by
Mary Balogh
ISBN: 0-451-19143-9 Order from: Amazon.com
A pleasant and at times touching diversion, this lightweight romance has sympathetic if conventional characters.
Reviewed by David on January 30, 2005
Genre: Romance (Regency Romance, Historical)
Synopsis: Anothony, Marquess of Staunton, has left his home and his dictatorial father, the Duke of Withingsby, eight years ago. Still, he cannot ignore the summons home when he hears of his father's ill health. However, to block to his father's plans for an arranged dynastic marriage and to prove his independence once and for all, Anthony decides to come home already married. His hasty marriage to the shabby-genteel governess Charity Duncan serves the purpose admirably—it apalls his family and insults his proud father.
Full Review: While the plot is predictable and implausible, as is typical for a Regency Romance, the characters and their interactions are engaging, humorous and touching. The resultant resolution of personal conflicts are fun to follow, and while containing little intellectual challenge, the book is a pleasant and witty entertainment.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 1997, Penguin Group (Signet), May 1997, Mass-market paperback
ISBN: 0-451-19143-9 Order from: Amazon.com