The Truth Behind Their Practical Marriage: A Regency Historical Romance

The Truth Behind their Practical Marriage is the third book in author Marguerite Kaye’s "Penniless Brides of Convenience" series. This story focuses on Estelle one of the twin sisters that we met in the previous two books in this series. Although this is the third of a four-book series, you could easily read this story as a stand-alone. But to truly appreciate this story and series, I highly recommend you read the previous books! Estelle Brannagh is traveling around Europe by herself. With both her sisters happily settled now, Estelle is looking to find something to bring her the happiness her sisters have achieved. After a year of traveling, she still hasn’t come up with a plan on how to spend the rest of her life. Aidan Malahide has taken a year’s sabbatical to Italy to escape real life at the age of 30. He first came to Italy to attend university at 18 but had to return to Ireland before he completed his degree when his father suddenly died. As his year in Italy is coming to an end he unexpectedly meets Estelle. Such a fabulous story and couple and an absolutely perfect addition to this series! This story is first set in Italy where Aiden and Estelle by chance meet while both are visiting there. It’s obvious these two are immediately drawn to each other and are meant to be together. Their time in Italy is light and carefree as they enjoy getting to know each other. But both are at the end of their journeys and need to make decisions to move on. Not wanting to end the connection between them, Aidan suggests a marriage of convenience for the sole purpose of adopting children to raise. Marguerite Kaye is an exceptional writer who tackles subjects that not all authors could do justice too. She excels in this area and this story was no exception. As our story moves now to Aidan and Estelle in a marriage of convenience in Ireland, Aidan’s cheerful and happy demeanor disappears. Aidan is tormented by demons from his first marriage that haunt him and prevent him from moving forward with Estelle. I have to admit I really fell for Aidan and I felt he and Estelle were a perfect match. I especially like how Aidan and Estelle’s story was told in two parts, one first in Italy and then one in Ireland. I loved Aidan in Italy with Estelle and was rooting for him to find a way back to the man he was there. He’s torturing himself completely over his first wife and is struggling to put the past behind him. He obviously cares deeply for Estelle and wants to make their marriage work, but just doesn’t know how to move forward over his guilt. This is where Ms. Kaye’s writing expertise shows! She never sugar coats a tough subject, the characters deal with it in not a quick fix but takes the time necessary for them to overcome their issue. Estelle was fabulous in this story. She has definitely matured since we first met her in the first book in this series. My heart broke for Estelle when it looked as if all hope was lost for her and Aidan. Although the road to their HEA wasn’t smooth, it was well earned and I loved the ending. This was another fabulous story and couple from author Marguerite Kaye. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know each of the Brannagh sisters and I’m looking forward to Uncle Daniel & Aunt Kate’s book next! Highly recommend this book and series.