#NetGalley Book Review: Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle:(Bluebell Castle, Book 1) by Sarah Bennett

This is a delightful, easy romance.

Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle:(Bluebell Castle, Book 1)
by Sarah Bennett

File Size: 1975 KB
Print Length: 229 pages
Publisher: HQ Digital (April 1, 2019)
ASIN: B07FLK5G7D
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Sweet Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

She wasn’t looking for love…
When Lucie Kennington flees the bright lights of London for the quiet Derbyshire countryside, she’s shocked to discover that the heir to the Bluebell Castle estate is far from the wizened employer she expected.
In fact, Arthur Ludworth might just be the most handsome man Lucie’s ever laid eyes on – and a terrible distraction! So when she stumbles across a legendary painting feared lost for centuries, she can’t believe her luck – perhaps this is the hidden treasure to save Arthur and his family from ruin?
But it’s only a matter of time before Lucie’s past catches up with her and by then it’s too late, she’s falling for him…

Review:
Lucie is an art specialist working at a well-known art auction. She made a lucky find of an original piece but when it is unveiled at the auction Lucie and another associate know that a fake has been substituted for the original. Lucie is targeted as the guilty party and she is put on leave. Her initial reaction is to crawl under the covers. But her mother convinces her she has to continue to live and she earn money to pay the rent. Lucie answers an ad for an art expert to catalog everything in a Derbyshire country castle.

“Sir” Arthur became the head of his family when their father died. He is aware that the state of the finances are precarious and may require sale of items or opening the castle to tours. Arthur hires an expert but neither Arthur nor Lucie expected the other to be attractive, charming and engaging.

The family’s predecessor was clearly influenced by the Arthurian Court as the current occupants include Arthur’s twin brother, Tristan, their twin sister Igraine (Iggy), their uncle Lancelot and great-aunt Morgana. Lucie is awed by the castle and the history. Among the art pieces Lucie finds a small miniature that leads to a treasure hunt. The diaries hint that there may have been an important work of art if only they can find it…maybe in the secret tunnels that haven’t been found for more than a hundred years.

Of course, Lucie and Arthur try to avoid the attraction to each other… until they can’t. But what is going to happen when Arthur and the family learn that Lucie is under investigation for art fraud?

This is a nice, sweet romance. I enjoyed the pleasant characters and the gentle development of the romance. I was annoyed by Lucie’s whining and hiding at first so I was glad when she moved forward. I enjoy Arthurian elements and treasure hunts, so I enjoyed the plot which is enhanced by the touch of zany and light humor. I can recommend this to readers who enjoy sweet contemporary romance (and a touch of Camelot).

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.