My Brother's Bride

Serendipity, Book 2

By: Rachael Anderson

Narrated by: Helen Taylor

Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Miss Abigail Nash is no stranger to loneliness. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father's business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. When her dear friends offer to launch her into London society, her life takes a turn for the better. An instant success, with suitors, social engagements, and offers aplenty, it seems Abby will at last settle into the life of her dreams. But appearances aren't always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments. Just months into her marriage with a proclaimed darling of the ton, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, and increasing. Even more precarious are the feelings she’s developing for a man she shouldn’t love, a man the law prohibits her from marrying - her late husband’s brother, the Marquess of Brigston.

©2018 Rachael Anderson (P)2019 Rachael Anderson

Wonderful book

Great story twist... so unexpected. I’m looking forward to book 3. I’m sure it’ll be thrilling and not predictable. Great narration... it makes you love the story even more.

Sweet story

I always enjoy Rachael Anderson book . To have it narrated by Helen Taylor, is even better. 🥰

Refreshing

Rachael Anderson is an excellent writer. I am glad I found her few writers are her equal. Helen Taylor is also an excellent narrator. I could listen to her all day. She was a perfect match for the book. The story was a light, refreshing read.

May Be Better than the First

Great, sweet story with only a few unsavory moments, and those not described in lurid terms. Mild romance without any overt or graphic suggestions or activities, which of course is a rare thing to find. And Helen Taylor does a splendid job of narrating as usual.

A Bittersweet Love Story

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Miss Abigail Nash is no stranger to loneliness. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father's business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. When her dear friends offer to launch her into London society, her life takes a turn for the better. An instant success, with suitors, social engagements, and offers aplenty, it seems Abby will at last settle into the life of her dreams. But appearances aren't always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments. Just months into her marriage with a proclaimed darling of the ton, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, and increasing. Even more precarious are the feelings she’s developing for a man she shouldn’t love, a man the law prohibits her from marrying—her late husband’s brother, the Marquess of Brigston.

MY TAKE
Having just read Serendipity #1, I anticipated another lighthearted romance. This tale is much darker. It also has a bittersweetness that even as I write this makes my eyes sting. What a good man Abby married. She didn't have a chance to get to know Jasper very well before she loses him to an accident, but I love that even with him gone his presence is still felt.

I enjoyed the growing relationship between Abby and Jasper's older brother Morgan. This was the fun in the story that could otherwise have been a little dismal.

The conflict of not being allowed to marry because they are considered "brother and sister" even though they shared no blood is a great one and something I was aware of because of having read another book that touched on this issue. I find it ironic that this real law was in place that prevented unrelated people from marrying yet first cousins could wed.

I thought I had a resolution figured out, but Anderson took it another direction that was better.

Helen Taylor did a great job with the narration.

Great story and performance

Rachael spins a story to where you are a part of the story and understand the characters dilemma. You want them together and cheer for them when they stand strong.
It's not easy to read a story with the right inflections and make the voices sound different so the listener knows a distinct person is talking. Helen Taylor does a wonderful job and you can hear the desperation, hope or happiness in her voice as she performs.

Excellent Story That Covera a Difficult Situation

Rachel Anderson is new author to me. I have now listened to five of her books and greatly enjoyed every one of them. I find her an interesting author because her stories are not cookie cutters of each other. The first series of three books I listen to were set in modern day. I have now completed two of the three books in this series set in the early 1800s. in my opinion, both series are excellent! I particularly appreciate the complete lack of explicit sex.

predictable but good.

interested in the 3rd book now! will attempt to find it now if it is available.

Serendipitous

I liked the story and thought the difficult subject was handled very well. Nothing graphic was described. I came to admire Jasper so much after his death.
I really liked Morgan. He was a bit stiff and boring at first but he had many responsibilities thrust upon him after his father's death.
Abby brought out his better side and helped him laugh again. I liked that he did right by her when he did not have to. He's a good man.
There were a few times I was taken out of the story. (I don't like when that happens.) One was when Abby shut and "bolted her door." Two sentences later, Prudence and Sophia open the door and come to Abby's bedside. How did they get in? Another is a spoiler so I won't share but it did make me stop reading for a bit.
I was quite happy with how the story ended, I would have liked a little more, but I usually do.
I liked seeing Lord and Lady Knave again as well as Sophia. I hope Sophia finds love in the next book.

Excellent Second in Series

The continuation on the Serendipity series flowed well without the repetition of some stories. When the characters from the first book showed up, it felt like old friends. The next in the series is hinted at but Racheal Anderson doesn’t leave the reader hanging. Helen Taylor is an excellent Narrator.