Fairest of the Fayre

De: Sheri Cobb South

Narrado por: Joel Froomkin

Penelope Fayre, nineteen years old and the belle of the Season, knows she must marry money, but she’d hoped to find a man she could love for his personality as well as his purse. Now the Season is drawing to a close, and if such a man exists, he has been keeping himself well-hidden. Painfully aware of having failed her family, Penelope makes a bargain with herself: She will accept the next eligible offer she receives, but first, she’ll make the most of her freedom by stealing away to Bartholomew Fair.

At the fair, she falls prey to a thimblerigger and is rescued by Philippe Valois, an itinerant swordsman who ekes out a living by taking on all comers. Seeing that “Miss Fair” appears to be alone, he appoints himself her escort. But Bartholomew Fair only lasts for three days, after which Penelope and the intriguing Frenchman must part ways forever. Great is her surprise when, two months later, she attends a Leicestershire hunting-party fully expecting to become betrothed to her host, only to discover Philippe posing as one of the footmen.

Philip Markham is a man on a mission to reclaim his stolen heritage. Still, he can’t forget the beautiful and spirited “Miss Fair,” an obviously well-born young lady experiencing the delights of Bartholomew Fair incognito. When he discovers that she is a guest in the house where he’d planned to make his move, he isn’t sure whether her presence will bring his plans to fruition…or ruin.

©2024 Sheri Cobb South (P)2025 Sheri Cobb South

Regency Romance Gem!

Nineteen-year-old Penelope Fayre, under pressure to marry wealth as the belle of the Season, hopes to find love but, with the Season ending, resolves to accept the next eligible marriage proposal while first enjoying her freedom at Bartholomew Fair. At the fair, she is saved from a thimblerigger by Philippe Valois, an itinerant swordsman who becomes her temporary escort, only for them to part ways after the three-day event. Two months later, Penelope is shocked to find Philippe posing as a footman at a Leicestershire hunting-party where she expects to get engaged to her host. Philippe, secretly Philip Markham, is working to reclaim his stolen heritage, and Penelope’s presence at the same event could either aid or jeopardize his plans.

Author Sherri Cobb South has crafted a truly enchanting Regency romance with Fairest of the Fayre. Her storytelling weaves historical behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs into a captivating tale filled with romance and intrigue. The characters are wonderfully rich and layered, drawing you into their world with every page. South’s plot is elegantly simple yet brimming with clever twists that keep you hooked from start to finish. The dialogue feels authentic to the 1814 setting, perfectly capturing the wit and charm of the era while providing a comforting, immersive escape that’s both relaxing and exciting.

Joel Froomkin’s narration elevates this story to another level. His performance is flawless, giving each character a distinct voice and energy that perfectly matches their personality and circumstances. His portrayal of female characters is remarkably authentic, with realistic tones that never feel forced. Froomkin’s clear, smooth delivery and vibrant storytelling enhance South’s narrative, making every moment vivid and engaging.

Together, this author-narrator duo delivers a Regency gem that’s an absolute joy to listen to—highly recommend!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Light and fun

I always enjoy Sheri Cobb South’s books and this one is no different. It was a lot of fun to read, light with little to no angst. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the fair. Penny may be the belle of the London season but she’s not your typical arrogant “diamond of the first water”. I found her character delightful and charming, if not a bit naive. And Phillipe is remarkably gallant considering all he’s suffered through. A sweet love story that made me smile throughout. This is definitely one I’ll read again and again.

A Compelling Story to Love

‘Fairest of the Fayre’ offers an enchanting beginning to Sherri Cobb South’s Bartholomew Fair series. The romantic fiction presents readers with an immersive experience in both world-building and character development. Set against the backdrop of historically rich Regency England, the story beautifully intertwines the lives of the Fayre family—especially Penelope, Oliver, and Caroline. With their mother, these children navigate their financial struggles and personal aspirations in a society bound by strict social norms. Ms. South’s meticulous attention to detail brings this period to life, highlighting its significance and the vibrant atmosphere that characterized it for centuries. The vibrancy of the Bartholomew Fair, including the performing actors, creates excitement. Listeners feel transported into this thrilling, bustling event. Penelope yearns to embrace her freedom before agreeing to the pressure of marriage.

Character development shines through Penelope’s journey as she evolves from a somewhat naive debutante to a more self-aware young woman. When she understands her family’s dire circumstances, her determination to seek a genuine love connection becomes a relatable and realistic quest. Philippe Valois, rich backstory as the son of a man wronged, adds depth to the narrative. His background highlights the themes of bravery, heritage, and the quest for justice. The supporting characters, including Andre, Crumley, and Freddie, further enrich the storyline, providing a variety of perspectives and experiences that enhance the overall narrative. Their interactions with Penelope not only highlight her growth but reflect the broader societal dynamics of the time.

Joel Froomkin breathes additional depth into ‘Fairest of the Fayre’ with a flawless narration. The distinctive character voices enable listeners to appreciate the story while relating to each persona as an individual. The perfectly timed, poignant pauses and intonations bring the story to life.

Overall, ‘Fairest of the Fayr’ offers a delightful blend of romance, action, and mystery, all while building a substantive world filled with intriguing characters whose journeys captivate and resonate. This novel sets a substantial foundation for the series, leaving listeners and readers eager to follow the Fayre siblings in their future adventures. What a fun story to get today.

Definitely not my favorite of this author’s.

This book is just okay. I really don’t think it was worth a credit. Rather boring.