A chapter or two into this book and I want to meet the two lead characters. Carla Kelly has become one of my favorite historical authors because she tells a good story, charming characters you’d love to meet, situations that go beyond the foibles of the ton, and a writing style that’s both fluid and descriptive. This book’s a story about an impoverished widow, Sarah, who spends her last coin on transportation to a job that falls through due to death of her employer, and a recently retired naval admiral, Charles, looking to marry to get his sisters out of his hair. When his pre-arranged bride fails to show, he impulsively asks Sarah to marry him, a “marriage of convenience.” Seeing no other alternative she agrees and travels with thin to the broken down manor of iniquity that he recently purchased because of its ocean views. As they attempt to rebuild the house and build a household, they began to appreciate each other while realizing that a marriage of convenience may be less than what they feel toward each other. The slow build of their relationship combined with the entertaining side characters make for a wonderful read. I liked this story, enough to give it another ½ star: total 3 ½ stars. I have read several of Carla Kelly’s books and therefore compare it to her others. It is not near the top of my favorites, but nonetheless, I enjoyed it! Fun premise where a homeless, jobless, penniless, destitute (but of course, pretty) young widow accepts the spontaneous marriage proposal of a retired navy admiral that she meets at a teahouse as she is contemplating what to do next in her pathetic situation. He, being an unmarried man, is trying desperately to save himself from his two older, meddling sisters that have nothing better to do in life than try to marry him off to one of a parade of equally desperate women. And btw, the marriage proposal is his idea.Even though the admiral is quite dashing and rich, he sees as a problem the obvious fact that he has a hook for his left hand. (Some shipboard accident.) Could be a turn off he suspects, but it doesn‘t seem to bother adorable Sally/Sophia in the least. She figures he seems nice, and she is super desperate, so why not accept his proposal. They spend the rest of the story falling in like and love with each other. It a fun story, but of course conflict happens. Never fear - it’s all resolved in the end. If you like author Carla Kelly, then it’s worth reading. (Added note here: I too, like a few other reviewers suggest that whomever does the book cover art read the book. That left hand is supposed to be a hook!)
Do You like book The Admiral's Penniless Bride (2010)?
I loved this book! It was so sweet, heart-warming, a little sad, funny, and I couldn't put it down.
—Ivy
I enjoyed this book. It had likable characters and a good plot line.
—LexiReads
Another strong historical from Ms Kelly. Can she do no wrong?
—1budlight
A lovely romance featuring more 'mature' lead characters
—jade
I love books where love grows gradually
—chammakchallo269
