THE SPRING BRIDE is book three in Ann Gracie's Chance Sisters series. This series follows the four young women who escaped poverty by the skin of their teeth and by their own daring, and were adopted by wealthy Lady Beatrice as her "nieces." A healthy suspension of disbelief is required for much of the back story, but this series is such a fun romp that it is well worth checking your skepticism at the door. THE SPRING BRIDE can be read as a standalone, but will be enjoyed more if read in order, as much of the back story is provided in earlier books.

Jane Chance, née Jane Chantry, is on the verge of her London Season. Jane grew up in poverty, after her parents were disowned for marrying and then later died in penury. Neither set of grandparents would acknowledge Jane or her sister, so after their parents' death, they went to an orphan asylum and then into service where they were mistreated. Needless to say, poor Jane has a healthy fear of poverty and hardship. Jane is blindly determined to live a life without the dangers of love, in a sensible marriage to a wealthy man that can provide safety and stability for the children she so desperately desires. While I understand Jane's reasonable motivation, it does make me grind my teeth. Jane chooses an awful, horrid man, Lord Cambury, and I have to keep reminding myself that Jane makes the best choice based on what she thinks will provide the best safety net for her. As the book progresses, I despise her somewhat cartoonish fiancé more and more.

Zachary Black appears to be a ne'er-do-well. A veteran English spy operating on the Continent, he has been missing from England for twelve years. He comes home to prevent his cousin from declaring him dead and assuming the title of Lord Wainfleet along with the familial estate. There's just one entertaining (to me) problem, though. Zach discovers he is unjustly accused of murdering his stepmother, when in actuality he helped her escape from his abusive father twelve years ago. Darling Zach must lie low under an assumed identity as a gypsy until his name is cleared. But the impetuous man discovers he cannot leave Jane alone and unprotected while he waits to be declared innocent and his patrimony is restored.

I enjoy Anne Gracie's writing style, which superimposes strong women and zany antics on a Regency England background. The romance grows naturally and believably between Jane and Zachary, and while Jane fights her sensibilities, she eventually succumbs to the desires of her heart, making me swoon. I adore the love between Jane and her sisters, both familial and sisters of the heart- the generosity of spirit of so many of Gracie's characters are deeply moving. The Chance Sisters is a lovely series, and THE SPRING BRIDE proves once again that Anne Gracie writes compulsively fun Regency romantic wit.