The Bridal Quest

This was the first book of Candace Camp's that I read, and I was immediately hooked on her style of writing and character development. I am not normally a fan of Victorian era books, but she makes it fun and interesting and her characters are genuine and human and very real. She also brings alot of humor and adventure to her stories, which brings that usually dry time in history very down to earth and enjoyable. I've since read several of her other books, and look forward to the remaining books in the Matchmaker series.

I found myself really liking The Bridal Quest. I had read the first book in the series and was anxious to read this one. It didn't disappoint. I liked our hero, Gideon, from the get go. And, the first meeting between Gideon and Irene was a doozy. I enjoyed all the little snippets about Francesca and the duke and have to say that I am most anxious to read their story. The Bridal Quest had very likable characters. I was afraid Irene might be a little too strident, but she never veered into unlikable territory. I felt she had a right to be so wary of marriage. Gideon, of course, was excellent. Most romance novel heroes are. They must be easier to write than women. I find myself liking the men in the books more than I do the women. Too often, the woman turns me off and ruins the book. But, happily, in this book that wasn't the case. I liked it all--the characters, the story, the little mystery thrown in. I will be eagerly awaiting the next 2 books in this series. The Bridal Quest was a delight.

The Bridal QuestI really enjoyed the love story of Irene and Gideon . I could not put the book down. I loved Gideon's Aunt Odelia ! I also enjoyed what looked like a future story between Francesca, and Lord Rochford. I can't wait until September for THE WEDDING CHALLENGE !

Gideon Bankes, son and heir to the Earl of Radbourne, was kidnapped from his country estate twenty-seven years ago. Four years old at the time, he was not heard from again until a few months ago when his cousin began to search for him following the Earl's death. Miraculously, he found Gideon alive and well and living in London, but with no memory of his lofty origins. He is now a wealthy businessman, but his youth was one of desperation and poverty in the slums. Gideon has now been made Earl, and his newfound family is eager for him to marry. They hope an aristocratic bride will refine his rough edges and smooth his entry into society. Lady Francesca, a family friend with a knack for matchmaking, is asked to help Gideon find a wife. He surprises her by already having someone in mind: Lady Irene Wyngate. Irene's lineage, breeding and looks are all exceptional, but at twenty-five years of age she is almost a spinster, and her severe dress and sharp tongue scare away most men. However, Gideon is undeterred and presses forward in his suit. He once met Irene years ago and has never forgotten her. She has not forgotten Gideon, either, and time has only improved his raw appeal. But Irene flatly refuses to marry him - or any man - lest she winds up like her mother in an abusive and loveless marriage. Fortunately, Gideon is not a man to give up easily... I really like this book. It is the second entry in Ms. Camp's `Matchmaker' series (following "The Marriage Wager") and is even better than the first. The story is charming, the couple incredibly sweet, and their attraction believable right from the start. Irene is obviously crazy for Gideon, and it is touching and funny to see her deny her feelings while her actions give her away. There is a real emotional connection between these two, and their smart and often impassioned discourse is one of the highlights of the book. There is also a first rate mystery involving Gideon's abduction as a boy, helped along by an appealingly quirky cast. And the weeklong house party at Gideon's imposing country mansion - with its close quarters and drama and intrigue - is the perfect setting. My one quibble is that Irene's mother, who is attending the house party with Irene, inexplicably disappears for most of the story...even when one would expect Irene or Gideon to seek her out. This is a small point, however, and overall this is an immensely satisfying read.

I have enjoyed Candace Camp's books for years, and the Bridal Quest is no exception. The second installment in The Matchmakers series continues the story of Francesca Haughton's matchmaking services for the Earl of Radbourne and Lady Irene Wyngate. There are a lot of twists and turns in the plot, as well as resolving a long term mystery. I like that the hero is not a normal haughty aristrocrat, and has some self doubt that makes him more real. Lady Irene had an abusive father, so it makes sense she is reluctant to enter into marriage and lose her independence. As with all of Candace Camp's books, I had trouble putting it down until I finished the book. I can't wait for the next installment, and hope one day to hear Francesca's story!