Review: This is a treasure!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 5, 2014
The writing of this debut novel is gratifyingly good and is remarkably well-attuned to the era.  Brilliant, in fact.  Very appealing.  We're given a perfect sense of the time but there's no unwieldy, stilted dialogue that can sometimes make me say huh?!  Editing also passes the test.  My compliments to the author.Lovely, wealthy and brainy Isobel keeps her intellectual pursuits secret while maintaining a faade of society miss.  She is also quite determined not to fall under the heel of a husband, nor allow her wealth to fall out of her control.Divine Major Lord Francis, second son of a duke, has recently returned from the Peninsular Wars, no longer the frivolous Corinthian, has matured and now seeks to become a responsible member of society.The two meet after Francis suffers injury when his curricle overturns in front of Isobel's estate.  He must convalesce in Isobel's home.  Thus we have the wary beginning of a romance between two people of strong convictions and determination.  Uh-oh.  Francis lays siege and the dance between the two is fun to be a part of...he *is* persistent...and soon enchanted by Isobel...and forever teasing.The beginning was rather slow-going.....I was a little befuddled (and bored) by Cousin Harriet's ramblings.  I marched forward though, and was rewarded by the author at the 15% point.  Things picked up and Cousin Harriet shut up, or maybe I just got used to her.  She is a rather dear old girl.Life with Isobel and Francis then became entertaining.  It was fun watching the push and pull between the pair.  The pace of the story wasn't fast, but neither was it tedious.  The characters were well-developed and we were allowed to *see* events, rather than just being *told*.  I, personally, *hate* that 'being told' style.Altogether a light, enjoyable,interesting story.  I recommend it, but you'll have to be brave and slog through the slow pace, dragging Cousin Harriet with you, until you hit the 15% point.  Then you're free to enjoy!  The humor in the book is the sneaky kind.  I'd be reading along...reading along...and all of a sudden I'd be hit with a LOL something!  Like I say, sneaky! *L*For those who may prefer some sex in novels, be warned ~  NO SEX in this one.  Kissing is all you're going to get here.But for a gem of a story, yes...stick around.  Take a chance.  It's fun!  :)