My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book! When I first started reading it, it took me a minute to realize I was reading in the third person, similar to Jane Austen’s writing, and once I did I was able to really settle into the story.

The story follows “Effie”, short for Persephone, as she is navigating the Ton of London. Her father has passed away and his entire estate has been passed on to a Cousin known as “Jog Along”. He’s about the most Dandy gentleman you can find during this time period. He is prone to fits of ego trying to best other Dandy’s in the Ton and regularly finds himself in very difficult situations.

Effie is the oldest in her family with 8 younger sisters. Her duty is to marry this cousin and ensure her father’s estate doesn’t fall into ruin with him at the healm. But as she takes her younger sisters (the twins Amelia and Parthie) with her to stay with the Thornaby’s for the season to set the match, things start to go in a different direction.

Much of the book is focused on Effie trying to keep her cousin out of trouble and manage a respectable name for their family. But this proves much harder than she could have imagine because “Jog Along” just can’t seem to stay out of precarious and dangerous situations.

In the meantime, Effie has managed to make friends with one of the wealthiest men in the Ton, a self proclaimed bachelor that hasn’t been seen at events in years. Their immediate connection for one another was really fun to watch unfold throughout this book. Effie ends up very tangled into Sir John’s life, helping teach his seven year old son and forcing him to take in a prodigy street urchin as well.

This book is filled with antics galore, so be prepared for lots of humor but also plenty of affection amongst family as well. I found myself endeared to the Dandy “Jog Along” by the time the book was over. Effie and Sir John are a magnificent couple in this story and I enjoyed their calm and quiet jabs at one another as their navigating their feelings in such an awkward situation. I mean Effie is supposed to be marrying her cousin, but her affections for John just keep growing and neither of them really know what to do about it.

A book filled with humor, warmth and affection from end to end! The perfect way to settle into regency London and enjoy your stay!