This book is the first of the Not So Saintly Sisters series. It is loosely linked to other books that she has written, with familiar characters woven throughout all of her books (links below).
A Duke, A Debutante and An Arranged Marriage
SHE secretly cuts in the shadows and covered her scars with satin and lace.
Louella Rose is perfect. Beautiful. Refined. The answer to all her family's woes. No one knows that beneath her flawless complexion, behind her mesmerizing eyes, she hides her pain in shame.
STANTON promised to marry the woman of his father’s choice by the age of thirty and that time has finally come. To his surprise and delight, the chosen lady is the perfect debutante, for him anyhow, and he couldn’t be happier... until he discovers the scars that make no sense – scars that shatter the illusion of perfection.
LIES, greed and blood lay waste to a most promising marriage. Can their love overcome the ravages of guilt and carry them through life’s imperfections?
Historical romance unlike any others...
Not So Saintly Sisters Series
Book 1: The Perfect Debutante
Book 2: The Perfect Spinster
This was a very different type of book to write, on a tough topic, and Ms. Anders gives a trigger warning due to the content. Most people don't realize the compulsion to self-harm stems from feelings that are so overwhelming that the is no release except from some type of pain. The same impulses that may drive a man to punch a wall manifest differently in a woman, and may result in what is known as cutting. Having three daughters of my own, I have seen this in two of them. I am so impressed with this book. The subject matter was handled with grace and dignity. Ms. Anders captured the compulsion, the shame, and the desire to stop so very well.
Character development is so critical to me when I read a book. I love that the characters in all of Ms. Anders' books are real people, not stereotypes, not cardboard cutouts. I can empathize with Louella as she hides her secret behind fashionable ribbons and lace. She is a well drawn leading lady. Her struggle to hide er compulsion from society, her initial reluctance to become engaged to the man chosen by her parents. All real and believable. The character of Stanton, her fiance, is also thoroughly fleshed out. Being forced to submit to the will of his father and accept the woman chosen to be his bride. The realization of the purpose behind the mechanics of the engagement. His struggle to understand and accept that his "perfect debutante" is not really perfect is believable and sympathetic.
All in all, I say that this book got a solid 5 stars from me. I cannot wait for the next book to be published later this year. Each book can be read individually, but I recommend reading the entirety of each series. You won't regret it, I promise!!
Get The Perfect Debutante (Book 1 of the Not So Saintly Sisters series) on Amazon here: Perfect-Debutante-Saintly-Sisters
Get Nobody's Lady (Book 1 in the Lord Love a Lady series) here: Nobody's Lady
Get Hell Hath No Fury (Book 1 of Devilish Debutantes) here: Hell Hath No Fury
All of these books are available with a Kindle Unlimited membership. Follow Annabelle ANders on Amazon here: Annabelle-Anders on Amazon
