Scandalously Wed to the Captain

Scandalously Wed to the Captain is author Joanna Johnson’s second novel. I was highly impressed with her first novel and the trend continues. Ms. Johnson is turning out to be a fantastic author and one I believe we will be hearing from for many years to come! Grace Linwood’s family is in the midst of a scandal. Her father has been framed by his partners and been declared bankrupt and sent to debtor’s prison. The family has no prospects, no fortune, and with four daughters to support, they face losing their home. When Grace’s fiancé ends their engagement, an old family friend comes to the rescue. Captain Spencer Dauntsey left Lyme Regis with his mother and twin brother after the death of his father eight years ago. With his mother’s health deteriorating, he’s brought her back to Lyme Regis. But after eight years and the death of his twin, Spencer is not the same man who left. I love it when characters have known each other in the past. Spencer & Grace’s mothers were close friends before the Dauntsey family left for York eight years ago. Grace was a child of thirteen & Spencer just seventeen when they last saw each other. With Grace’s family in turmoil, Spencer’s ailing mother Dorothea suggests that Grace become her companion to help ease the burden of the Linwood family. First, before I talk about Grace and Spencer, I have to give a mention to Dorothea Dauntsey, Spencer’s mother. I absolutely loved her! She’s dying, but you see glimpses of the wonderfully spirited woman she was before she became ill. She was a fabulous character in this story and it was her dying wish that got Grace and Spencer together in the beginning. I really loved Grace and Spencer! Grace is a sweet young woman who is dealing with the devastation of her family with no way to fix it. Spencer is haunted by the past and the death of his twin. They both are hurting and are forced into a marriage neither one was planning. As they move forward trying to get to know each other and work through the past, you can’t help but root for them as a couple. I liked watching them start to trust and gradually fall in love. They were an adorable couple and I absolutely loved the ending! Ms. Johnson has given us another extremely well-written story with fabulous characters and an absolutely perfect ending! I loved this story and highly recommend the book and author!