Jane Chantry (now going by the name of Jane Chance) remembers very well how difficult her childhood was. Her parents were madly in love, and married against their families' wishes, causing them to be disowned. Her father had no skills or training, so they lived in poverty, and were left as destitute orphans. Jane is determined to live a better life now that she has a chance. She is about to make her debut, thanks to the generosity of her "aunt," and vows she will never live that kind of life again. She desires children, and wants them to have every advantage. She plans to select the best man to provide the kind of life she never had, and hopes only for affection. Love doesn't matter, or so she initially says.

Adam Aston-Black, the new heir to the title of Earl of Wainfleet, is about to be declared dead by his cousin, who would then inherit the title. Since Adam has not been seen for eight years, that's a reasonable assumption. But Adam, who has been using the name of Zachary Black, is alive and well, and has been in service to the king. While he's not thrilled about coming back home and taking up the duties of an earl, that's a better option than letting his cousin take his rightful place. So, he returns, only to find that he is wanted for murder. The person he is accused of murdering is his stepmother, Cecily, a woman he escorted to a safe place, to keep her out of the clutches of his abusive father. However, Cecily cannot be found, so he has to remain Zachary Black until the mystery is solved.

Meanwhile, Jane has caught the eye of a very eligible man who has all the qualities she is seeking. This gentleman has remained single for years, just waiting for the perfect match. He collects beautiful things, and he wants to add Jane to his collection, as she is the loveliest woman he's ever seen. He makes his proposal, and Jane accepts, much to the dismay of her sisters, who want her to marry for love.

A chance encounter between Jane and Zachary (who is still incognito) has them both very interested in the other. From here, the story really blossoms. The practical, sensible Jane finds that she is developing feelings for a man who has nothing to offer. Zachary realizes that he is willing to give up his carefree life, if he can only convince Jane. These are two of the most likeable people you'll encounter, and I couldn't wait for Jane to choose love. Despite the appearance that she is only interested in material things, in truth, Jane is scared. Her young life was a hard one, and she doesn't want to put her children through that. Zachary is hero material - he left home at a young age, taking his stepmother to safety, and getting them both away from his father, who was a tyrant.

THE SPRING BRIDE is a very well written, truly romantic story with great characters. I devoured this third book of the Chance Sisters series, and recommend it highly.

Book Summary

A dog in need of rescue brings together a young debutante and a mysterious stranger in this regency charmer from the beloved Anne Gracie. For fans of Mary Balogh and Madeline Hunter. On the eve of the London Season, Jane Chance is about to make her entrance into high society. And after a childhood riddled with poverty and hardship, Jane intends to make a good, safe, sensible marriage. All goes according to plan until a dark, dangerous vagabond helps her rescue a dog.

Zachary Black is all kinds of unsuitable—a former spy, now in disguise, he’s wanted for murder. His instructions: to lie low until his name is cleared. But Zach has never followed the rules, and he wants Jane Chance for his own.

If that means blazing his way into London society, in whatever guise suits him, that’s what he’ll do. Jane knows she shouldn’t fall in love with this unreliable, if devastatingly attractive, rogue. But Zach is determined— and he‘s a man accustomed to getting what he wants.

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