Identity of Family

Quinn’s novel suggests that family is not defined by blood relations, but that family members can be identified by the strength of their love. Sophie, whose father takes care of her physical needs but is not emotionally close to her, hopes that her stepmother and step-sisters will become the family members for whom she has been longing. Benedict, meanwhile, grows up in a large, loving family, but he wishes that he was considered an individual instead of part of a larger whole. Posy proves that she is Sophie’s family when she defends Sophie despite Araminta’s claims and even tries to take the blame for Sophie’s wrongdoing.

Sophie spent her life looking for a family, a support system she finally found in the Bridgertons and Posy even though they are not related to her by blood. Sophie’s father had always...