This was a strong start to the Bartholomew Fayre series, it had that concept with what I was looking for and enjoyed about the historical romance novel. The overall story was really well done and was invested in what was going on. I enjoyed the way Sheri Cobb South wrote this and left me wanting to read more in this world.

Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for this arc.

The heroine is beautiful and brave, the hero is handsome and dashing and I thoroughly enjoyed their story.

Penelope Fayre is the diamond of the Season and getting awfully tired of turning down lovesick proposals from the men of the ton. Her papa might have left them in straitened circumstances after his death but Penelope wants a love match such as her now widowed sister and BIL had. Penelope, however, is getting a reputation for being too high a stickler as she turns down yet another proposal. It’s only when her sister has accepted a governessing job that Penelope’s eyes are opened to the truth of the dire financial situation they’re in. Well, her mama never actually told her … so there.

Penelope makes a vow that after she’s enjoyed one day – okay and an evening, after she meets a dashing swordsman – at the Bartholomew Fair, she’ll accept the first respectable proposal she receives. When she travels to a country hunt party and sees the swordsman again, Penelope hurls herself into helping him prove his true identity and regain the title and estate so cruelly wrested from him. Can Phillipe regain his inheritance and Penny avoid yet another marriage proposal?

I like Penny. She’s gorgeous enough to stop men in their tracks – or in the case of Phillipe, distract him while he’s sword fighting at the fair – but she’s kind, she decides to quit looking for love after she realizes how close the bailiff is to their door, and once she discovers Phillipe’s truth, she’s all in to find what he needs to prove his Uncle’s perfidy. Phillipe is determined to prove his Uncle’s guilt in the death of his father and make him also pay for the years of numbing work his mother did to support them after they escaped from Madame La Guillotine. True he was gobsmacked by love when he first saw Penny but he won’t seek her hand in marriage until he has something to offer her.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters such as Penny’s maid and her young man who accompany Penny to the fair as well as Crumley the butler who is a true keeper and more than worthy of the pension Phillipe makes sure will come that loyal man’s way.

As this is a trilogy, I’m looking forward to stories for Penny’s worthy siblings.

Penelope Fayre, nineteen years old and the belle of the Season, knows she must marry money. Yet as the Season is coming to an end, her hopes for love are dwindling quickly so she decides that the next offer she receives, will be the one that she accepts. In her one last chance at freedom, she attends Bartholomew Fair, only to find herself rescued from harm by Philippe Valois, an itinerant swordsman. When the fair ends, Penelope and Bartholomew part ways only to meet again, two months later at a Leicestershire hunting-party, where she expects to accept a proposal from the host. Strangely enough, Philippe is posing as a footman, when he is there to reclaim what is rightfully his.
The two main characters were delightful and I found their back stories quite fascinating, particularly with Philippe’s background during the French Revolution. The secondary characters added to the depth of this story, which is one full of adventure. A sweet romance.
This book I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: Fairest of the Fayre by Sheri Cobb South

Sheri Cobb South's Fairest of the Fayre offers an engaging mix of Regency romance, adventure, and social intrigue. Set against the glittering backdrop of high society and the bustling vibrancy of Bartholomew Fair, the novel follows the charming Penelope Fayre, a young debutante navigating the challenges of love, duty, and family expectations.

Penelope is a relatable and well-rounded heroine. She is not just the beauty of the Season, but also a young woman with agency and desires beyond securing a wealthy husband. Her inner conflict between familial obligation and personal fulfillment is one that resonates deeply with readers. Though she knows she must marry for financial security, Penelope dreams of finding a man she can truly love. The tension between these competing desires drives the novel forward and makes her choices both sympathetic and compelling.

Her chance encounter with Philippe Valois, an itinerant swordsman, during her adventurous detour to Bartholomew Fair is a delightful twist. Philippe, later revealed to be Philip Markham, is an enigmatic character whose mystery and hidden motivations add a layer of intrigue to the story. His portrayal as a nobleman in disguise, with a personal mission to reclaim his birthright, offers a refreshing dynamic. The chemistry between Penelope and Philippe is believable, and their interactions—first at the fair, then later at the Leicestershire hunting party—are a fine blend of attraction, tension, and wit.

The novel excels in its depiction of both the bustling chaos of the fair and the formal elegance of Regency high society. Bartholomew Fair, in particular, is vividly described, with its colorful characters, vibrant atmosphere, and underlying sense of danger. The contrast between Penelope's structured life in high society and her brief taste of freedom at the fair creates a compelling backdrop for the romantic plot.

One of the strengths of Fairest of the Fayre is the way it intertwines romance with mystery. Philippe’s secret agenda and his true identity as Philip Markham provide a thrilling subplot that enhances the tension. As the two characters' worlds collide, the stakes are raised not only for their budding romance but also for Philip’s quest to restore his stolen heritage. The novel balances this adventure plotline with the development of their relationship, keeping the pacing tight and the reader invested in both the emotional and external conflicts.

However, the story could benefit from more depth in its supporting characters. While Penelope and Philippe are fully fleshed out, the secondary figures, including Penelope’s family and potential suitors, feel somewhat underdeveloped. Greater exploration of their motivations and roles could have added complexity to the social milieu and made the stakes of Penelope's marriage decision feel even higher.

Overall, Fairest of the Fayre is a charming and well-crafted Regency romance that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, romance, and stories of self-discovery. Sheri Cobb South’s light, witty prose and her ability to create memorable, vivid settings make this book an enjoyable and satisfying read. With its lively plot, strong heroine, and dash of mystery, it’s the perfect escape into the world of Regency England.

Penelope knows she has to marry for money but can't she also have love?
As the season is nearly over she still needs to find a husband and she will have no chance but to take the next offer if nothing happens soon. It isn't that she is short of offers but she is holding out for something special.
She sneaks to the Fair for one last gasp of freedom. She meets Phillipe but doesn't see him again untl she is invited to a hunting party where he is working.
This was a nice quick read and I liked both characters. I also liked the descriptions of the French Revolution.
Nice Romance full of angst and mistaken identities.
Thanks to publisher and Netgalley

What an interesting start to a historical romance series. This reminded me a lot of the TV series Downton Abbey, with elements of The Princess Bride in the later half. The story is full of romance, action, and mystery.

I was quite intrigued by the fact that the story is set in the years following the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. I haven't read many historical fiction/romance novels set during this time frame. Our hero and heroine, Penelope and Philippe, meet at the famous Bartholomew Fair, an annual summertime event that I had never heard of prior to reading this. The descriptions of the fair are lovely, fully allowing the reader to pass by the booths and attractions with the characters.

Both Penelope and Philippe are strongly developed
with relatable feelings. Their relationship is very much the love at first sight trope, but with such a fast-paced plot, it works to their advantage. After all, there's only two nights left of the fair before they are forced back to reality: Penelope to her mission of finding a rich husband and Phillipe to the next town in the fair roster in need of a swordsman. It's unlikely their paths will ever cross again, or is it...

One thing I will say about their relationship is that I found it odd that the author constantly tells the reader that Phillippe's looks are "unremarkable," with descriptions of his barely average height and features. I'm not really sure what the point was for the plot, but I couldn't help but think that the reader should be able to make up their own mind as to whether or not the hero is conventionally attractive. This felt like the not like other girls trope but reversed. It irritated me everytime it came across in the text because it was pointless.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and voluntarily given.

At Bartholomew Fair, Penelope encounters a thimblerigger and is saved by Philippe Valois, an itinerant swordsman who takes it upon himself to be her escort. Their time together at the fair is fleeting, lasting only three days before they must part ways. However, two months later at a Leicestershire hunting-party—where Penelope expects to become engaged to her host—she is shocked to find Philippe disguised as one of the footmen.

Meanwhile, Philip Markham has his own agenda: he seeks to reclaim his stolen heritage and prove his uncle’s wrongdoing in his father’s death. As Penelope becomes embroiled in his quest for justice, she finds herself torn between her obligation to marry and her growing feelings for Philippe.

Penelope is portrayed as beautiful and spirited but also naive about her family’s dire financial situation. Her character evolves from being a high stickler for love into someone willing to fight for what is right when she learns about Philippe’s true identity and mission. Philippe Valois embodies the dashing hero archetype with a complex background tied to historical events like the French Revolution.

The story also features secondary characters such as Penelope’s maid and Crumley the loyal butler, who add depth and humor to the narrative. The dynamics among these characters enrich Penelope’s journey toward self-discovery and love.

Penny has been blithely rejecting suitors all Season because she doesn't care for them, but when she realises the truth of their dire situation, she decides to accept the next eligible offer she receives. But first, she wants one day to be herself at Bartholemew Fair. An unexpected meeting there with a young fencer almost makes her turn her back on everything - until he leaves without a word. But when the dreaded house party, at which she expects to receive an offer, arrives, she's shocked to find Philippe present as one of the footmen - and refusing to acknowledge that he recognises her. Philippe has long wished to challenge the uncle who usurped his position, but held back due to a promise to his mother, who feared the lengths the man might go to keep his position. Now she's dead, he's investigating his uncle as a footman. But when he recognises the girl from the fair in the young woman his uncle is planning to marry, things get a lot more complicated...

It's been a long time since I last read anything by this author, and reading this reminded my of how much I enjoy her writing. This was a delightful read and drew me in from the start. I loved both Penny and Philippe, even if Penny was rather on the naive and thoughtless side, particularly at first. (Though perhaps that's not altogether a fair way to talk about her - her way of treating others, particularly her maid, as people who mattered, was great.) The added mystery of what had happened to Philippe's family and the need to uncover the truth really added to the story, not taking over from the romance but making it more balanced. And of course, it's always satisfying to see the villains get their comeuppance and the good guys win out! We don't see a lot of Penny's siblings, but the little we do see has me intrigued and looking out for their stories, too. A great clean read that entertained and satisfied, and left me with a smile on my face. Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

After a season of refusing many gentlemen, Penelope Fayre learns her family depends on her making a successful match. For one last taste of freedom before she accepts whatever offer comes next, she sneaks off to Bartholomew Fair, where she meets a charming French swordsman. Their brief encounter lingers in her mind, but she never expects to meet the man disguised as a footman at a hunting party where she expects to become betrothed.

This was just a fun story! Penelope does come off as a bit selfish at the start of the story, but she grew on me as the story continued. I did wish we had more time with Philippe, since his backstory was so interesting.

I was especially interested in the setting, Bartholomew Fair. I had never heard of it before, but after reading this book I would love to learn more. The details of the time were enjoyable. It may be highly dramatic, but it was fun to read.

Readers who enjoy sweet Regency romances will enjoy this one.

Fairest of the Fayre is the first in Sherri Cobb South’s Bartholomew Fair series and it’s a fabulous start.
Penelope Fayre, a 19-year-old debutante seeking a husband with both wealth and character but wanting to marry for love, feels pressured by her family's expectations as the Season ends. She makes a pact to accept the next eligible proposal but decides to enjoy her freedom first at Bartholomew Fair. There, she meets Philippe Valois, an itinerant swordsman who rescues her from a scam and becomes her temporary escort. Both feel a connection but the next day they lose contact.
Resigned to her fate, Penelope is shocked to find Philippe posing as a footman at a hunting party, where she’s expected to become engaged to her host. Meanwhile, Philippe (whose true identity is Philip Markham) is on a mission to reclaim his stolen heritage, but Penelope's presence may complicate his plans – can he pursue his plan for vengeance if it means losing her again?
I loved Penny and Philip. They had an instant connection when they first met and they worked together to find a way out of their troubles. The story is fast paced and captures your interest throughout. It is refreshing to read a regency that is set somewhere other than the ballrooms of the ton and it has a sense of the swashbuckler about it – particularly the ending. The side characters are interesting and I look forward to reading about Penny’s siblings.
Sherri’s The Weaver Takes a Wife is one of my favourite books so when I gained an opportunity to review this I grabbed at it and I’m glad I did. I love Sherri’s writing style and she always has characters that are interesting and not always the norm. I received an ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.