Prompt: A book about art or an artist

Like lots of bookworms, I’m working gmy way through the Bridgerton series this Spring, and while it’s a bit of a stretch, the third book, An Offer from a  Gentleman, focuses on Benedict who is an artist. The book doesn’t really focus much on art, but Benedict is a keen painter, and in the epilogue and later books he has paintings in the National Gallery so it definitely counts.

What it’s about?

Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she’d be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton’s famed masquerade ball—or that “Prince Charming” would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid’s garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

What I think:

The Bridgerton series is fun. Fast-paced romances, a family full of quirky, passionate characters and society fashions. If you’re a fan of historical romance then you knownwhat you are getting but that doesn’t stop it being a good read.

Benedict’s story is the third book in the series. As the younger brother to Anthony, he does have the responsibility of the family name and finances on his shoulders. He has more freedom to pursue his own passions and less pressure to get married.

Despite being the most eligible bachelor of the Ton, he is yet to find love. Until Lady Bridgerton hosts a masquerade ball. He spends the evening talking,  dancing and kissing a beautiful and mysterious woman who disappears at the end of the evening. The memory never leaves him and he spends years searching for the woman.

The mysterious woman is Sophie Beckett, an illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Penwood who lives in his household as his ward. After his death she has been relegated to the role of servant and ladies maid to her step mother.

Having had enough of been treated as an unpaid servant, Sophie leaves to become a maid for another wealthy family. At a weekend party, Benedict rescues Sophie from drunken and entitled men who intend to rape her and takes her to safety to his own estate.

Bickering and banter, witty exchanges and longing looks, the connection between Sophie and Benedict grows. But Sophie is just a servant. Is Benedict brave enough to go against the expectations of his family and follow his heart?

This is Bridgerton does Cinderella and while not my favourite in the series, this is an enjoyable read. Sophie is independent and determined to maintain her dignity and despite her reduced status is not willing to lower her standards and become Benedict’s mistress.

Of course they end up with a happy ever after and Bridgerton style there are twists and drama along the way.

Now on to book 4.