YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

After her annulment is finalized, Enya Shanahan finds herself caught in a web of scandal and obligation while carrying a secret that threatens to shatter her family's reputation. Determined to find a suitable marriage for Enya, her father turns to a wily matchmaker to save them from their circumstances.

Sullivan O'Brien, a steamboat captain committed to aiding enslaved people on their path to freedom, is faced with an ultimatum from his father. Forced to marry or lose his livelihood, a marriage of convenience seems to be the only solution. As he and Enya face the trials of their pasts and a city consumed by fire, they must confront their deepest fears and learn to trust in love, even when darkness threatens to engulf them.

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund returns to 1800s St. Louis in this dramatic and stirring tale of resilience and love against all odds.

Chapter 4
(view spoiler)[This grabbed my attention right away! How horrible that her husband left her and she was pregnant. (hide spoiler)]

His dad

(view spoiler)[Wow! He is bold! Hilarious how she took fun in acting like they were in love... but it kind of backfired as they definitely have real sparks. (hide spoiler)]

Fire

(view spoiler)[So much devastation! Glad they all got through it safely! (hide spoiler)]

Finished

(view spoiler)[Ending was a bit rushed, but a pretty good read. (hide spoiler)]

Melanie wrote: "Chapter 4
[spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[I don't know if he knew she was pregnant, since it was so early, but he was a loser. (hide spoiler)]

Finished Chapter 8
(view spoiler)[I'm enjoying the book so far. I was curious why Sullivan waited so long to ask the matchmaker for help, literally the last day, but I like them together and think it'll be fun watching them grow closer. (hide spoiler)]

Melanie wrote: "His dad

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[He definitely is very demonstrative in his affections with his wife. She seems okay with it, and I think it's sweet, but I don't like that he expects everyone else to behave the same...even though his push seems to be helping in this situation. (hide spoiler)]

Melanie wrote: "Fire

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Such a travesty and one that seemed to be started intentionally, what with it being two of Sullivan's boats first ablaze and that horrible man just watching. (hide spoiler)]

Melanie wrote: "Finished

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I loved this read! The ending was a little hurried, but it set up the next book well - definitely plan on reading it. I was a bit disappointed there wasn't any interaction with Finola and Riley, but at least they were mentioned. (hide spoiler)]