Review: A page turner to make you smile
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 10, 2013
"The Tempestuous Debutante" is the 4th book in the Cotillion Ball Series that I have read and with this one I couldn't wait to see how the author was going to make Jasmine Fitzgerald a person I would even like.  In "The Abolitionist's Secret", I cheered for her identical twin sister, Heather, the more shy and timid of the two girls. Becky Lower caused me to laugh and smile when Heather finally stood up to Jasmine.  As an identical twin myself, I have felt these books as if they're personal to me because it doesn't matter the period of time the books are written in, people still feel the same emotions - including identical twin sisters who can be rivals and best friends.Jasmine is as spoiled as she is beautiful and clever. When her parents inform her that she will have only one new gown and one pair of shoes for the upcoming season, she explodes with anger because her sisters had new gowns. However, George Fitzpatrick, her father, explains that due to the economy he is meeting a prospective business partner, a Viscount by the name of Alistair Wickersham, who is from England.  Immediately, Jasmine and her mother concoct a scheme for Jasmine to win this older man over and become engaged so she can procure a title, a guaranteed place in society, money, and not be one of the "poor unfortunates" at the ball.  However, a young stable boy by the name of Parr O'Shaughnessy has come with the Viscount and Jasmine finds herself dreaming of him, especially after he helps her get over her fear of horses and "does more than that".  Her mother constantly reminds her of her goals - winning the hand of Alistair. Will Jasmine continue to listen to her mother or will she realize that attaining certain goals in life are not what she wants anymore?Through trials and tribulations, Jasmine uses her fashion sense and makes a career and name for herself in the industry.  Throughout the book, we see her emotional changes as she becomes a strong heroine who this reader grew to adore, and we watch as she becomes a thoughtful and caring woman who learns the true meaning of love.Becky Lower has truly outdone herself in this historical romance.  Although not filled with all the history as in her other books, I knew when I read about the warehouse district, I was there with Jasmine and her mother, and when Colleen, the lady's maid and now Jasmine's assistant, spoke the Irish brogue, as did Parr, I heard it just as if I was hearing my Irish great-grandmother. I smiled. I gulped. I laughed and cried while reading this book. I recommend it highly.  Even though it is #4 in the series, it is a stand-alone book also, but I recommend reading all of Ms. Lower's books and any future novels, whether historical or contemporary romance.  She is a rising author with plenty of talent, love of history, and a gift for writing. Sharon Lee Fernberg