About the Book:
Miss Emma Arlen’s position as a companion never included distracting her mistress’s suitors, but when a handsome Italian ambassador arrives determined to find an English bride, Emma happily takes up the cause.
Emma Arlen has spent a decade as a member of the duke’s family, in the position of companion to his daughter and ward to the duke himself. She would do anything to show her support to the ducal family for their love and kindness. When Lady Josephine begs Emma to distract a most determined Sicilian suitor, she agrees at once. How hard can it be to keep one man entertained for a few weeks?
Luca, the Conte di Atella, left his home in the newly formed Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under the direct orders of King Ferdinand I. Luca’s duty as ambassador to England includes everything from negotiating better trade agreements to strengthening the bonds between the two nations. If possible, by marrying a lady of high birth. When he optimistically sets his sights on Lady Josephine
, Miss Arlen consistently disrupts his plans. The more time that passes, the more he realizes he does not mind at all.
Continually in the conte’s company, Emma recognizes in him a spirit of adventure and nobility like she has never witnessed before. When the time comes for him to go, will she be able to part with him and keep her heart intact?
As the second stand-alone novel in a new series by author Sally Britton, this story continues the Clairvoir Castle romances. This is a light-hearted, romantic series set in the Regency period.
My Thoughts:Several aspects of A Companion for the Count by Sally
Britton endeared this short novel to me. First, I liked that it was an English
Regency romance outside of the popular “London Season” setting. Also, the easy-to-read
story had Jane Austen style vibes and felt perfectly paced. As far as the
romance between Emma and Luca, their tender relationship grew as they gradually
realized how perfectly suited they were.
A Companion for the Count by Sally Britton offers
readers a few hours of escape from reality. Per the author’s note, this novel
is meant to be a respite from troubles and anxiety. As such, the story
entertains, but is not the type of book to keep the reader up past bedtime.
A Companion for the Count works well as a standalone
novel although it enters the Clairvoir Castle Romances as book two and features
appearances by the couple in the first novel, Mr. Gardiner and the Governess.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of
this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
