The protagonist of An Unlikely Belle is Madelyn MacNalling, better known as Maddy. Born into the lower class, her life has not been easy. Both of her parents have died and the only family she has left is her older brother, Nate. Thanks to him, Maddy has received an education, and upon graduation, she moves to live with him on the Stirlingshire Estate where he is the head hostler. She loves horses and is happy when she learns she will work under her brother caring for three horses. But living on the estate opens a whole new world where love ignores the societal separation that comes with wealth and brings about life lessons that test young Maddy’s faith.
Book review: An Unlikely Belle
An Unlikely Belle by Dannie Marie delivers well-written characters that are likable but flawed and combines them with family secrets on the Stirlingshire Estate. Maddy is not ashamed of her humble standing, or her work in the stables with her brother Nate, but her life changes when Elizabeth Stirlingshire, daughter to the Viscount, accepts Maddy as her best friend. Maddy is invited to participate in social events above her standing. Dressed in Elizabeth’s clothing, Maddy fits right in, and soon her dance card is filled with young men who have no idea of who she really is.
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As she navigates the social norms of the Regency era, the complications involved with her new relationships, and the possibility of love, tests humble Maddy’s faith as she asks for God’s guidance. An Unlikely Belle is a faith journey couched in a heartwarming romance that swept me away to another time. Readers who enjoy historical Christian romances like A Viscount's Stolen Fortune will enjoy this read. I’m happy to give it 5 stars.
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