What I Read in August 2015 Part III

What I Read in August 2015 Part III ...

John Pickett Mysteries

by Sheri Cobb South

In Milady's Chamber by Sheri Cobb South --Regency mystery 

Julia, Lady Fieldhurst is stuck in a loveless, childless marriage. She knows her husband is unfaithful to her but she's been faithful so far. One particular night, when her husband was expecting a visitor, she accepted the escort of Lord Rupert Latham and a little tipsy, made the decision to cuckold her husband. Before the couple can make it to the bed, they discover the lifeless body of Lord Fieldhearst lying in Lady F's chamber with her nail scissors stuck in his neck. 24-year-old John Pickett, a Bow Street Runner, is assigned the case. He's instantly smitten with Lady Fieldhurst and is positive she didn't do it. The clues don't add up to any particular suspect and if he can't solve the crime, Lady Fieldhurst will end up in Newgate or worse.

This isn't a traditional Regency romance or a traditional Regency where the hero and heroine work together to solve a mystery and it isn't a cozy mystery either. It's a nice in-between genre: light romance and light mystery with more emphasis on the mystery. I couldn't put it down though I knew who the murderer was. I was wrong about the reason though. That surprised me as much as Julia. The plot is fast paced and the writing style is good. It sounds old-fashioned and there are enough period details to satisfy a Regency lover but not too many words or descriptions to confuse a newcomer to the genre.

I liked Julia. I felt bad for her that her husband was such a nasty character. I wanted her to be happy, but not with Rupert. He was also a bit of a nasty character and a fortune hunter. Julia is a sympathetic character. She handles the whole murder thing quite well and makes appropriate plans for her future considering her social status and the time period. Her solution will appeal to modern readers while still being accurate. John is also a sympathetic character. He's so sweetly naive and that makes him endearing. He may be starry-eyed over Julia but he's also smart. He didn't figure out the big clue I guessed right away but that's because of his background. Julia may have been able to guess but she is also very innocent and probably wouldn't have thought of it. I like how John loves Julia but knows his place and does his job. He's a character I'd like to read more of and see a happily ever after for.


A Dead Bore  
Lady Fieldhurst is supposed to be mourning her late husband, but all she feels is bored and confined by the lack of Society in London. Her best friend encourages her to remove to Brighton with everyone else, but Julia wishes to go where no one has heard of her scandal. She accepts an invitation to a house party in Yorkshire, but quickly comes to regret her decision. She's been invited not for her company, but to convince the daughter of the house that a London Season is a grand and exciting affair. Julia does not look fondly on her Season or her marriage and refuses to encourage Emma. The other house guests include the local Justice of the Peace Lord Kendall and his family; Mr. Carrington, a nabob; the younger Hollingshead children and a boring clergyman, Mr. Danvers. Mr. Danvers is engaged is writing a history of the village and will bore any listeners with his stories. A rainstorm brings the departed guests back, but Mr. Danvers is nowhere to be found. His charred remains are found among the burned vicarage, a sad tragedy. Julia suspects it was more than lightning that burned the vicarage. She sends for John Pickett to investigate. John can not resist Julia and is eager to help. Can he catch a killer again?

This is another light mystery/light romantic story. It doesn't spoil events of the first book so you can skip that one if you wish. The plot is more engaging than the first book. I could not put the book down until I found out the truth. I never guessed how it would end. I was really surprised even at the moment of truth. I suspected something else entirely though I was right about one secret that comes to light. John and Julia's romance really begins in this story. They tease each other, share secrets and suppositions, and keep each other company. I really like watching the budding romance unfurl. It's all so very sweet! My only complaint is that the story is a bit too long. There are too many characters and it was hard to keep them all straight and remember who was where when.

John is a very nice young man. He's so sweet and innocent. I love his interactions with women. He must be the most innocent man in London! He's such a kind friend to Julia when she needs one most and she relies on him now. She is also very kind and thoughtful and despite her curiosity, she always lets John do the investigating.

New characters include the Hollinghursts. Sir Gerald is an amiable, likable man. He has simple needs and is a loving family man and good landlord. Everyone loves him and it's not hard to see why. His wife, on the other hand, is as aristocratic as they come. Lady Anne, the daughter of an Earl, is not very kind at all. Given her history, she should have been more sympathetic but all she cares about is status. Their eldest daughter Emma is of firm mind. She appears to be an intelligent young lady and knows her own mind. Her younger sister Susannah, is very young and silly. She provides the comic relief and some very sweet moments with John. The Hollinghust heir, Philip, is a dissipated youth who feels he is bullied by his father. We don't get to know him very well, only his actions.

The clergyman, Mr. Danvers and Mr. Merriweather are not fleshed out too much. They both seem nice and Merriweather is intelligent and firm in his principles. However, he doesn't confide in his true love and he suspects her of something horrible which I don't think he should if he truly loves her. (She also suspects him). Perhaps the young lovers would not be so interested in each other if her parents agreed to let them marry. Mr. Danvers may seem boring but he has a good heart and is a clergyman because he has a calling. He appears to do good works and wants to see justice done.  The Hollinghurst servants pretty much round out the cast of characters. They're fairly stereotypical, especially the maid. I don't really get why the housekeeper was so hard on John.

Content: A prostitute friend of John's who tries to proposition him; one maid who tries to seduce John; one kiss. 


Family Plot

Julia is bored in London under strict confines of her late husband's family. A minor indiscretion at the theater gets her banished to Scotland with George Bertram's three sons. The boys are having a tough time dealing with their change in status and need a change. Julia also wants to get away from her notoriety and decides to take the boys to the ocean instead. As Mrs. Pickett, traveling with her nephews, Julia believes they will have a peaceful vacation. That wish couldn't be farther from the truth. When the boys discover the body of a woman washed ashore, the "Picketts" suddenly get swept up in a tale of a prodigal daughter returned after fifteen years. Old Angus Kirkbride isn't sure the woman is his daughter Elspeth so he sends for a Bow Street Runner. John Pickett is mooning over Julia but plans to marry Lucy in a fit of philanthropy. When his mentor gets the message from Scotland, he whisks John off to investigate. John is suddenly thrown into Julia's orbit once again. He must continually mind his place, Julia is too far above him, as his mentor keeps reminding him. As inheritance issues arise and old scandals are dredged up, and someone ends up dead John must focus on his duty, but it's very difficult since the innkeeper believes him to be Julia's husband!

I could not put this down. The reader is clued in to the mystery right away but there are still surprises in store. I wasn't entirely surprised by any of the revelations though. It seemed pretty obvious to me but I wasn't 100% convinced. The romance finally gets off the ground but the author ended with a twist and I need more NOW! I just love the chemistry between John and Julia. He's so cute and she's trying so hard to be a lady but when the two are together, there's chemistry. They're so sweet!

The new characters aren't very likable. The Kirkbrides are a proud, old family with the usual problems. Elspeth was a headstrong teenager who was so spoiled and obnoxious, she threw it all away. What happened to her in the meantime is unknown. She doesn't seem a whole lot more likeable as an adult. She cares about her father, nominally, anyway. I don't know how much of her is an act and that's a problem. Her revelations at the end didn't surprise me much. Her cousins are both unlikable. One is too nice to be true and one is always angry whenever Elspeth is around. He's the only one I have respect for because he didn't welcome her with open arms. He was properly skeptical. I found Gavin a bit too slick for my tastes. His London manners don't impress me much.

George's boys: Harold, Robert and Edward are having a tough time. I don't really feel all that bad for them because they still have all the privileges of wealth and that upbringing, unlike John. As Julia points out, they might be better off being free of the restrictions being heirs to a Viscount brings. I feel intense sympathy for Edward. I too get sick if I sit in the middle, or backwards. The boys add some comic relief to the plot, which is nice because this one is pretty heavy.

Content: Veiled discussion of male sexual innocence; discussion of what happens to actresses who are no longer young and beautiful; discussion of Elspeth being caught in flagrante delicto with a stable lad; one young man mauling a woman and one passionate kiss (no tongues).

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

The Traitor in the Tunnel by Y.S. Lee (The Agency 3) -- Young Adult Historical Fiction/Mystery

Mary Quinn is now a full-fledged member of The Agency after two years. Her newest assignment is to investigate the disappearance of some small items from the Queen's drawing room. Serving at Buckingham Palace isn't easy with a mistrustful housekeeper, shrewish lady-in-waiting, disgusting equerries and an ambitious roommate. Mary knows enough to keep her eyes and ears open despite her difficulties. She becomes privy to the news that the Prince of Wales was out carousing with friends and stumbled into an opium den where the Prince's friend was stabbed by an old, opium addicted Chinese man - a man who happens to have the same name as Mary's father! While the Queen wants justice for the murder of an aristocrat or possibly treason, Prince Bertie won't share what he knows. Mary is determined to see social justice done even if the man is not her father. At the same time, Easton engineering is renovating the sewer tunnels under the palace and Mary and James encounter one another again. This time there's no denying the passion between them. Mary needs James' help again for she has discovered the presence of secret tunnels underneath the Palace which places the entire royal household in jeopardy. Mary and James must put personal feelings aside for now and determine whether someone means to use the tunnels for evil. Her search for answers leads her from the Prince's apartments, down into the sewers to the Tower of London where she uncovers difficult truths about herself and her identity. This is the best book of the trilogy. As usual the descriptive period details are amazing and really set the scene, especially in the sewers. Mary is a strong female character who I loved from the start. The author hasn't changed Mary in any negative way. Instead, Mary grows as learns to confront her issues. James too grows up while remaining as swoony as ever. The dialogue between Mary and James is top-notch and rather sweet and funny. The mystery of the murder was interesting and engaging but the other mysteries were less interesting mainly because I was intrigued by the secrets of Mary's past from the first book and was anxious for a resolution. The ending is not at all rushed and everything wraps up neatly - if not entirely historically accurately. I couldn't have written it better myself. I'm not sure there needs to be a fourth volume in the series but I look forward to reading it anyway!

French Leave by Sheri Cobb South (Weaver Trilogy #3) -- Regency Romance

The Earl of Waverly, who once tried to seduce Lady Helen Radney, has been in exile in France for four years since his debts forced him to leave England. He's been living hand-to-mouth on his winnings and is completely miserable. He takes a turn for the worse when he discovers that Ethan Brundy has been knighted. Staggering home drunk that evening, he is surprised to discover a young novice running away from her convent. She has nowhere to go for if she returns home her aunt and uncle will force her to marry her awful cousin Raoul. Her only hope is to find her estranged English grandfather and hope he will take her in. She puts her trust in Waverly and offers him a reward on her grandfather's behalf. Drunk and mostly senseless, Waverly agrees to escort the girl to England. When he comes to his senses the next day, he discovers the young lady is badly in need of an older, wiser head to guide her and since Waverly needs funds, why not escort her to England? With Lisette disguised as a boy, they make their way to Lancashire only to meet with misfortune. They have no choice but to seek help from the nearest house, which just so happens to be the home of the Brundys! Waverly has no choice but to throw himself on the mercy of Sir Ethan and Lady Helen. Next he must marry Lisette for surely she has been compromised just by being with him and the child needs a guardian, so why not? It should be a marriage blanc, a marriage of convenience for both, but Waverly doesn't understand the workings of the human heart. While he is busy trying to pursue his own interests, Lisette schemes to attract her handsome husband's attention. The Brundys are friendly enough but have their own marital problems to deal with. Meanwhile Lisette's despicable cousin is after her and will stop at nothing until he's found her. This book contains all the plot elements I can't stand. It borrows heavily from Georgette Heyer's canon. Lisette is very young and silly but she knows her own mind and she's strong-willed. She's very much like Leonie in These Old Shades and Waverly is modeled after Justin. Waverly does redeem himself in the end and I liked him better than Justin.  In my opinion, though, the characters in this novel can not compare to Georgette Heyer's and if I were an author I would stay far away from copying the best in the business. The epilogue of this book is worth reading and made me laugh. I only picked this one up because I wanted to find out what happened to the Brundys. They featured into this novel more than I expected. If you want to know what happens to them without reading the book, leave a comment and I'll respond. If you liked These Old Shades, The Corinthian, Friday's Child, you will like this book almost as much.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore -- Young Adult Historical Fantasy

Nimira left her homeland in search of money and fame as a singer. Instead she found poverty and misery singing for pennies at a cheap dance hall as part of a troupe of exotic foreign performers known as "Trouser Girls" for the style of clothing they wear. Nimira scoffs at the girls who dream of something more but secretly wishes for something better for herself. When a handsome, wealthy young gentleman, Hollin Parry, takes an interest in her and invites her to come sing at his estate, Nimira takes her chance. Hollin wants Nimira to sing while an automaton plays the piano. The previous girls he hired all ran off in fright claiming the automaton was haunted. Nimira resolves to be brave for she has risked everything for this position. Nim finds life in the country beautiful, yet somewhat lonely. Hollin seems to be kind and interested in her despite still grieving for his wife who died two years earlier. Nimira finds his attentions a bit unsettling and his political beliefs about fairies and land ownership are not what she thinks is fair. Hollin is an ambitious sorcerer and Nimira begins to think he's hiding secrets from her. Nimira too has secrets. She has discovered that the automaton is really the trapped soul of a fairy prince imprisoned there during a war thirty years earlier. Nim becomes his confidant and friend. She's determined to save Erris even if it means being parted from the one she loves. This book mixes familiar elements from Jane Eyre, The Wizard of Oz series, Beauty and the Beast, Pinocchio, Harry Potter and Pygmalion into an entirely new world where humans and dangerous fairies battle for land. The plot is slow to start off and I had a hard time getting into the strange world. The world isn't as well-drawn or as detailed as the world of Harry Potter or Tamora Pierce's worlds. It seems to be similar to Victorian Europe or America where women wear corsets and have no say in their futures, but it contains sorcerers and fairies and spirits. Nim is brown skinned and comes from a land where women wear harem pants. Her culture is looked down on by the people of her adopted land as are the fairies. The conflicts between fairies and humans over land ownership parallels that of American settlers and the Indians. This story also contains ideas about women's rights and the place of women in this society. The big mystery really kept my interest though I was really sleepy. The ending is a bit rushed and ends without full resolution leading me to conclude there is a sequel. (Magic Under Stone available in Feb. 2012) I liked the characters very much. They aren't stereotypical and their roles and viewpoints aren't black and white. Bad characters have some good elements and good characters may have or do bad things. I especially like Nim. She's a strong heroine despite her circumstances. She's faced with an extraordinarily difficult decision torn between her heart and her ambition. She doesn't have easy choices to make and when she makes her choices she stands up for what she believes in. Nim is a heroine to admire. I would recommend this book for young teen girls who like historical fantasy with tough, strong-minded heroines. 

Pride and Prescience: Or, A Truth Universally Acknowledged by Carrie Bebris -- Austenesque Regency Mystery

Elizabeth and Jane Bennet are happily married to their true loves at long last and both couples are looking forward to their honeymoons but Caroline Bingley interferes by announcing her own engagement to an American, Mr. Frederick Parrish, a plantation owner from New Orleans. Unhappily the Darcys and the Bingleys must put off their honeymoons to attend the wedding one week hence in London. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy set up housekeeping in Darcy's townhouse while Georgiana visits with the Gardiners. Darcy enjoys showing Elizabeth around London and introducing her to his friends. Elizabeth is especially fascinated by an exhibit of New World antiquities at the British Museum. The exhibit contains items relating to witchcraft and the supernatural. Darcy scoffs at the idea that there is something he can't see or figure out by reason (except God) but Elizabeth feels that there's more out there than meets the eye. She's interested in getting to know archeologist Dr. Randolph who specializes in supernatural objects. Caroline Parrish begins to act strangely shortly after her wedding and Elizabeth feels it necessary to help Caroline's family keep an eye on her while she recovers from her brain disorder at Netherfield. Dangerous and unexplained events overtake the Bingley family and Netherfield. Someone wants to extort money from kind Charles Bingley and someone or someones seem to want Jane and Charles dead. Elizabeth begins to think something akin to a curse has been placed on the family that is causing all the problems. Her belief in the supernatural causes a rift between her and her beloved husband. Can she solve the mystery before it's too late? This book is part Pride and Prejudice sequel and part mystery. The Pride and Prejudice aspects are very well done. The language is not quite Jane Austen's but sounds similar but modern enough to be accessible to a casual reader. There is a little bit of witty banter between newlywed Elizabeth and Darcy which is funny and sweet though not at the level of Nick and Nora. The characters from the original novel all behave in character which is both good and bad. It's bad because Mr. Darcy is such a paragon and Mr. Bingley and Jane are so kind that they're too good to be true. Darcy exhibits some temper which makes him seem more human but then the downside to that is that he quarrels with Elizabeth. I really enjoyed revisiting my favorite characters from Pride and Prejudice. What I didn't like about this book was the mystery. I figured out the mystery right away. The author plants some really obvious clues and it doesn't take much to solve the mystery. I did wonder who the villain was about halfway through but then a clue helped me figure out that my first impression was correct. The mystery is incredible unbelievable. I, like Darcy, do not believe in things that can't be explained by reason though like Elizabeth, I'm open to the possibility but the happenings of this novel stretched by credibility too much. The plot is far too Gothic and sounds like something Catherine from Northanger Abbey would enjoy reading. If you love Jane Austen and Ann Randcliffe then you will love this book. I will not be reading the rest of the series.

Brighton Honeymoon by Sheri Cobb South -- Regency Romance

This book is a companion to The Weaver Takes a Wife. Polly Hampton left her home in the country in search of work and adventure in London. She found a job as a bookstore clerk  which quite suited her for Polly loves to read, especially Gothic novels. When the ton leave town for the summer Polly loses her job. She has nowhere to go and no one to turn to. Her mother is dead, she does not know who her father was and now the kindly vicar who took her in after her mother's death is gone too. Polly's employer makes her an improper proposal which she is loathe to accept. Polly doesn't know what to do until she hears about a workhouse boy turned wealthy textile mill owner, Mr. Ethan Brundy (formerly Crump). She decides to beg him for a job but then she seizes on the opportunity to claim kinship with Mr. Brundy! Polly styles herself Polly Crump and declares herself Mr. Brundy's long-lost sister. Mr. Brundy knows Polly to be an impostor but Lady Helen insists on taking up the girl as her protegee. Mr. Brundy is unhappy at the prospect of having a third person in his home just as he and Lady Helen are about to visit Brighton on their honeymoon. Mr. Brundy's friend, Sir Aubrey Tabor offers to help scare away the impostor. Poor Mr. Brundy finds himself saddled with two more house guests and a wife too shy to show her love while they have guests. Mr. Brundy wants his guests gone and he doesn't care how. Sir Aubrey does his best to intimidate Polly but the girl is more stubborn and spirited than she looks. Polly dreams of finding her biological father who will recognize her instantly and take her into his heart and home. Polly's plans don't go exactly as planned and she finds herself attracted to the maddening Sir Aubrey who seems determined to expose her as a fraud. This story is a drawing room comedy type romance but fails to meet my exacting standards. I really felt bad for Polly. Her story brings home just how hard it was to be a woman in the nineteenth century. I wanted her to find happiness but I felt that she didn't have much of a connection with the hero. The hero is a bit arrogant and rude, understandably so, but he doesn't make much of an attempt to be nice or sympathetic not even once he learns her true story. Some parts of the story are funny and there are secondary characters taken from the Georgette Heyer catalog of quirky suitors. I liked the subplot about the Brundys and the trials of being newlywed and in love. Mr. Brundy is not quite as likable in this story, being impatient and short tempered. In contrast, Lady Helen is kinder and gentler and more understanding than she was a few months earlier in the previous novel. If you want to know what happens next to the Brundys or want a story with a heroine who isn't of the ton, then I would definitely recommend this book.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

The Weaver Takes a Wife by Sheri Cobb South -- Regency Romance

Ethan Brundy is a baseborn man from the workhouse who has risen to become a prosperous textile mill owner. While in London, he spies the beautiful Lady Helen Radney and declares he will marry her. Lady Helen is known for her hard hard and sharp tongue. Everyone in the ton knows she'd never marry a frumpy nobody like Mr. Brundy. However, what the ton doesn't know is that Lady Helen's father is deep in debt and only an advantageous marriage can save him. Helen loathes to marry Mr. Brundy but it's preferable to becoming a governess - if only slightly. Once married, Mr. Brundy proves to be kind and considerate and perhaps Helen misjudged him, but there's someone else who desires Helen as much as Mr. Brundy and he'll stop at nothing until he has her. This is Regency in the tradition of Georgette Heyer. It borrows heavily from April Lady and also from Pygmalion. (There's even a Col. Pickering!) Mr. Brundy isn't a dashing hero but he's a nice man and likable in his own way. Helen is spoiled and not very likable in the beginning but her character has depth and as the story goes on she grows and matures. There's a slight element of danger to make things more interesting but mostly this is a quiet book about life as a married couple. For me, this story was only average. I'm not crazy about misunderstanding plot and arranged marriage plots. I think fans of Georgette Heyer's more quiet, mature stories will enjoy this one though.

Sweet Revenge: A Lady Ariana Hadley Mystery by Andrea Penrose -- Regency Mystery/Romance

Lady Ariana Hadley grew up in the slums of Jamaica with her English outcast father. She adored her father and when he was killed, she was left on her own. Now back in London, she has vowed to take revenge on his killer. Her desire for revenge causes her to disguise herself as a male French chef working in the home of the notorious Lady Spencer, who has an appetite for chocolate and for rich men. When Ariana serves the Prince Regent edible chocolate (chocolate had only been available as a drink) and he falls over poisoned, Ariana as the chef becomes the chief suspect. The government, wanting to know whether some property in the chocolate could have been poisonous, calls in the Alessandro De Quincy, the Earl of Saybrook, a member of Wellington's staff and chocolate expert. Saybrook agrees to get involved in the investigation and quickly interrogates Ariana. His expert eye sees through her disguise but his wits are dulled by opium taken for a war wound and his life is nearly cut off by a wicked villain. Ariana saves his life and in thanks he brings her reluctantly into his investigation. Ariana hasn't forgotten her vow though and her new disguise as a fashionable widow gains her the confidences of Lady Spencer and entry into a secret society that may hold clues to her father's death as well as the poisoning of the Prince Regent. Ariana thinks she'll never get anywhere if Saybrook doesn't stop taking opium. Cooking up a chocolate concoction, she orders him to drink it to sharpen his senses and heal his wounded body so Lord S can get down to business. Ariana has the ability to change like a chameleon and plays her new role very well - maybe too well for Saybrook. She isn't used to trusting people or having anyone care for him but she must learn if she wants to stay alive. This is a gritty mystery. Unlike most Regency set mysteries, it's a true crime mystery. The crime is of monumental proportions that could have worldwide consequences if allowed to continue. Ariana is not a sheltered young lady. She's had a tough life and she knows lots of dirty tricks, dirty words and isn't afraid to trade sexual favors with gentlemen if necessary. Though I like smart, strong heroines, Ariana is too tough for my tastes. She's very single-minded in her purpose and very bloodthirsty. She goes beyond the limits of what's considered proper behavior and gets involved in something very scary and nasty.  At first I did not think Saybrook would be an appealing hero being drug addicted but he grew on me. Sandro is darkly mysterious and has a bad boy appeal. He's smart, dashing, reckless and caring all at the same time and who can't love a man who loves chocolate? The author's research is excellent and really shines through in the novel. The setting is well done and the mystery is specific to this period. Each chapter begins with trivia and a (modern) recipe for chocolate desserts which I really liked. I would have preferred period recipes in the text and modern ones at the end though. The author is certainly very knowledgeable about chocolate. The author doesn't write in a period voice and there are far too many slang words for male body parts on nearly every page. In spite of that, there are no love scenes or even any kisses. Though I enjoyed the chocolate trivia and couldn't put the book down until the mystery was solved, I really didn't like this book. I didn't like the grittiness of the story. I think I'll stick to drawing room comedies and genteel mysteries.

Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed by Jo Beverley -- Regency Romance

Jane Sandiford is a gently reared young lady of strict parents who prefer life in the country to the excesses of London. Jane's parents have selected David Kyle, Lord Wraybourne to marry their daughter. Jane, being a dutiful daughter, trusts her parents to have her best interests at heart. She only hopes her husband is kind and not too old. When she meets Lord Wraybourne he is much more than she ever expected and the handsome youngish man makes her feel nervous and tongue tied. David finds Jane charming and thinks she will make the perfect Countess. Jane isn't so sure. She's nervous about fitting in with Lord Wraybourne's sophisticated friends and family. Jane's governess suggests a Season in London to provide Jane with a little sophistication before her marriage. Under the auspices of Lord Wraybourne's cousin Lady Harroving Jane's dream of adventure is fulfilled. As she spends time with Lord Wraybourne's family, first in the country at The Middlehouse and then in London, she begins to become less shy. She is befriended by Lord Wraybourne's impetuous sister Sophie and Lord Randal Ashby, the biggest rake in London. Jane is confused and conflicted in her feelings towards her betrothed. She's sure he only wants her for her money and her breeding, but why then does he act like a flirt? And why does his flirting make her feel so strange whenever they're together? Unfortunately they are not able to spend much time together because Lord Wraybourne is continually leaving town. The gossips would claim that he has a mistress (or several) that he's visiting but in actuality he is helping his uncle investigate a series of brutal crimes against women on orders from the Prince Regent. Jane must choose whether to believe the rumors or ignore them and follow her heart. She also has to deal with the shocking knowledge that her friend Sophie is suffering from unrequited love for Lord Randal. As Lord Wraybourne comes closer to catching the villain, he discovers that the villain may be too close to his loved ones for comfort. This was Jo Beverley's first novel and is a decent start. The mystery plot would have been more interesting if I hadn't read some of the follow-up novels and already knew who the villain was. The denouement was really quick and should have been drawn out more. The romance plot was a bit boring. Jane's constant insecurity wears thin after awhile. Her fears make sense given her upbringing but are tedious to read. I liked her a lot though, despite her insecurities. I liked seeing her blossom and learn to think and act on her own without direction from her mother. The romance develops nicely and is very sweet and quiet though both the heroine and hero are strongly attracted to one another. I had hoped to like Sophie and Randal after reading about them in other books but I found Sophie to be too young and silly for me to really like. Her hey-go-mad schemes are really outlandish at times and her sauciness is rather rude. The introduction of Randal and his adventures is quite shocking. I was disappointed to learn that his reputation was well-earned and everyone's fears regarding Sophie's feelings towards him are justified. He improves a lot in the final scene in which he appears. That happens to be my favorite scene in the novel. If you're looking for something a little different and more than the chaste kisses only sort of traditional Regency, I would recommend this one. I would not recommend following up with The Stolen Bride. It's not necessary.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

Of Paupers and Peers by Sheri Cobb South -- Regency Romance

James Weatherly, a penniless curate and Latin tutor, receives the shock of his life when he learns he is the new Duke of Montford! About 100 years ago, James's great-great grandfather disowned his second son for marrying a milkmaid. Though James's great-grandfather was disowned, the estate and title were still entailed and James is the next heir. With a purse full of coins, he sets out on the common stage and by foot to Montford Priory and is attacked by ruffians. He manged to get in a few blows before being knocked senseless. Miss Margaret Darrington discovers the unfortunate man lying in the road. She assumes he is Mr. Fanshawe, the tutor she has hired for her younger brother Phillip. James finds he can not remember his identity or anything before he was attacked. Assuming he is the tutor, he goes home with Margaret. Margaret fears her younger, beautiful sister Amanda will fall in love with the tutor. Margaret has grand plans for Amanda which include marrying a fortune and supporting the family. Amanda makes the acquaintance of an unknown, infuriating young man whom she can't seem to get out of her mind. As Mr. Fanshawe, James quickly becomes one of the family. He enjoys his cozy chats with Margaret and even teaching Phillip. When he finally recovers his memory, he discovers that he desires to be a permanent member of the Darrington family. However, in order to discover his lady love's true feelings, he must remain incognito for awhile longer. Margaret comes to lean on the sturdy young tutor and depends on his advice and conversation. Surely that doesn't mean she's in love with him, does it? After all, he's in love with Amanda, or is he? A Gypsy fortune teller tells Margaret she has a difficult choice to make that will affect her future.Is love the choice she meant? What to do? If you're a fan of this genre you will know how the story goes. The plot drags a bit in the middle with a few random, unlikely moments of discovery. The writing is otherwise decent and the period details about country life are good. The characters interact with each other realistically for the most part and can easily be identified with. Margaret and Amanda resemble the Dashwood sisters in Sense and Sensibility. James is a much stronger character than Edward Ferrars, however, and I really liked him. He's sweet and a bit awkward and very earnest. This is a pleasant read in the tradition of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. It's what Heyer would call a "quiet" romance. I rather liked it but I wouldn't rate it in my top 10 or even top 20.

Star Crossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce -- Young Adult Historical Fantasy

Set in a fictional fantasy sort-of Renaissance era world, this fantasy features a 16 year old thief named Digger as the narrator. Digger is on the run from the dangerous Greenmen. They caught up to her and her partner Tegen while on a job "recovering" some important letters. Digger spends the night in a thief's hideout waiting for Tegen. When he doesn't come, she concludes he was killed and takes off running. While on the run she encounters a party of young nobles heading down the river to escape duty. The young nobles take her up in exchange for directions. Digger, the most devout of the liar god's servants, spins a tale of a life spent inside the walls of a convent. The parents of the young nobles catch up to them and attempt to dole out punishment to the wild teenagers. The very young Lady Merista Nemair has a big surprise when she discovers her parents have returned from exile (they were banished for being a part of rebel forces during a civil war) and plan to take her to their castle in the mountains to prepare for her Kernja-velde, a coming-of-age ceremony. Meri is shy and unsure of what to expect. She takes a liking to Celyn, as Digger is calling herself and asks her parents to bring Celyn as her lady's maid. They also bring along Phandre, a noblewoman whose parents died in exile. Digger can't help becoming soft in her luxurious surroundings so to stay sharp, she steals little things from the castle. Then the guests begin to arrive including Marlytt Villatiere, a city courtesan and Lord Remy Daul, the foster brother of Meri's father. Lord Daul catches Digger doing what she does best. In exchange for her silence, he puts her to work for him spying and stealing from The Nemair and their guests. The Nemair have been good to her but if they find out her secret, will they stay kind? Digger doesn't want to take that chance and soon finds herself in way over her head as she uncovers secrets involving forbidden magic and political intrigue. She discovers that she has violated the thief's rules don't get caught and don't get involved. This book differs greatly from the author's first novel, A Curse Dark As Gold. This one is set an an entirely fantasy world which in some ways resembles the real world and in other ways does not. The history, politics and religions of this country are incredibly confusing. The story seems to start in the middle, assuming the reader knows what Digger means with references to various gods and political leaders and then the history is revealed in bits and pieces. Digger's story is also hinted at and then finally revealed towards the end. This method of story telling did not work for me. I had a really hard time getting into the story. All of the unfamiliar and unpronounceable names complicated the already complicated story. Once Digger starts spying for Lord Daul, then the story picks up and I couldn't put it down. The ending seems like it would be rushed but was actually paced well. I was hoping for something along the lines of a Tamora Pierce novel or Patricia C. Wrede's Mairelon the Magician but this one was just too complicated and out there for my tastes. I would recommend it to experienced fantasy readers.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .


Miss Darby's Duenna by Sheri Cobb South -- Regency Romantic Comedy
Now that Harry Hawthorne has inherited his father's title and estate, he feels it's high time he takes a wife. He chooses his childhood pal, Olivia Darby, because she's a mild-mannered girl who won't stand in the way of his pursuit of pleasure. Olivia feels it's too soon to marry and wants to have a London Season before she settles down. Harry isn't happy with that idea but he can't override her decision. Harry's younger sister, Georgina wants to marry the local vicar, but Harry, sensing this his sister is in the throes of a school girl crush, decides she should go to London with Olivia and have a Season. Olivia's mother accompanies the girls to London while Harry avoids the social scene and oggles opera dancers. Harry's rival for a popular actress, Lord Mannerly, seeks revenge for his hurt pride and decides to make Olivia his prey. Olivia finds Mannerly charming and insists on seeing him though Harry forbids it. Harry feels he has no choice but to masquerade as his own grandmother in order to properly chaperon Olivia! Harry's sister isn't fooled and Lord Mannerly is suspicious but Olivia misses the absent Harry and draws closer to Mannerly. Harry's charade causes some gossip belowstairs and the faux Dowager attracts the attentions of an old flame. This story has all the makings of a screwball comedy but for me, it fell flat. There wasn't any chemistry between Harry and Olivia and Harry was boring and rude. I couldn't understand their attraction to one another and the reader is only told how Olivia used to worship Harry when they were children. Their feelings seem to come out of nowhere. The relationship between Mannerly and Georgina showed promise but the dialogue wasn't quite witty enough to charm me. Overall, this book failed to meet expectations and I was sadly disappointed.

Elizabeth And The Major by Lynn Collum -- Regency Romance
Miss Elizabeth Fields left off her hoydenish ways when her mother died three years ago and has become the model daughter and a mother to her younger siblings. Elizabeth's father encourages her to accompany her shy best friend, The Honorable Julia Powers, to a house party where Julia is one of several young ladies who may inherit the estate from her eccentric cousin Esme. Elizabeth is hesitant to leave her family but realizes that Julia needs to get away from her domineering mother for awhile and agrees to go off to the country with Julia. While in the country, Elizabeth and Julia meet the other two young ladies who are Esme's prospective heirs; the flirtations society girl Myra Bradford and Miss Imogene Shelton, a silly schoolroom miss. Imogene is accompanied by her handsome older half-brother, Major Roderick Shelton, who is home on leave after being wounded in the Peninsular Wars. Roderick is a doting brother who wishes to see his sister's future settled before returning to war. He must make his own way in the world though he is heir to a Viscountcy. When Elizabeth first meets Roger, she's embarrassed by her unladylike behavior but thinks he's the most handsome man she's ever seen. Likewise, he's physically attracted to her but worries about her behavior. As they get to know each other, Elizabeth and Roderick discover they share common interests, including a dislike of the fashionable fribble Sir Gordon, Esme's greedy cousin who has crashed the party in hopes of slandering the women and gaining the inheritance for himself. When someone seems to be trying to scare off Imogene, the major believes the worst with nearly disastrous consequences for everyone involved. The plot summary on the back of the book is misleading. I expected an amusing romp with witty dialogue and over-the-top situations. I couldn't find any of the aforementioned in the plot of this novel. The story moves slowly and isn't very interesting. There isn't much character development and when there is, it's tossed in and then glossed over. I didn't find the romance believable at all because of the lack of characterization. The plot was entirely predictable from beginning to end and I just didn't feel anything for the characters or care what happened to them. Some of the situations were funny and I liked Julia and wished she were the main character. Overall, I found this to be a mediocre story and won't read it again.

Rumors: A Luxe Novel by Anna Godbersen -- YA Historical Fiction/Romance
Picking up two months after The Luxe left off, this book continues the story of the Holland sisters. Elizabeth has faked her own death to head west to find her boyfriend, Will leaving Diana to deal with the societal pressures of finding a husband and navigating the sticky situation with Henry Schoonmaker. The plot of this book is far more contrived and soap operaish than The Luxe. It features star-crossed lovers who do forbidden things that are entirely unrealistic for that time and place. The book also continues the story of the former maid, Lina, a scheming social climber who is determined to be a society lady aided by Penelope Hayes. I felt like I was watching a CW (TV) teen drama while reading this book and I was very disappointed in the way the characters behaved given their situations. I sympathize with Elizabeth but I also feel she was selfish to leave Diana alone. Diana is very young and silly and I didn't like her as much in this novel as I did the first. I'm not sure I am going to continue with the series. I'm not really into melodrama.