This book was so bad, so absolutely bad, I think it left a bitter aftertaste in my mouth. Laden with spelling mistakes (you don't staunch bleeding Ms. Donner, you stanch it), grammatical errors, and historical inaccuracies, completed by a highly predictable plot line and possibly the worst main characters the world has seen, The Rake and the Bishop's Daughter had me wanting to stab someone desperately. Ms. Donner, if you're American, please, please, I beg of you, do not write about English chara [...]

A good readRomance novels often have characters who could medal in Olympic level conclusion jumping and 'The Bishop's Daughter' of the title is one such. That said, I still like her for a couple of reasons. First, given her set of experiences prior to meeting the Rake, her outlook is reasonable. Second, thanks to the intervention of the 'Rake's' sister-in-law, the Bishop's Daughter sees the error of her ways and makes a notable and successful effort to make amends. These are good examples of the [...]

I read this romance novel without reading the other two in the series. I was hoping to find another author in the same vein as Julia Quinn, who is my favorite Regency era author. Sad to say that I was disappointed.The two main characters are actually fleshed-out on the surface. Harry Collyns, the playboy who scandalizes London because he's bored (or more like he'd rather not subject his true self to the scrutiny of the judgmental ton). Olivia St. Clair, the widow who self-imposes chastity upon h [...]

Even though, there were several typos in the book which tighter editing could have improved, it was still a good read. Harry & Olivia are very likeable characters. He, a practised rake and she a widow of 30 years old. Olivia had been carrying a torch for Harry ever since he had done her a kindness when he was a young man and she an awkward 12-year-old girl. Years later, fate and an accident brought them together. Harry is badly injured when his horses are distracted by Olivia and as a result [...]

LOVED this book!!Primary characters Harry Collyns (Handsome Harry) and Olivia are perfectly . As different as night and day!I loved this story, the era and behaviors of the day and a story displaying human foibles which are inherent no matter the time or place. The story was told with an obviously well thought out plot which never veered toward a bizarre addition nor deviation but steadfastly developed towards a well told, believable tale of the beginning, middle and the final resolution of fall [...]

He is good natured, lovable, in fact, society's darling!He is a lonely man. Somewhere, along the way, his life took a serious detour from what he wanted to do in life and he can't back on track! He wants what his brother Peregrine and Elizabeth have a love match with children. While driving to one of his estates he suffered a curricle accident and wakes to find himself under the care of widow, a bishop's daughter. He was the hero of her youth, for him it was love at first sight! This novel is a [...]

This novel is more sensuous than the previous novels have been -- a welcome change in Donner's style. I loved that the each book in the Friendship series uses a different social aspect of the Regency Period as a backdrop for the romance. Donner (M. L. Rigdon) creates real flesh and blood characters that you care about and want to cheer on in their struggles to be together. And Olivia's father, the Bishop Mainstay, makes a right awful brick in the road to true love. Altogether, this is a thorough [...]

An accidental meeting and a scandalous decision lead to a hasty marriage. It wasn't that bad, it suffered from a serious case of tell-not-show. The attraction was firmly established but the basis for friendship and love was not. Too much attention was spent making her a person that says they uses their convictions to make their family uncomfortable but given the chance does nothing about them, than actually making them friends with a relationship based on trust. There are better books out there [...]

This was my first book by Julia Donner and what a delight. She captures the Regency era beautifully. Her characters are delightful and fun and her dialogue is witty. I loved the characters of Olivia and Harry. Their story was wonderful. I will definitely be reading the first two in the series and can't wait to read #4 as I'm hoping it involves Olivia's friend Evie. If you like Regency romance, you'll love this book.

Great Regency RomanceThis was a wonderful book that told of Olivia and Harry. He was well know for his looks and his women. Olivia was a widow that lived a solitary life. An accident brings them together. You can feel the love radiating from the pages. It is full of conflict and romance. A delightful book filled with colorful characters.

An entertaining historical romance/mystery of sorts. Set in London, 1819, a rake is involved in an accident and is nursed back to health by the Bishop's daughter. A series of unfortunate misunderstandings complicate their future.

Deep story lineThis isn't the first book in the series, so one should probably start with that, however this is an exceptional work. After reading this book you truly want to read the first and then continue on. Very good Julia, thank you.

Very goodI didn't think this would be a book I would have liked. The title and cover didn't grab my attention. But I couldn't put it down. After reading it I realized I have read other books by this author. And will now go back and read them again.

Too Long!This was a good read but it ended up being a bit long. It also reminded me of another book that had a similar storyline.

Sweet storyI enjoyed the silliness of the main characters. For people in their 30's they acted like teenagers. The leading lady's father was verylievable. Enjoyable read.

He has an accident and she nurse's him back to health. They are very attracted to each other. But her family steps in and separate s them.

Great ReadNeeded a fun book after reading a long boring book. This was fun and happy. Families can make or break futures. Loved it!

Not a bad book but I just couldn't seem to muster much enthusiasm for it. The characters felt cookie cutter and the plot typical.

reviewGreat book, has a really good plot, very funny and interesting. Good love story and really interesting characters. Well written.

Free on December 2015.Lovely story.