Her Darling Mr. Day - (American Royalty) by Grace Hitchcock (Paperback)

This was a delightfully charming Historical Romance! After reading My Dear Miss Dupré, I was hooked to this series! I loved the characters! And I definitely wanted to read Teddy and Flora’s story! I truly loved this book! It’s historical romance, but it has a heartwarming feel, has fun moments, also intriguing and dangerous ones, and searching for true purpose and identity and the faith thread about our value based on because of who we are in the eyes of God, and not founded other’s expectations. There was character growth throughout the book, concerning both main characters. Flora was centered on being loved and valued, by Teddy especially, but also her family. She was insecure about her value partly because of her father’s selfish interest in assuring she marries to someone with connections beneficial to the family sugar business, by providing his own adequate bachelors. And even if it didn’t mean he didn’t love his daughter, it hurt Flora terribly. Teddy was centered in nursing his wounds, his pride hurting, and that made it hard to see what he had in front of him, a lovely woman who loved him for who he was, and not his status or money. He was also centered on proving his worth to his father and trying to get to be the head of the luxury riverboats business. His competition with his brother, made him work harder, but he yet needed to reevaluate what was truly important for him. Both needed to reflect on the importance of family bonds, or so I thought. And that no family is perfect, but family is family. So, I loved how they both matured during the story, and saw their mistakes. I especially liked Flora’s character, and how she became a more mature person at the end. The romance was sweet and clean, the way I like it. There were many women and men suitors in the story, though, but I guess that makes the romance more interesting. And the plot had enough twists and intriguing danger to keep me engaged and wanting to know what was going to happen next. The Wingfield family felt like the Bennet family from Jane Austen at some point, and I liked that. A book I definitely recommend! I’m hoping there’ll be a third book soon.

Fun installment in the American Royalty series by author Grace Hitchcock! Theodore Day, one of the suitors in My Dear Miss Dupree (Book 1), has become highly famous and sought after in New Orleans. Flora Winfield worked hard to convince her family to summer in New Orleans so she can see her dear friend Theodore now that he is a bachelor once again. This time she doesn't want to lose her chance at something more. "A dream that is worth anything is worth waiting for to come true." "He would be her darling Mr Day before summer's end." What an enjoyable, page-turner, with surprising twists and turns to this fun story! This quote made me laugh out loud " When a gator catches you by your derriere, anything is possible." I highly recommend Her Darling Mr Day for fans of author Jen Turano. Thank you to the author, publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own!

Her Darling Mr. Day American Royalty #2 By Grace Hitchcock In My Dear Miss Dupré, Theodore "Theo" Day was jilted at the announcement of his engagement. An engagement that was the media event of the season and had captured the attention of New York society's elite. Hoping to distance himself from the utter embarrassment Theo returns to New Orleans and his family's home to delve into the family business. Unfortunately, Theo's fame has followed him home making him Lousianna's most sought-after bachelor. Unable to leave his home without being swarmed by the adoring socialites hoping to be Mrs. Theodore Day, Theo is more than a little relieved when Flora Wingfield and her family arrive for the summer. Flora has been one of his closest friends for years and is always ready to offer him encouragement and an understanding ear to listen. After two failed romances, Theo has no desire for romance at present which is too bad for him as engaging Theo's attention has been Flora's desire for years and she finally sees that her chance has come. But New Orleans society has decided that Flora and her sisters are a threat to them and all the eligible local bachelors. As Flora tries to show Theo just how much he needs her she finds herself in a whole passel of trouble as a danger from New York has followed them down South. But as the danger draws near and Flora's plans seem to go awry she has to make one final push to get what her heart desires. Her Darling Mr. Day has it all danger, romance, betrayal, a competition, and family. There are some intense moments as danger draws ever nearer. There are also a few humorous incidents scattered throughout. I love how Theo helps Flora achieve a dream - one that has been ignored and even ridiculed by her father. I also love how Flora's happily ever after is in doubt as outside forces conspire against her. As much as I enjoyed My Dear Miss Dupré I found this book to be an even more enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book if you love American historical fiction. If you haven't read the first book in the series it won't detract from your enjoyment of this book. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

3.5 stars "She was the daughter of Florian Wingfield. She shouldn't have to resort to chasing." Except that chasing was exactly what she was doing, and Flora Wingfield had brought her entire family along to witness her greatest expectation; Lord help her if turned out to be an epic disaster, for her reputation would surely be ruined. After all, Theodore Day had already squandered away plenty of time being best "friends", now she just needed him to take their relationship to the next level. My goodness, she had travelled all the way from New York to New Orleans with her plans to turn Teddy into "her darling Mr. Day", . . . . . by the end of the summer. There wasn't much time. Flora's arrival was providential! Theodore Day was dreadfully weary of politely declining the hordes of women constantly chasing him around; batting their eyes, inviting him to parties, stealing away precious moments that he needed to be spending on winning the right to head up his father's riverboat business. What did it matter if he was one of the city's most eligible bachelors, he had been set aside twice already after giving his heart away . . . . never again . . . at least for a long, long time. Thankfully he could spend hours with Flora, and her amazing interior designs, without any risk of romantic entanglements . . . . couldn't he? What a delicious euphony of coy, clever conversations; full of mischief and misunderstandings, leaving a trail of true desires buried underneath voluminous swaths of fashionable brocade. As Flora and Teddy battle to gain trust in matters of the heart (reader beware, it's quite an epic journey, and rather entertaining!) they almost miss the fact that they have never been alone, not really, for God has claimed them as His own, with an admonition to; "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name; thou art mine." Belonging. "Always and forever".