5 stars Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. Nine times out of ten, I love books from this author. This is one of those times. The plot is unusual and filled with surprises. Characters are relatable and elicit sympathy. I had requested this ARC several months ago and since I know I'm more likely to enjoy one of Ms. Barnes' books than not, I didn't feel it necessary to read the overview before starting. As a result, I really wasn't sure what to expect. Reading a book like this one is a reminder of just how far women have come, and a warning against allowing anyone to infringe upon our rights. Mina and George, best friends since childhood, are married, but their marriage is one of convenience and contains no passion. From the beginning, it's clear George married Mina to save her daughter from illegitimacy. Now, Mina wants to repay the favor by divorcing him and allowing him to marry the woman he loves, who is now pregnant. Initially, George refuses, but eventually, he succumbs to her insistence. I hadn't realized just how harrowing an experience it would be for Mina. Divorce was illegal and the only way to obtain one was to have witnesses in court swear that Mina had been unfaithful to George. This harrowing and humiliating public ordeal drags on for more than two years, during which time James Dale watches the proceedings and develops a disgust for Mina commensurate with the initial attraction he had felt for her the first time they were introduced. Fate intervenes in an unexpected manner to force them to spend time together, during which time James comes to realize he completely misjudged Mina. The only problem is, her reputation is so shredded, it seems beyond repair. **POTENTIAL SPOILER (but only a little one)** After the initial challenge of James broadening his mind to see Mina in a new light, and Mina's hesitancy to trust James because he is a barrister and she fears going to jail for perjury, they now face what may be an even bigger obstacle--changing the minds of the ton. Here, James' skill as a barrister works to persuade most of their peers of the unfairness of condemning Mina for her (assumed) behavior, when her husband was guilty of much more. But the key is that James is willing to walk away and experience life as an outcast if it means being with her. Mina learns to trust and value her own happiness (instead of putting everyone else first), while James also learns to trust (that not all women are like his deceased wife) and to recognize how unimportant the acceptance of others actually is when it conflicts with your own happiness. It's a sweet story with multiple happy endings for multiple characters, including George and his new wife Fiona (and their children), and Cynthia (Mina's daughter) and Michael (James' son). In fact, there's enough here to create additional stories following each of these characters. I would certainly enjoy them. January 13, 2022
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September 2022
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