THE BRIDGERTONS: Happily Ever After – Julia Quinn
Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06-123300-5
April 2013
Historical Romance Collection

Early Nineteenth-Century England

Who are the Bridgertons? Only one of the most popular families in Regency-era historical romances, starring the four sons and four daughters—bright, lively and attractive all—of the lovely Viscountess Bridgerton. I don't know about everyone, but I love it when a book finishes with an epilogue that neatly ties up the story…as far as possible. Perhaps it was the many fans, or maybe it was the characters themselves, who inspired Ms. Quinn to take the tales further. The result is a collection of “second epilogues” for all eight novels in the series. However it came about it was inspired, and exceedingly welcome to this reviewer. The first epilogue begins twenty-one years after the marriage of Simon, Duke of Hastings and Daphne Bridgerton from THE DUKE AND I, one of my all-time favorite romances. In this case, the focus is on the protagonists of that particular novel; in other second epilogues, minor characters may take center stage. Short notes directed to the reader precede each epilogue, and Violet in Bloom , a novella all about the beloved family matriarch, is an added treat.

THE BRIDGERTONS: Happily Ever After is filled with romance, humor and poignancy. The character interaction and dialogue are wholly engaging, whether featuring Bridgertons and their spouses and children, or new or formerly minor characters.

While the eight tales are extenuations of the original novels, they are complete in themselves. It doesn't matter if you haven't read the earlier books or it has been a long time since you have, they are highly enjoyable. However, if you haven't read any or all of the Bridgerton series, this collection will surely send you after what you've missed. You might check out the informative website at http://juliaquinn.com for more information, especially if you read some of the epilogues in electronic format.

Jane Bowers