Book Review of 'An Unlikely Arrangement' by Cindy Patterson

Happy Saturday Bookworms!

Today I am celebrating my 11th wedding anniversary with the love of my life. We have been together thirteen years and every year it blows my mind that it's been that long, while also seeming like no time at all has passed. With one child graduating, and all of our funds going towards his party and college, we can't afford to celebrate the way we want, but we do plan on having a nice, quiet dinner while our kids attend a miliary ball. I've been looking forward to this day all year and cannot believe it finally here and I plan on soaking up every precious moment!

Another thing I am doing today is featuring another review!! This novel is a series starter that was a great escape, so I hope you enjoy my thoughts and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post for another amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for An Unlikely Arrangement by Cindy Patterson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: An Unlikely Arrangement
Series: Brides of Biltmore #1
Author: Cindy Patterson
Publisher: Springbrook Press, LLC
Release Date: March 11, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance, Christian, Clean & Wholesome

In 1902, Abigail Dupree is but a breath away from her grand societal failure. To save her family from humiliation and financial ruin, Abigail becomes a bargaining trade in her mother’s eyes. A bargain that will extinguish Abigail’s last hope of a happily-ever-after. If only she could return to the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, she might have a chance to reunite with the only man who has the power to save her reputation.

Garrett Barringer arrives in Charlotte, North Carolina to escape a past that no longer wants him. He takes an undisclosed position with Mr. Dupree. When it is revealed that part of Mr. Dupree’s purpose for bringing him on board is to chaperone his beloved daughter, Garrett abruptly discovers that he has taken on more than he bargained for. Abigail Dupree is more beguiling than any other woman he’s encountered, but he must resist his heart for the sake of propriety and to keep a promise made to her father.

When her father hires Garrett Barringer, a man that seems far too young to be a lawyer, and possesses far too many favorable characteristics, Abigail resists his charm but cannot deny her heart is compelling her toward him. But she will not allow the man to ruin an opportunity she has waited for nearly five years.

Garrett is suddenly aware what his life was and what it could become in the presence of Abigail Dupree. Will he be able to give up the woman who has stolen his heart, for her happiness?

Abigail stands to lose all if Garrett Barringer sees past her physical beauty and uncovers the ugliness of her imperfect past. Will Abigail continue on the condemned path she’s fashioned for herself, or trust that God wants a future for her she never believed possible?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review

When I started reading An Unlikely Arrangement I had love on my mind. Eleven years ago today my husband and I said, “I do” and every year I think back fondly to our courtship. Much like Garrett and Abigail, our meet cute wasn’t conventional but God knew what he was doing bringing us into one another’s lives in His perfect timing. The same rings true with Abigail and Garrett.

This novel is a refreshing change of pace from the suspenseful and emotional novels that I’ve been reading lately, with a calming vibe that washed over me as I read. I found myself quickly picking it up as soon as I sat down from work and easily getting lost in the narrative.

Abigail has almost a childlike quality about her which tends to show itself when she makes a few unwise decisions, or when she is quarreling with her overbearing mother. Seeing her growth over the length of the novel was a satisfying journey. Garrett is the perfect partner to pair with the resilient Abigail and is the kind of man that has graced my dreams for as long as I can remember. A knight in shining armor that allows the heroine to be her own person while always be there to catch her when she falls, Garrett is my kind of hero.

There were a few things that niggled at me as I read, but to divulge these tidbits would mean spoilers and I am not one to spoil a good story. Seeing as this is the first novel in a new series, I am hoping to see a few loose ends tied up and possibly some later cameos to see where other characters ended up. The ending was very predictable, but still sweet nonetheless, and I closed the book with a smile on my face.

A wonderful start to a new series, An Unlikely Arrangement is the perfect weekend read. It is a novel that I recommend for those that appreciate clean romance, swoony heroes, and happily ever afters.

My Rating: ★★★★

About the Author

Award-winning author Cindy Patterson believes in captivating romance and happy endings. In her stories, she loves to give glimpses of how God can use brokenness and make them whole. She reads a lot, drinks too much coffee, and wishes she had more time to write. Author of Chasing Paradise, Broken Butterfly, and Shattered Treasure, she loves to connect with her readers.

Connect with Cindy by visiting cindypattersonbks.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a signed print copy of An Unlikely Arrangement and other book related gifts!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 16, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 23, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!