Regency Brides

Kimberly Comeaux
Barbour Publishing (2006)
ISBN 1597893684
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (11/06)


“Regency Brides” is another great offering by Barbour Publishing, this one by author, Kimberly Comeaux.  It is an assemblage of three short stories, all with ties to the English Regency Era.  Three couples follow a Christian journey amidst a society that would classify their love affairs as unconventional romances.  You will likely be reminded of Jane Austen.

“The Vicar’s Daughter” (2003) takes place in England and is the story of free-spirited Christina Wakelin and the staunch Nicholas Thornton, Earl of Kenswick, who has been living in seclusion after returning from the war.  Without warning, Nicholas is handed the infant son belonging to his brother, Thomas, who is declared missing at sea.  Baby Tyler needs a proper caregiver immediately, and Nicholas feels ill-equipped.  Nicholas believes God has sent the compassionate Christina to him, and he would be a fool to let her get away.  Likewise, Christina feels God’s pull to lead a man from his self indulgent life and into the light.  The match seems like destiny.

“The Engagement” (2004) also takes place in England in the spring of 1814 with Lord Thomas Thornton returning from a horrendous storm at sea only to learn his wife has died giving birth to son Tyler while he was away.  Lady Katherine Montbatten has been deeply hurt by the Thornton family when Nicholas Thornton broke off their engagement after returning from the war.  Katherine sets out to seek revenge by tricking Lord Thomas into believing she loves him.  But the game becomes serious business when Katherine finds herself falling in love with Thomas.  Cousin Theodora will not give in to the game of revenge, for she has helped Katherine in her plot of evil doing, and Theodora tells Katherine the game WILL go on, regardless of her changed feelings.  Theodora seems to almost have an obsession with revenge, and Katherine becomes frightened.

“Remember Me” (2005) also has ties to London, England, but we find that Helen Nichols, Christina Wakelin’s best friend, is now working for the Baumgartner family in Louisiana in the year 1815.  Trevor “North” Kent, the Duke of Northingshire, is sailing to America to join his cousins on a sugar plantation they have invested in.  Minister Hammish Campbell is also traveling with North to become the new pastor in a Louisiana community.  The boat encounters a storm and lives are lost, including Hammish, but not before he gave his cherished Bible to North for safekeeping.  When the boat goes down, North is knocked unconscious and remembers nothing after regaining consciousness.  Since the Bible is found on North, all believe him to be Pastor Hammish, even North himself.  Only Helen knows the truth, for the two were acquainted in England.  But if Helen divulges what she knows, she feels his title of nobility will keep them forever apart.  North finally regains his memory and cannot understand why Helen has deceived him all this time, especially if she loves him.  Could society really keep them apart?

“Regency Brides” is a great book to read, and I encourage all who enjoy historical Christian romance to pick up a copy, especially if you enjoy the Regency Era.  Kimberly Comeaux is a talented author whose writing will keep you enthralled.  Her characters are spunky and entertaining, and with wholesome messages of God, true love and keeping the faith, this book will be well worth your time. 

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