Barbara's rating: 3.4
Series: Misfortunes Favorites #3
Publication Date: 7/18/24
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 316
The Misfortunes Favorites series covers the lives of three boys who were cursed by an evil witch at thirteen. Did they do wrong? Yes, they did. They stole a barrel of whisky from the witch and then broke it by accident. That whisky was the witch's only income as she was very, very poor. The curse said they would lose all they held dear in their thirtieth year. The witch's sister did all she could to soften the impact of the curse, but, unlike her sister, she wasn't a very powerful witch and wasn't able to do much. Each book in the series covers the story of one of those boys, what he lost, and what he found. This last book covers not only what was lost and what was found, but offers a way to undo the curse totally. What will the men do? What choice will they make?
Emory (Rory) Lumley, is the younger son of a Duke, and probably lost the most from the curse. While the other two lost material things, Rory lost his wife and newborn son – on his thirtieth birthday. So, Rory and I were tracking along pretty well together – because I believe we share several personality traits – and then we get toward the end of the book when the three men have to make a choice that will end the curse. I empathized with Rory, I really did – but – when the words 'impossible choice' were uttered, he lost me and my empathy. That is really sad too because he had been my favorite from the first book, and I just couldn't wait for his book. Even the lovely epilogue didn't make up for, nor redeem Rory in my eyes.
Genevieve Brooking is a very caring no-nonsense governess who was quickly hired to care for Rory's daughter Frances after she was abruptly and unceremoniously given back into his care. I loved Genevieve from the moment she first graced the page and at the end, I thought she deserved someone better than Rory. Genevieve had been a governess for fourteen years and always handled the children in her care with compassion, love, concern, care, and a no-nonsense attitude. That combination was just exactly what Frances Lumley needed and she blossomed under Genevieve's care. That combination was exactly what Rory needed also, and he too blossomed.
This was an excellently written story with vivid descriptions of the peaceful settings around Rory's home and delightful tales of Frances's shenanigans. I loved Genevieve and her mother – both were strong, relatable ladies any of us would love to meet. I also loved seeing King, Violet, Henry, and Kate again. What I didn't like and could not get past, even with the lovely epilogue, was Rory's 'impossible' decision. I absolutely did not like the way he handled that whole thing and would love to tell you why, but I don't want to include a spoiler. So, I'm glad to have read this book and finished the series, but I wouldn't read this one a second time.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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