I really loved, there were others I found disappointing.I really liked Abigail. She is such a warm and caring person and you see that in her love for her younger sister, Jane, as well as her willingness to take in Damaris and Daisy. I also admired her courage and resourcefulness in rescuing Jane from the brothel and Lady Beatrice from the clutches of her dishonest and neglectful servants.Max is an honourable man who is determined to work to pay off his late uncle’s debts and restore the family fortunes, and he also reveals a caring nature in his genuine love and concern for his Aunt Beatrice. While I liked Max, I did find him a rather lacklustre hero, possibly because he was overshadowed by more vibrant and memorable characters like Lady Beatrice and Freddy Monkton-Coombes.I loved seeing the unbreakable bond that develops between the four girls and the loving relationship that grows between them and Lady Beatrice, who is definitely one of the highlights of the book. She’s such a colourful and larger than life figure who is outspoken and delights in flaunting the stuffy rules of society, even claiming the Chance sisters as her ‘nieces’. I love the scene where she regales Lady Beddington with the scandalous story of her fictitious half-sister, Griselda, her nieces’ mother, much to Max’s annoyance. I adored Max’s best friend, Freddy Monkton-Combes, who brought some lovely humour to the story with his talk of ‘muffins’ (and I don’t mean the edible kind).While I appreciated that this was the first book in a new series and setting up the bond between the ‘sisters’ and establishing their relationship with Lady Beatrice were important elements of the story, I did not feel that it allowed enough time to fully develop the romance between Abby and Max. For me, there was no steady development of their relationship and I did not sense the deep emotional connection between them. However, some of my criticisms were softened by the charming Epilogue.The touch of mystery surrounding Jane’s abduction added an interesting layer to the story but I felt that the opportunity to introduce a dramatic resolution to the plot line was sadly missed. Everything is neatly resolved off page with Max and Daisy relating details of what happened to the others. A clear case of telling rather than showing.MY VERDICT: Despite my reservations, overall I enjoyed THE AUTUMN BRIDE and will definitely be reading the other books in the series to see Jane, Damaris and Daisy get their Happy Ever Afters.

I absolutely loved this story of Max and Abby. What an amazing story too...fabulous characters and twists and turns everywhere.I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the remaining Chance sisters xx enjoy xx

I enjoyed this thoroughly, and after reading went on to read other of Anne Gracies books (none of which I enjoyed as much unfortunately)My only complaint is that despite dealing on the face of things with quite heavy matters (enforced prostitution) it remained light and bubbly, and actually felt it could have benefited from a touch more darkness (although this is true even more so of Anne's other works, so perhaps to be expected with the author in general).All in all an enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed this book it was funny in parts serious in others...all the characters were interesting in their own right so the stage I s set for a follower on

I was really looking forward to this book and I wasn't disappointed.The heroine was suitably fiesty and the hero another of Gracie's luscious males.The story moved along at a decent pace and although I would have forgiven the heroine if she had strangled her younger sister at one point the characters were well fleshed out and believable.I especially can't wait to meet Aunt Bea again in the next book!

My favourite romance novel to date. Just enough twists, turns and obstacles to keep things interesting. Likeable and fun characters. My only complaint is the use of the word “shattered” to mean orgasm. Urgh.

The 'sisters' are each so different , it will be interesting to find out how they meet their perfect matches...can't wait!

Awaited this and was not disappointed. Anne Gracie writes beautiful characters, sets them in luscious surroundings and the plots are multi-level and so keeps you interest to the very end.