I'll be honest; I've been reading through the Roxton Family books but paused when I got here. I wasn't sure about the book title and blurb. I don't especially like heroines that are arrogant or proud, especially because of class. Mary often appeared so in the earlier books, though also somewhat timid and deferring to her husband. Anyway, I skipped over to Ms. Brant's Salt books, but then I ran out of stories. I like her writing very much, so I came back over to this series and finally decided to pick this up.
I'm glad to report that Mary is not really proud in the sense of arrogance. She was raised to be aware of class but isn't really a stickler in a lot of ways, especially in how she's raising her daughter Teddy. Mary's mother is a nightmare in a lot of ways and it was nice to see Mary shake off the shackles of her parents' attitudes.
Christopher is a sweetheart. His interactions with Teddy are wonderful, giving her everything she wants in a father, firm but allowing her the freedom her nature yearns for.
This is a wonderful romance. Despite the obstacles in their way, the couple finds their way to each other in a lovely and believable manner. I always love when we get glimpses of characters from the previous books in a series, and it was very satisfying to have them included. I loved the Cotswold setting too. Another great historical romance. ( )

Proud Mary by Lucinda Brant is an extraordinary Georgian Historical Romance set in the wilds of Gloucestershire, in the 1770's. Book 5 in her superb "Roxton Family Saga", series. However, each story can be read as a stand alone. In my opinion, reading the previous books would make a more enjoyable read and only enhance your experience in reading "Proud Mary". See, the following list of the "Roxton Family Saga for your reading experience ....1740s NOBLE SATYR (Renard and Antonia), 1760s MIDNIGHT MARRIAGE (Julian and Deb), 1770s AUTUMN DUCHESS (Antonia and Jonathon), 1770s DAIR DEVIL (Dair and Rory).

This is the story of Christopher Bryce, a country squire, who has secretly loved Mary, his neighbor, for many years. Yet, he is resigned himself to the fact they are not social equals and thus can never share a future together. He has a heartbreaking secret and a scandalous past which makes him totally unworthy of such a proud beauty, as Mary. Lady Mary Cavendish, is destitute, a widow, left only with her pride and her child, ten-year-old tomboy, better known as, Teddy, to support and look after. She knows she must re-marry, she is afterall the daughter of an earl and great-granddaughter of King Stuart II, and a cousin to the Duchess of Roxton, family expectations and obligations run high. Her husband must rank among the nobility. Will she do her duty or follow her heart? As a final act of maliciousness, Sir Gerald Cavendish, Mary's late husband names the local squire, Christopher Bryce, as co-guardian, with the Duke of Roxton, of Mary's daughter Theodora, aka “Teddy". You really have to read this story to understand the maliciousness of this act.

I was utterly and completely captivated by Mary and Christopher's beautiful love story. Teddy brought so much to this story as well. And the familiar appearance of the Roxton family members is always an added deliciousness. You can't help but love this family.

"Proud Mary" is very well written, steady paced and filled with romance, drama, family secrets and intrigue. Readers will find there is never a dull moment in "Proud Mary", nor among England's highly acclaimed 18th century, first family, the Roxtons…oh yeah, many twists and turns and surprises find their way into this beautifully and masterfuly written tale of Mary, Christopher, and little Teddy's story.

Fascinating, compelling and overwhelmingly superb, in my opinion. I love the Roxton family their antics, as well as their overall determination. A fascinating family, to be sure, and "Proud Mary" was not a disappointment!

Readers will find these characters, Mary, Christopher, Teddy and some of the secondary characters, including the misunderstood Jilian, the Duke of Roxton, will capture their hearts and hold them in awe.

Another memorable saga, written in Ms. Brant's usual aplomb with her delightful and realistic characters, her eye for details and her masterful way of telling a story, that wraps readers in the warmth of a great story. Bravo, Lucinda Brant, for another outstanding story! I can't wait for SATYR’S SON (Henri-Antoine and Lisa) their story is coming soon, so excited to have an additional "Roxton Family" story forthcoming! A definite must read! Fans of historical fiction, intrigue, family secrets, family sagas, and the premise of finding a HEA, will surely enjoy "Proud Mary", I certainly did.

I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR ( )