His Delightful Lady Delia - (American Royalty) by Grace Hitchcock

This is book three in the American Royalty series, but it reads fine as a stand-alone. This was so interesting that I definitely want to read the first two. I loved getting a peek into the workings of the theater setting of New York City in 1883. I found myself immersed in the history of the Italian opera company and felt like I could see the lavish gowns and how the elite set themselves apart from others. This story contains lots of twists and turns that keeps you on your toes. I found it impossible to figure everything out as so much is shrouded in mystery and that made it even more interesting. The characters were brought to life with flaws that made them believable and worming their way into my heart. An entertaining read that is captivating from the beginning. Add to your must read list. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

This is a wonderful look at the opera world during this historical setting. Delia is quite the character and I loved her innocence at times. After her father left her and her mother, they have struggled to survive. Her mother is a very talented opera singer and enjoys the spotlight. I wish I could say good things about Delia’s mother but she has made poor choices which causes people to shun her. Having an affair with a married man does’t sit well with people. But she does adore her daughter and will do anything for her. After being in her mother’s shadow for so long, Delia gets the chance to be center stage finally. I loved how she was well received by many and hopes of a bright future look promising. Delia is put in an uncomfortable position when there is a power struggle between the Academy of Music and the Metropolitan Opera. A plan is set and I loved how the author includes the Phantom of The Opera in the story. This piqued my interest and I couldn’t wait to see how it would play out. Kit impressed me with his dashing gentleman ways and makes a smashing hit in this story. We met him in an earlier story in this series where his heart was broken. He is now in control of hotels and has a place with the elite that grants him recognition. When he and Delia team up to save one of the theaters danger comes their way. The author includes secrets, mystery, faith and a few laughs in this charming story. I loved how the story traces back to Delia’s father and how many secrets were exposed as her father finally comes to see her. There were quite a few surprises in the story which quickly turned the story into a mystery of sorts. The author does a great job in unraveling the past and illustrating how important faith is. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

What a 'delightful' story. I've enjoyed this series so much. So nice that it's confirmed bachelor Kit Quincy's turn for a chance at romance Lots of drama and intrigue along with a sweet romance in this American Royalty series Book Three by Author Grace Hitchcock. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and finished in less than two days. Delia is the understudy for her mother the lead opera diva at the Academy of Music in New York. The society matrons decide on an outlandish plan to win the opera war between the Academy of Music and the new Metropolitan Opera opening in town. Kit and Delia get pulled into the plan with their friend Millie. Beautiful storytelling by Author Grace Hitchcock. This story seamlessly flowed, gently bringing the reader along to uncover intrigue and/or romance around every corner. I could not put stop turning pages until it was all figured out at the end. Bravo! Thank you to the author and Bethany House for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

At the end of the first chapter I realized that Kit Quincy was one of the suitors for Willow's hand in My Dear Miss Dupre'. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to continue reading in Grace Hitchcock's American Royalty series. This book has wonderful protagonists and devious antagonists, and there are those you will think fall in one category when truly they belong in the other! Hitchcock has written yet another exciting Gilded Age tale that will bring readers hours of delightful entertainment. The timeless message of being one of God's children, fully loved, is shown to provide a sense of comfort and security. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of His Delightful Lady Delia from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

4.5 stars " . . . . there was a flash of something behind his eyes she did not quite understand but felt in her heart that she had just agreed to a friendship that could change everything." The opportunity to become the lead soprano for the Academy of Music's aging, but historic opera house was a dream come true for Delia Vittoria, she just regretted that it had come at the expense of her mother's fine voice and possibly (probably!) Madre's questionable lifestyle. (she had made the wrong woman mad) The New York Knickerbockers were not going to allow the newly rich and their opulent Metropolitan Opera House win the city's popularity contest, and Delia was going to be their ticket for success. Pairing her up with confirmed bachelor Kit Quincy as a patron (and undercover suitor), Delia was suddenly able to meet people and frequent establishments where she had previously been shunned, it was practically a dream come true. Except . . . it was all a part of the show . . .. she had to remember that . . . . for even the resident phantom was going to be making a re-appearance. Kit Quincy was quite satisfied with his life, wasn't he? It only took a few moments in the presence of the beautiful Delia Vittoria to introduce (after a rather misunderstood first introduction) second thoughts about bachelorhood, before they were both swept up in a lavish scheme to save the opera house, "forcing them" to spend an inordinate amount of time together, which Kit began to think was not a bad idea after all. Pleasure turned into admiration, and admiration turned into . . . . could he think it, much less define it . . . . as love? Darn it, Delia had made it very clear, after witnessing her parents' terrible marriage, that her career was, and always would be, her one and only love. This author's lovely writing style makes it easy to turn the pages while thoroughly enjoying the characters and their conversations, the plot building and twisting through multiple curves and corners . . . hitting a few unexpected dead-ends (planned, of course) and popping out more than a few surprises. Being a part of these characters lives (yes, it certainly feels like that) was a total pleasure and their growing faith was truly inspirational. "There is no fear in love, for perfect love casteth out fear . . . " I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.