The Earl and His Lady

Branches of Love, Book 4

By: Sally Britton

Narrated by: Rachael Beresford

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's Summary

Lady Virginia Macon, the recently widowed baroness of Heatherton, has an impossible decision to make. Her late husband's unscrupulous brother demands guardianship of her sons. The courts are on his side, unless she marries someone willing to stand in her late husband's place. Locking her heart away and devoting herself to her children is the only way Virginia can countenance such a decision.  

Wearied by the world, Lucas Calvert, earl of Annesbury, is tired of being alone. His wife's passing six years previous left his life gray and empty. His only recourse has been to make life better for those around him, using his considerable wealth and influence. When he learns of Virginia's plight, he knows he can save her and her sons.  

During one of the rainiest summers in England's history, Virginia and her children bring light and color back into Lucas' life. But will Virginia's determination to protect her heart destroy their possibility of finding happiness together?

©2018 Sally Britton (P)2019 Tantor

Not one for me—wish I hadn't paid for it

I love most of this author’s books. However, this one (and one other) are more play-by-play in nature—he did this, then she did that. Also, I don’t mind children in books as a minor aspect, but I’m never interested in drawn out or frequent interactions with them or their squabbles and petulant behavior. For one, listening to children’s voices and whining in audio, particularly in books for adults about adults, is unpleasant. And secondly, the children in this story were not interesting like they are in some of her other stories. And far too much of the book was about them. I found it uninteresting. Otherwise, a clean romance is always appreciated; and this one, though somewhat plodding, has characters with integrity.

Heart warming sweet romance.

Wonderful story of happiness found after heartbreak enhanced by a great performance that distinguished the characters ...loved the children and their voices. A perfect escape from the cares of our world.

Struggling Mother

I really enjoyed this story. I was distracted somewhat until the last few chapters because there was not much mentioned about the Dukes Mother and Marcus. that was taken care of when it was learned that her children were being taken care of by his family during their absence. I like this series.

Her hero

I have only listened to 4 of the books in this series but I love Virginia's story the best. I cried with her when her husband died in book 2 from TB and my heart hoped for her as she agreed to let Lucas be her protector and they shared their pain from lost loves. Lucas was her hero.

<3 this book so much!

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Lady Virginia Macon, the recently widowed Baroness of Heatherton, has an impossible decision to make. Her late husband’s unscrupulous brother wants to take her sons away from her, and the British courts are on his side, unless she marries a man willing to be the boys’ guardian. Locking her heart away and devoting herself to her children is the only way Virginia can countenance such a decision.

Wearied by the world, Lucas Calvert, Earl of Annesbury, is tired of being alone. His wife’s passing, years ago, has left his outlook gray and empty. His only recourse has been to make life better for those around him, using his considerable wealth and influence. When he learns of Virginia’s plight, he knows he can save her and her sons.

Time spent in each other’s company, sharing the joys and pains of a long English summer, makes them question this marriage of convenience. Neither of them expects their hearts to be touched, for how could they hope to find love a second time?

MY TAKE
I was interested in what happened to Virginia since that storyline was kind of left hanging in The Gentleman Physician. It was nice to get to know her better in this story and to meet Lucas. This is a tale to two people who've been happily married before and lost their spouses. I especially appreciated how Britton doesn't blow that off as Virginia and Lucas learn to love again. I'm glad they were able to acknowledge and respect those previous spouses and the feelings they each still had for them.

Virginia's boys were fun, and I loved seeing Lucas find his own place in their lives and hearts.

The narrator, Rachael Beresford, did a great job. Once again though the reading was very slow. I don't usually mess with the speed of an audiobook, but I moved this one up to 115% to make it more natural and not drag.

Wonderful

I don’t usually write a full review. However I was once again left with a large upon my face. This story had such likable realistic characters that realized how I have enjoyed this series. I am anxious to start the next installment. Especially grateful to read a book without descriptive bedroom scenes and one I could share with my Granddaughters. Thank your for a wonderful story that left me with a smile and an entertaining adventure. This series I will read again.