An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Sophie Beckett, an illegitimate daughter of an earl, plays servant to her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. One night, Sophie sneaks out to attend a masquerade ball at the house of the Bridgertons, a wealthy, popular family within London society. When she meets Benedict Bridgerton, they quickly become enchanted with one another during the magical evening. But when the clock strikes midnight, Sophie disappears, leaving Benedict with no clue what she looks like or who she is.

After many seasons of tiresome London balls, Benedict is immediately captivated by Sophie’s charm and her mysterious demeanor. Determined to find her and vowing to marry no other, he searches all of London-- to no avail. When he begins to develop a romantic relationship with Sophie the maid, he struggles between his vow and knowing he can never actually marry a servant. Sophie, refusing to compromise her principles, struggles between keeping her identity a secret and avoiding her stepmother, who is determined to make her life miserable.

A retelling of Cinderella, Sophie and Benedict’s story is full of passion and longing making for an exciting and sympathetic tale. It is the third book and easily my favorite of the Bridgerton series, although it can also serve as a standalone Regency romance. The series is also being adapted into a Netflix series with producer Shonda Rhimes. It is expected to launch sometime in 2020!

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--Rachel, Reference Librarian