I can’t remember why I bought Heather Cullman’s For All Eternity. I’m sure I read a review somewhere, but I can’t remember where. However I heard about the book, it’s been languishing on the TBR shelves for a while, so I decided to give it a try.

Sophie Barrington had fallen from the glittering heaven of the haut ton to the hell of servitude. Once a diamond of the first water about to marry the most eligible bachelor of the Season, she had been ruined by one foolish, innocent escapade. And since her guardian had squandered her fortune and run off to America, she was worse than ruined. She was penniless. Now, it was pure desperation that drove her to accept a position as a maid at a country estate . . .

But it was fate that made it the home of the Marquess of Beresford. Here a man’s awesome power and sensuality would make her tremble. Here this domineering lord would unmask the deep emotions beneath the foolish manners that had made her fashion’s darling. And he—who had been a woman’s fool once and swore never to be again—would find he could have his revent. Or he could embrace a lady who swept away his pride to open the doors of all-consuming love . . .

If I had to pick one word to describe For All Eternity, that word would be sweet. Not in an inspirational novel kind of way, but amiable and good natured. The story is charming, the characters agreeable, the heroine naïve and sweet. In fact, seeing Sophie grow from a spoiled 17-year-old into a mature (yet still sweet) young woman is one of the books strengths. Nicholas, the hero of this story, is certainly Sophie’s match. He’s noble and devoted. Think of a male word for sweet. (Let’s go with obliging.)

Despite the book’s pleasantness, the relationship between Nicholas and Sophie progresses a bit too quickly. One minute they despise each other—the next, admiration and interest have blossomed. A slower process would have made this more believable. Also coming in on the not-quite-believable side is the response of the families to the match.

For All Eternity is enjoyable enough: 3 out of 5, a rating that is nice if not sweet.