**** SPOILER ALERT ****
Sande delivers a fine story in "The Vision Of A Viscountess". As usual the author does a superb job of world building and character development. Particularly in developing the character of the titular Viscountess. Showing fairly realistically how a very near sighted person got along during the time period as well as the prejudices that continue to today's time about wearing eyeglasses.
I'm not sure how Sande did it, but she gave the readers three live stories in just one book.
While I listened to this book as an audiobook, I would reccomend it to my fellow readers in whatever format you prefer.
More on the audio part of the audiobook. The book was excellently narrated by Michael Troughton. Doctor Who fans will recognize his last name as his father, Patrick Troughton, portrayed the second incarnation of that character. Mr. Troughtin does a superb job of narrating and producing the book while sparingly using sound effects to enhance the story.
In the interest of transparency: I was given a free review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
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The Vision of a Viscountess (The Widowers of the Aristocracy) by Linda Rae Sande

Reviewed by (Isha Coleman) for Candid Book Reviews

The Vision of a Viscountess proves that real beauty can't be seen by the naked eye. True beauty is felt within the heart. Marianne and Jasper are a combination of life's imperfections, but it's their flaws they make them perfect for each other. Sande is a constant on my book shelf. She roots for the underdog with her tales of people courageous enough to be themselves. No matter what. A little wisdom, with an abundance of heart. ( )

This is an absolutely delightful read. I have almost as much delight about what is missing as I do about what is included in the story. There is no introspective naval gazing and page after page of angst. ** Happy Sigh ** We get three – yes that is correct – three - intertwined romances in one book. You just can’t get better than that can you? The characters are lovely and it would be fun to accompany them on one of their archaeological digs. With trowels in hand, we could unearth those lovely Roman mosaics in Girgenti, Sicily. I loved that there was so much information about the process, the area, the temples and the preservation of the artifacts. It was also fun to learn so much about eyeglasses!

The main featured couple is Jasper Henley who is a Viscount and Marianne Slater whose uncle is a Marquess. Several years ago Jasper was caught kissing Sophia in front of the cupid statue in the gardens behind Lord Attenborough’s mansion and they had to marry. Jasper was happy about that. Sophia passed away a year ago and Jasper has been in mourning since then. His first real outing since Sophie’s death was another ball at Lord Attenborough’s. When he sees a lovely young lady who doesn’t seem to see very well, he escorts her for a walk in the gardens. He’s intrigued by her and just can’t resist a kiss in front of Cupid’s statue – again – and he’s caught again. He’s perfectly happy about that. It seems she is perfectly happy about it as well. They are married a week later and leave for Sicily where they learn to love and trust each other.

Lord Darius was in Sicily twenty years ago – before he had even finished his schooling. He met and fell in love with Chiara Ferraro a beautiful seventeen-year-old Italian girl. His problem was that he was already unhappily in an arranged marriage and had to leave her. Now, he’s a widower and is in Sicily where Chiara is also now widowed. It was sweet to see them find each other again.

James Singleton works with Jasper on many of his digs – and he accompanies Jasper to Sicily. James is a flirt, but he’s really sad and alone. Then he meets David Anthony, Chiara’s son and they each know they’ve found their life partner.

I loved the book, but if you are expecting it to be period correct, then you will be disappointed. There isn’t much place where you would need that period correctness since most of the book takes place in Sicily rather than England. To give an example – Jasper Henley is also referred to as Lord Henley and Viscount Henley. Henley wouldn’t be the name of his Viscountancy. Anyway – if you are a stickler, you will find anachronisms.

I really enjoyed the book – it was pretty steamy and very sweet all at the same time.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher." ( )