The Best-Laid Plans Book Review
Friend. He knew that was how she viewed him, no matter that he’d held her hand for a time. Their “courtship” was a ruse, after all, one he had agreed to. He’d gone along both as an entertainment and a favor. It had all been fun and harmless when they’d first begun.
It felt less so now. He didn’t want to abandon their scheme. He wanted it to be real. Heaven help him, he wanted it to be real.
Synopsis
Newton Hughes has long dreamed of pursuing a career in law, an acceptable choice for a gentleman of status and wealth. His parents, however, disapprove of his ambition, urging him instead to take his rightful place as a gentleman of leisure - with a suitable wife of their choosing, of course. Ellie Napper would like nothing more than for her parents to abandon their incessant efforts to marry her off to the greatest possible advantage. Her lack of matrimonial enthusiasm drives her family mad, but she refuses to feign frivolity in order to make herself more palatable to potential suitors. When Ellie and Newton are introduced through their mutual acquaintance, Charlie Jonquil, they commiserate over their shared plight. In desperation, they hatch a plan: Ellie and Newton will feign an interest in each other - enough to convince their parents not to push them toward unwanted matches but not enough to cause whispers or expectations. Their plot quickly spirals out of control, but the greatest complication is the one they didn't see coming: their plan never included falling in love.
REVIEW
Part of Sarah M. Eden’s The Huntresses series, The Best-Laid Plans is a delightful escape into a world of strategic matchmaking and unexpected love. Set in a charming historical backdrop, this friends-to-lovers tale weaves a narrative brimming with warmth and wit.
The story unfolds as Newton and Ellie, both wrestling with familial and societal expectations, concoct a clever scheme to evade unwanted unions. While this plot is not new, it’s a joy to watch the complexities of their friendship blossom into something deeper as their plan progresses. Eden’s masterful characterization draws us into their world, making their journey from co-conspirators to something more incredibly engaging.
The pacing was fantastic – steady and well-orchestrated, allowing the romance to bloom naturally. It was wonderful to witness a sweet, clean romance with palpable chemistry between the characters. Additionally, the novel existing in the same world as The Jonquil Brothers and The Lancaster Family series adds a layer of familiarity. Finally, Eden’s knack for detail-rich storytelling shines through, offering readers a well-crafted and immersive experience.
The Best-Laid Plans has wonderful character development, endearing protagonists, and an adorable storyline that keeps you thoroughly engaged. For fans of sweet historical romances, this is a lovely addition to your reading list.
Publication date was 1 August 2022.
Author Profile
Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of witty and charming historical romances, including 2020’s Foreword Reviews INDIE Awards Gold Winner for Romance, “Forget Me Not,” and 2020 Holt Medallion finalist, “Healing Hearts.” She is a three-time “Best of State” Gold Medal winner for fiction and a three-time Whitney Award winner. Combining her obsession with history and her affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting deep characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library.
TL;DR
- Rating: 4 Stars | Genre: Historical Romance | Pages: 134
- Part of The Huntresses series
- Set in the same world as The Jonquil Brothers and The Lancaster Family series
- Wonderful character development
- Endearing protagonists with palpable chemistry
- Adorable storyline (friends-to-lovers, “fake” courting)
- Lovely choice for fans of sweet, clean, historical romances
