Amazing women!

A Rogue's Company (Sparks & Bainbridge #3) by Allison Montclair           

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A new client gives pause to Gwendolyn Bainbridge and Iris Sparks, proprietors of The Right Sort Marriage Bureau. They hadn’t before considered International clients. When Mr. Simon Daile from Nyasaland, Africa approaches them seeking a bride, they realize that they need to provide for clients from outside their narrow focus. It also seems Mr. Daile knows of Gwen’s father-in-law, Lord Harold Bainbridge, and his mining activities. Small world!

Lord Bainbridge comes home early from Africa and Gwen finds herself confronted with her old fears, and new ones as he belligerently takes charge of the household and her hopes for her son Ronnie. Gwen has been fighting to gain back guardianship of her son after having suffered a breakdown upon her husband’s death. The Bainbridges are fighting her on this. Gwen’s place on the Bainbridge Board seems to be one reason.

Then just as Gwen confronts Lord Bainbridge they are both kidnapped. All very dramatic. Particularly when Gwen decides to use some moves she’s learnt at her Defendu (Self Defence) classes.

When Gwen goes missing Iris finds herself asking her man of the moment and underworld boss Archie Spelling for assistance, which puts him under an obligation to some characters he’d rather not be.

Sparks is making headway to some extent in both her drinking and her fears. Her war service certainly left deep and hidden scars.

Lady Carolyne , Gwen’s mother-in-law  is still drinking herself under the table in an Oh So refined manner.

Talk about drama and mayhem. Gwen’s reflections are witty and wonderful. But then I choked back a laugh or two when Archie complained about his gang falling over themselves whenever Gwen turns up.

I really enjoy this series, watching Gwen and Iris grow their business, overcome huge obstacles and face their dark fears, is heart warming, despite the tragedies underpinning their individual journeys.

A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley