As a baby, Daisy Chance was abandoned by her mother. She was raised in poverty, bought by Mrs. B., a madame at a brothel, where she brought Daisy to live. Daisy cleaned and scrubbed and was allowed to sit and sew in her spare time. She had a talent for sewing and began to dream about owning her own shop and designing and selling beautiful clothes to the wealthy ladies of London. She escaped and met three other gals and together they ended up in the home of Lady Beatrice Davenham, who pretended they were her nieces and offered them a home with her and would teach them to become ladies.

Patrick Flynn was born poor, too. He was a wharf-rat dreaming his own dreams of owning ships. With the help of a silent partner, Flynn buys his first ship and in time he owns his own fleet of ships along with a very successful trading empire throughout the world. He returns to London as a very wealthy man and is eager to find an aristocratic wife who will be his entre into Society. He wants a royal wife and a big family. Flynn is a constant visitor at the residence of Lady Beatrice and has befriended Daisy. He takes her to view the treasures on his ships and Daisy buys fabulous fabrics for her designs she is beginning to sell. When Flynn does not find a proper wife, he discovers Daisy right under his nose and decides he wants her and will begin to woo her. Flowers begin to arrive for Daisy every day. No note but she knows they are from Flynn. No way will Flynn be part of her future plans. They are only for her business. No marriage, with a husband that will take her business from her. And never any children. She does not want to be a lady. She only wants to dress them. But perhaps an affair with Flynn might be nice? She really adores him.

Who would not fall in love with Flynn? This Irish rogue is tall, dark, handsome with blue eyes filled with mischief. How he fills out his tight breeches makes it hard to look away. He is sweet, kind, and so thoughtful with a sense of humor that is pure delight. When they have their first kiss, Flynn is certain Daisy is the one for him. It is difficult for Daisy to continue to resist his charms but when he proposes marriage, she flatly declines. Flynn does not plan to give up. He loves a challenge and nothing will stand in the way of his plans to wed Daisy and have a family. He loves that Daisy is sassy, stubborn and outspoken. She is a hard worker, independent but he can talk to her about anything and their sexual attraction sizzles!

Anne Gracie writes a wildly romantic Regency tale that sparkles. I loved every moment of THE SUMMER BRIDE, which is the fourth and final in The Chance Sisters series. Daisy and Flynn's adventure pulls at my heart strings and their together forever finale brings a few happy tears of joy. Many of the secondary characters are appealing. Lady Beatrice Davenham, who takes Daisy into her home and begins to love her as her own daughter, is wonderful. I loved the way she always flirted with Flynn and his reaction is always charming. Her butler, Featherby, has a big heart and along with the Valet, William, an aging prizefighter past his prime, are always in Daisy's corner too. Ms. Gracie threads the needle and tells of passion, dreams and true love. A very special book that I easily give a five star rating. I can not wait to read another. Thank you Ms. Gracie. Superb!

Book Summary

Daisy’s Story

Fiercely independent Daisy Chance has a dream—and it doesn’t involve marriage or babies (or being under any man’s thumb). Raised in poverty, she has a passion—and a talent—for making beautiful clothes. Daisy aims to become the finest dressmaker in London.

Dashing Irishman Patrick Flynn is wealthy and ambitious, and has entered society to find an aristocratic bride. Instead, he finds himself growing increasingly attracted to the headstrong, clever and outspoken Daisy. She’s wrong in every way—except the way she sets his heart racing.

However, when Flynn proposes marriage, Daisy refuses. She won’t give up her hard-won independence. Besides, she doesn’t want to join the fine ladies of society—she wants to dress them. She might, however, consider becoming Flynn’s secret mistress…

But Flynn wants a wife, not a mistress, and when Flynn sets his heart on something, nothing can stand in his way…