An Offer from a Gentleman, by Julia Quinn

Cinderella is the clear inspiration for this third Bridgerton novel, focusing on second son Benedict Bridgerton as Prince Charming. Sophie is the illegitimate daughter of the late Earl of Penwood, relegated to servant status by her wicked stepmother and two ugly-hearted stepsisters. Infiltrating a masked ball as the silver lady, she enchants Benedict then disappears. Will the magic remain when they finally meet again two years later and how will they deal with their social disparity? The story touches on some interesting themes – the downside of being a second son; class mobility; and the economic vulnerability of women. But the romance is the dominating force, regardless of plot holes, dodgy timelines, behavioural inconsistency and jarring anachronisms. More Bridgerton siblings feature in this story - to its benefit, as the heart of the novels is the strong and loving bond of the central family.