His Delightful Lady Delia

Author: Grace Hitchcock
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: American Royalty #3
Release Date: November 1, 2022

Behind the curtain, she must put on the performance of a lifetime . . . while love and risk take center stage.

Delia Vittoria's mother has lost her voice at last. After five years of being her diva mother's understudy, it is time for Delia to assume her place as the lead soprano onstage behind the Academy of Music's faded velvet curtain. And she is all that stands between the Academy and its greatest threat--the nouveaux riches' lavish new Metropolitan Opera House.

Kit Quincy never misses opening night, but when his sister begs him to help get her husband out of an Italian opera star's arms, Kit accidentally confronts the younger Lady Vittoria instead. When he meets the stunning young diva again, he attempts to make amends, but then finds himself pulled into a society matron's plot to win the great opera war. To draw attention to Delia Vittoria as the Academy's new soprano star, Kit is convinced to act as both Delia's patron and the enigmatic phantom who once haunted the Academy years ago. But when a second phantom appears, more than Delia's rising career is threatened.

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Reviewer: Emily Stephens

His Delightful Lady Delia is the third book in the American Royalty series, but works fine as a stand-alone. I happened to have read the first book, then missed the second, and was able to pick up with this one without any issues. The storyline and characters central to this novel don't require any previous knowledge to follow and enjoy.

The gist of the story is that Delia is finally taking her place on the opera stage; she had formerly been her mother's understudy. Throw in a case of mistaken identity and an ongoing clash with a rival opera house, and you have the makings of a delightful romantic tale!

Kit (a minor character from the first book in the series) meets Delia under less-than-ideal circumstances. What follows is an enjoyable love story as the two navigate society, the opera house war, and each other. I found both main characters to be well-written, detailed, and realistic. I also truly believed in the gradual romance they shared. The author provides enough interactions between the two to make it plausible that true feelings began to develop.

There is also plenty of historical information included, both about the time period (customs, fashion, etc.) and about the opera world. I enjoyed learning more about these things as I read.

As an added bonus for Phantom of the Opera fans, Kit ends up going "undercover" as a phantom himself, which provided some interesting interludes.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Raechel Kelly

As delightful as the title, this book was a joy to read. 

Even though I have not yet had the pleasure of reading the first two books in the American Royalty series, I could easily follow along in "His Delightful Lady Delia." I definitely want to go back and read the previous two novels, though, as I'm sure they add so much more depth and fun to the understanding as well. 

The characters came across the page richly, and the plot was just as enthralling, with little hints of mystery throughout. Delia was an endearing character, and Kit was a great hero. I loved their relationship and how it grew and molded into each other. So sweet!

The opera aspect of the story was also fascinating, and I loved the historical details. The message of finding our identity and comfort in Jesus was truly beautiful, and I greatly valued and appreciated that element of the story. 

The author, Grace Hitchcock, has such a melodious way of writing that it is certainly easy to find yourself lost among the pages.

This book was provided courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Sarah Speck

His Delightful Lady Delia by Grace Hitchcock is the third book in her series American Royalty. I was highly anticipating the release of this "delightful" book. Although you could certainly read His Delightful Lady Delia as a standalone book, it is so much better in the context of its predecessors.  

Kit, the older but very appealing bachelor from Book 1, is fleshed out and given his own story. He is much more exciting and heroic than the snapshot from his early days with Miss Dupre (Book 1). We are introduced to the talented Delia Vittoria as she is about to step into the spotlight to fill in for her voiceless diva mother on the Metropolitan Opera House stage. Her fear and excitement are palpable. In a detour from the first two books, Delia is a character on the outskirts of society and fortune. I love when a book series doesn't follow a formulaic pattern. American Royalty in this third book fulfills that hope as it lays out a completely new storyline while giving us a further glimpse into the lives of characters we've already met and love. Delia is as compelling as her diva opera star mother is off-putting. How could the two be so close and yet so totally different? Grace Hitchcock really outdoes herself, masterfully weaving a tale totally unanticipated. Did I mention the Phantom of the Opera makes an appearance or two? 

Getting to see backstage, so to speak, into the lives of rich and powerful families, such as the Astors of New York, was eye-opening. In some ways, it humanized them, pulled back the curtain, and gave you a peek at them outside the ballrooms and grand events. On the other hand, perish the fool in the crosshairs of the same. Tension and precarious balance were an underlying and ever-present current. Twists and turns sprinkled throughout the pages gripped my attention. It wasn't easy to lay it down and attend to the mundane tasks of life. Needless to say, the conclusion of His Delightful Lady Delia and the American Royalty series was satisfying and sigh-inducing. I can't wait to read more by Grace Hitchcock.

I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Carolyn Bryant

What a fitting conclusion to the delightfully entertaining American Royalty series—sweet romance wrapped in rousing adventure and mystery! 

Set in 1883 New York, this story brings the Italian opera world to life with vivid descriptions and intriguing historical details. The fast-paced, smoothly-flowing plot twists and turns on the way to a satisfying ending. 

The wonderful cast of characters includes beautiful, talented heroine Delia Vittoria and dashing, honorable hero Kit Quincy. I love how Kit stands by Delia, helping her navigate the revelations and rumors in hopes of a happily ever after together. I have added them to my list of favorite fictional couples. 

I especially appreciate the strong faith thread that is woven throughout the narrative. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it and the series. Note:  Although there are carry-over characters from previous books, this one can easily be read as a standalone. 

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Juanita Varela

His Delightful Lady Delia had mystery, suspense, and romance all etched into the story, which leaves you anticipating what will come next. Real page-turner. Hard to put down.

This novel is perfect for anyone who loves the following tropes: when a character is sworn off to relationships, a fake relationship, not being good enough, rejected by pretty much everyone, soulmates, and last but not least, an age gap. 

I love this book. The unexpected plot twists. I kept guessing who the second phantom could be, but let me just say…it left me appalled.

After having a broken engagement and a failed "competitive" courtship, Kit finally has his chance at love. I loved that, at first, it was a fake relationship with Delia, and then it turned real. Honestly, Kit was my favorite character. Such a gentleman and quite the defender for Lady Delia.

Delia has constantly been rejected because of who her mother is. She never knew what love was either because all the fellows who called on her mother never really loved her. However, Delia finally saw what real love could look like. Who cares if the man was 15 years her senior. If he treated her with respect, loved her, and was faithful to her, then she had found the perfect man to marry. And Kit was all those things and more. 

I liked Giuseppe and Lorenzo's part in all this. Giuseppe was trying to prove himself as an opera teacher or, rather, voice teacher (Not rightly sure what the term is). Lorenzo experienced unrequited love.

I also loved that the women were the ones holding the purse strings. It was very different to see that for this time period, but I enjoyed it. 

I liked that justice prevailed in the end. Everyone got what was coming to them. I also liked that past hurts were healed…in a way.

I loved that you need to know who you are in Christ. That's our identity. Not who our parents are. Not what society dictates us to be. But on Christ and Christ alone. 

Disclaimer: I requested and received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

" . . . . there was a flash of something behind his eyes she did not quite understand but felt in her heart that she had just agreed to a friendship that could change everything."

The opportunity to become the lead soprano for the Academy of Music's aging, but historic opera house was a dream come true for Delia Vittoria, she just regretted that it had come at the expense of her mother's fine voice and possibly (probably!) Madre's questionable lifestyle. (she had made the wrong woman mad) The New York Knickerbockers were not going to allow the newly rich and their opulent Metropolitan Opera House win the city's popularity contest, and Delia was going to be their ticket for success. Pairing her up with confirmed bachelor Kit Quincy as a patron (and undercover suitor), Delia was suddenly able to meet people and frequent establishments where she had previously been shunned, it was practically a dream come true. Except . . . it was all a part of the show . . .. she had to remember that . . . . for even the resident phantom was going to be making a re-appearance.

Kit Quincy was quite satisfied with his life, wasn't he? It only took a few moments in the presence of the beautiful Delia Vittoria to introduce (after a rather misunderstood first introduction) second thoughts about bachelorhood, before they were both swept up in a lavish scheme to save the opera house, "forcing them" to spend an inordinate amount of time together, which Kit began to think was not a bad idea after all. Pleasure turned into admiration, and admiration turned into . . . . could he think it, much less define it . . . . as love? Darn it, Delia had made it very clear, after witnessing her parents' terrible marriage, that her career was, and always would be, her one and only love.

This author's lovely writing style makes it easy to turn the pages while thoroughly enjoying the characters and their conversations, the plot building and twisting through multiple curves and corners . . . hitting a few unexpected dead-ends (planned, of course) and popping out more than a few surprises. Being a part of these characters lives (yes, it certainly feels like that) was a total pleasure and their growing faith was truly inspirational.

"There is no fear in love, for perfect love casteth out fear . . . "

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

​His Delightful Lady Delia is a delightful finale of the American Royalty series by Grace Hitchcock. I have enjoyed this series immensely!

While this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading My Dear Miss Dupre, the first book in the series, before you begin this one, as you will miss a considerable backstory related to the main character, Kit Quincy. While not necessary, I felt the knowledge I had of Kit because of the first novel added to my enjoyment.

I enjoyed the characters and the love story. The faith element was just enough that it wasn't preachy. While I figured out who the phantom was early on, it still kept me reading to see how it all played out.

You will probably love His Delightful Lady Delia if you enjoy historical romance.

I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

I enjoyed this novel so much! I couldn't put it down. I was able to finish it in a day. I give five stars for some excellent writing in this book. 

I loved the fact that each character was well-rounded out. The plot was wonderful too. I definitely could relate to most of this book. The glamor and the music, everything! This series has been so enjoyable and exciting. I do hope that Ms. Hitchcock will write another one.

I loved the part where the phantom came in. That made it even more exciting! He was an awesome character. It made me think of the actual opera music. 

My favorite, of course, was Mrs. Astor. I had a feeling that she was J.J. Astor's mother. I was correct. They had connections with the Titanic and were a selected family of New York's 400 in high society. What a lot to live up to. Wow!

I received this book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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