C.A. Belmond

Reviews for A RATHER CURIOUS ENGAGEMENT

“In Belmond’s lilting sequel to A Rather Lovely Inheritance, heroine Penny Nichols exults in being released from her stodgy American life and learns that being newly rich is not all champagne and roses. Her barrister boyfriend, Jeremy Laidley, also an heir to Penny’s great-aunt’s vast fortune, wants to use their wealth wisely. Penny agrees, planning to pool their resources and eventually create a joint enterprise that will utilize Penny’s “natural-born snooping ability” and Jeremy’s legal expertise. Taking a summer off to explore their options, Jeremy decides to splurge on a vintage yacht at an auction. But their dreamboat vanishes from its berth and later turns up, damaged, in a nearby harbor. Penny’s determined to solve “Le Boat-Jacking,” leading them to the yacht’s previous owner, Count Hubert von Norbert, in Lake Como and some seafaring surprises. [A Rather Curious Engagement] is fun, even if you don’t have your own yacht.” -- Publishers Weekly

“Penny Nichols battled nefarious relations over her inheritance in Belmond’s first outing, A Rather Lovely Inheritance, and this time around she is finally able to enjoy it. Penny and her boyfriend, Jeremy, who also inherited a sizable sum, decide to set off for the French Riviera with the hopes of purchasing a yacht called Liesl’s Dream. Jeremy wins the yacht, but after its maiden voyage, it is stolen. After the ransacked yacht is recovered, Penny is determined to learn what the thieves were after. She and Jeremy journey to Lake Como, where the former owner of the yacht, Count Hubert von Norbert, resides. The aging count believes the robbers were after a valuable metal figure, the Beethoven Lion, once in his family’s collection but since lost. The count’s son, Kurt, hires Penny and Jeremy to find the lion for his father, leading them on an adventure across Europe. Belmond’s second novel [A Rather Curious Engagement] is bound to charm...” -- Booklist

“C.A. Belmond delighted fans with her debut novel, A Rather Lovely Inheritance. She will delight them even more with this sequel, [A Rather Curious Engagement]. The book starts out where the first one stopped. Readers will be reunited with familiar characters and are introduced to some new memorable people. There are mysteries, family legends and secrets and a love story all in book. Don’t miss the enchanting sequel by a gifted author.” – A Romance Review

“What's not to like about C.A. Belmond's new romantic novel, A RATHER CURIOUS ENGAGEMENT? I was hooked by the end of the first page... What fun to get a first-hand view of the experience of Penny Nichols, whose spunk and sass counterbalance pure sweetness as she simultaneously grapples with the logistics of learning to responsibly manage a huge fortune, follow her heart into a developing relationship with Jeremy, determine her professional future, and pursue breathtaking adventure. Following Penny and Jeremy between London, Nice, Antibes, Villefranche, Lake Como, and Corsica, Belmond gives enough descriptive detail to make these places come alive for readers without overplaying the exotic locales. Each delicious vista is intimately connected to the plot... Belmond uses the same economy of words in scenes featuring Jeremy's upper-crust friends... A RATHER CURIOUS ENGAGEMENT [is] something you can pass through the generations.” -- Story Circle Reviews

“A RATHER CURIOUS ENGAGEMENT is narrated by Penny from her own insightful perspective. Her voice is amusing and upbeat, her outlook optimistic, and her attitude toward her fellow man is realistic, but trusting in the main. [As] in Ms. Belmond's terrific debut novel, A Rather Lovely Inheritance other minor characters are finely drawn and interesting as well. Penny is lively and friendly; Jeremy, a product of upper class British family and schools, is more reserved. They complement each other exceedingly well and make a delightful couple. A RATHER CURIOUS ENGAGEMENT is as well crafted as its predecessor. I highly recommend them both and look forward to any sequels to come starring this likable couple.” -- RomRevToday.com

“I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I set about to read just a couple of chapters and then go on with my day. LOL! Later in the day as I was well over half-way through it, I realized I was smiling, so pleased with the development of the story, the characters. I ordered several more copies for customers I could recommend the book to - and did recommend it to several more. What a delightful book... Bravo!” -- Vickie Denney, Reader To Reader

“A RATHER CURIOUS ENGAGEMENT picks up where Belmond’s first book A Rather Lovely Inheritance left off as Penny and Jeremy find themselves not only adjusting to their new lives of wealth, but also their new romantic relationship. Belmond’s quietly captivating mix of sweet romance and subtle suspense will enchant readers with its sparkling wit and soul-satisfying charm.” – John Charles, ReaderToReader.com

“This is a rather entertaining sequel as the adventures of an American heiress in Europe continue. Penny and Jeremy are wonderful... playing amateur sleuths tracking the mystery of the purloined yacht... Fans will relish the return of Penny and Jeremy as they tour Europe.” -- Midwest Book Review

“This is one delicious book about an American television freelancer researcher named Penny Nichols who came into a great deal of money from her great aunt in England. If you haven’t read C.A. Belmond, I certainly recommend you start with, A Rather Lovely Inheritance and then A RATHER CURIOUS ENGAGEMENT. I found both Penny and Jeremy to be a very endearing and sweet couple that I wouldn’t mind reading more about in future books to come.” -- Ramblings on Romance Review

“Five stars! Excellent writing and characters. I loved the way this book was written. The writing style was easy to read and just flowed. Each part of the book connected to the next in such a way that it was seamless. The characters were extremely well developed and very likeable... Following Penny and Jeremy and their search for the truth was interesting... I look forward to more books with these wonderful characters.” – Night Owl Review

“About a year ago, I read C.A. Belmond’s book, A Rather Lovely Inheritance and thought it was a fun book. The author recently came out with a sequel, A RATHER CURIOUS ENGAGEMENT that picks right up with the main characters and is just as enjoyable... the characters are always jetting off to places like London, the French Rivera, and Lake Como, and staying at wonderful villas, resorts, and even castles, while dining on decadent food and meeting intriguing people. There is some romance and adventure to the stories, but even that is quite civilized. I found reading these books to be a great way to forget my worries and just relax!” – The Happy Daily

“An entertaining and witty story, A RATHER CURIOUS ENGAGEMENTdisplays the author’s flair for keeping the reader attached to the spellbinding story and adventurous, enchanting characters.” – Affaire de Coeur

“Great plot, fascinating characters… In C.A. Belmond’s sequel to A Rather Lovely Inheritance, Penny and Jeremy decide to splurge on a yacht, not just any yacht... C.A. Belmond is a brilliant writer. I savored every word of A RATHER CURIOUS ENGAGEMENT. While this novel is written from Penny’s point of view, I detected a distinct British quality to the writing. It works! I felt as though I were on tour with the loving couple. They make me yearn for my own yacht. A RATHER CURIOUS ENGAGEMENT is a must read!” -- ReviewYourBook.com

“Penny and Jeremy are the kind of couple you’d like to buy the house next door...As sleuths, they remind me a bit of Agatha Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence, a couple unashamedly fond of each other while keeping up a feisty dialogue. If you are a fan of Dame Agatha, you’ll enjoy what I hope will be a lengthy series.” – Margaret Erbes on Amazon.com

Reviews for A RATHER LOVELY INHERITANCE

"The heroine of Belmond's first outing, the improbably named Penny Nichols, finds herself an heiress after her great aunt Penelope dies. Penny flies to London for the reading of Penelope's will and is met by her dashing cousin Jeremy, a barrister. Jeremy receives Penelope's luxurious French villa, while Penny is given her London flat and the contents of the villa's garage. Although their feckless cousin Rollo is well provided for, too, he is envious of his cousins' inheritances... As Penny starts to dig into the family's history, the mystery takes her back several generations, and she realizes the connections among them all are more complex than she ever could have imagined. An entertaining yarn with family drama and intrigue aplenty." -- Booklist

“To describe this as a rather lovely novel would be to grossly understate the case. It is utterly charming... Penny is not at all self-centered and she's a keen observer. That and the excellent characterization and dialogue are why the first person point of view works so beautifully in this case... If a novel can be both gentle and lively, surely this is one. A RATHER LOVELY INHERITANCE tantalizes and entertains with its mystery and skullduggery, inner and exterior conflicts, and interesting characters, including the late Great-Aunt Penelope; Jeremy, a hero whose image of himself and his place in the family is severely challenged; and Penny, a perfectly lovable heroine. It's a rare gem of a book that leaves behind a feeling of pure pleasure. For these reasons, I'm awarding it a Perfect 10.” -- RomRevToday.com

“Belmond gets her story off to an appealing start by tapping into the near-universal fantasy of a distant, elderly relative leaving behind a pile of loot… Belmond's spirited heroine is likable…” -- Publisher's Weekly

“Rarely have I come across ‘chick-lit’ that is so engaging. I’m not even going to call it ‘chick-lit’ because it’s just plain good fiction... All through the novel it maintains this classic, elegant feel while still remaining modern and in our own time... Stolen art, mysterious relatives, secrets, romance and kept women; all of this is handled very lightly and with a touch of humor that kept me turning the pages well into the night... I closed this book with a smile on my face... how often do books leave you that way? Not often enough.”-- blogcritics.org

“I haven’t read anything like it in quite a while, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself… Penny is a delightful heroine…Who wouldn’t enjoy the unexpected chance to rattle around London and then fly off to the sunny Cote d’Azur?” –- DearAuthor.com

“This book is delightfully written, light-hearted and sharp, witty and sassy... it wasn’t just the happy ending that satisfied me—it was the thoroughly enjoyable process of getting there, and seeing each scene through the author’s imaginative eye.” -- ck2’s kwips and kritiques.com

“What begins as a gentle character piece ends as a satisfying romp through Europe that includes vintage cars, art thieves, and great clothes.” -- Bibliotica.com

“What a great book. You have family mystery, villains, ‘vultures’, love, and adventure.” -- A Romance Review

"A Rather Lovely Inheritance has an exciting plot... interesting twists and turns, and Penny is a likeable character. This book is an interesting blend of mystery with a touch of romance." -- Curled Up With A Good Book

“Sit back and enjoy, because this is a rather lovely read... The style and descriptions made it seem like Jane Austen was being channeled... With C.A.’s background in TV and movies I would not be shocked to see this on either the small or big screen sometime in the near future.” -- 24/8 Book Club

“Belmond’s debut novel combines suspense, romance and crafty wit. The protagonist is a character to cheer for, and the mystery subplot will keep readers turning the pages. (Awarded four stars.)” –- RT Book Reviews

“Fans will appreciate this inheritance war because of the élan of the visiting American who hooks everyone with her klutzy optimism. Readers will root for Penny who keeps the tale moving with her need to know the truth about Aunt Penelope and her willingness to compromise with Jeremy and battle nasty Rollo. Fans will enjoy the lighthearted breezy story line as the Yank takes England, France, and Italy.” -- Midwest Book Review

“A pleasant jaunt through Europe.” -- Kirkus Reviews

"Penny Nichols inherits much more than a small share of a French villa in C. A. Belmond's often amusing A Rather Lovely Inheritance." -- BookLoons.com

"A Rather Lovely Inheritance is about mystery, genealogy, love and living your passion. Belmond allows Penny to stumble through her family history much as a beginner would. Belmond’s characters are truly believable, fun and intriguing. I enjoyed jaunting across Europe chasing wills, French villas, art, elderly gentlemen and love. Here's hoping that Penny Nichols and her new love end up in another historical mystery adventure." -- genealogy.com/christinesbooklist

"A Rather Lovely Inheritance is unique and intriguing. Jeremy and Penny find themselves swept away in a series of events set in motion by their ancestors years earlier. And who wouldn't want to find out she was suddenly a woman of means?" -- Affaire de Coeur

“An insightful and gratifying novel. The leading characters are real and likeable. An absolutely wonderful story to read!”—myshelf.com

“It really was a lovely inheritance. I enjoyed this book so much! I read this book in one day because I was so curious to find out what was going to happen. I love that the heroine beat the villain at his own game but she was still willing to be kind to him. I look forward to the next book by Belmond!” – Jane Eyre Book Snob

“A return to the golden age of romantic suspense! A Rather Lovely Inheritance weds old-style glamour to chick-lit flair. You just want to move into the novel yourself—on a long-term lease, with hero and snazzy sports car included!” -- Lauren Willig, author of “The Secret History of the Pink Carnation”