Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Patterson crafts a refreshing historical romance with an entertaining lead in Abigail Dupree, an unconventional female in every way. The central idea—of a man protecting Abigail from further "ruin" by falling in love with her—is unique and appealing.
Prose: The prose flows smoothly, transporting readers into the novel's time period through Patterson's elegant writing and eloquent dialogue.
Originality: An Unlikely Arrangement follows standard romantic tropes, though Patterson infuses the novel with fresh spirit through her creative female protagonist.
Character/Execution: Abigail, as well as the male romantic lead Garrett Barringer, are well-defined characters who effortlessly fit the genre. Readers will appreciate the easy, polished repartee between the two.
Date Submitted: June 05, 2024
Abigail chafes at Garrett’s continued overprotective interference in her life and the complications he creates as she plans to salvage her tarnished reputation, but his presence forces her to look at things in a new way. Abigail’s journey of self-discovery has many twists and turns as she struggles to know her mind and follow her heart while still honoring God and her family. Her lack of self-awareness, while occasionally frustrating, lends authenticity to her character. Readers who are patient with the pace of her growth will be rewarded with an inspiring journey towards greater maturity and self-knowledge.
Though Abigail strives to be “grown up” and independent, she must navigate the many restrictive social conventions of the Gilded Age, which affect everything from her forbidden friendship with her maid Rose to the social graces at parties, including those she attends at the wealthy Vanderbilt family’s new Biltmore Mansion (keep an eye out for a charming cameo by the bold Alice Roosevelt, daughter of Theodore). Abigail’s strong Christian values also affect her thoughts and actions, offering crucial touchstones as she struggles with control, guilt, and forgiveness. Readers who enjoy Regency romance will find all its traditional components here, along with deeper, spiritual reflection on love.
Takeaway: Gentle, slow-burn romance with a convincing heroine at a crossroads.
Comparable Titles: Jen Turano’s Behind the Scenes series; M.A. Nichols’s The Kingsleys series.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-