When Marrying a Scoundrel

I really enjoyed this story which was a lovely romance with two warm main characters. I think it could have been a little more edgy to have made 5 stars but otherwise, a sweet love story about lost and found love. I am really looking forward to reading more books in this series.

I rather enjoyed this book. This is a wonderful story about second chances. The flow of the story was great. I like the fact that the hero and heroine were married young and had missed a lot of years together. But the reunion between the two was fabulous. Jacks leaves to become wealthy and successful. While Sadie stays behind and makes a new life for herself in spite of her grief for him leaving. However, when Jack returns it doesn't take long for them to figure out that they never stopped loving each other. Good plot with secrets, love, and forgiveness. I look forward to reading about the next book of the series. I hope Vienne gets with trystn.

I wasn't sure at the beginning of the story about the plot and the length of time that Jack and Sadie were astranged but sure enough, Kathryn Smith was able to write a very plausible explanation and also pull me into what turned out to be a great romance.

Years ago Jack Farrington abandoned his wife. To eat Sadie Moon became a fortune teller, which she is quite good at. However, lately her tea leaves readings have included some personal messages that she cannot fathom what they mean. Jack's visage keeps showing up. In 1877 wealthy investor Jack Friday and Sadie meet when she wants to lease a store from him. Neither lets the other know they recognize one another as their spouse. He remains angry that she deserted him and she feels likewise. Both moved on. However, each quickly realizes they remain in love, but will either risk their heart again; if they do they will learn the truth of why they separated and who plots to keep them apart. If they don't, a second chance to correct what should have been will be lost as will their respective hearts. This is a strong second chance Victorian romance if either of the still in love star-crossed pair takes that key first step of reconciliation. Both are likable but obstinate not trusting the other or their betraying heart. Fans will enjoy this profound historical due to the strong lead pair while reading the tea leaves that insist their friends will continue the gender war. Harriet Klausner