Review: A Most Capable Heroine
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 16, 2014
I loved this little story.  From a technical point of view the book is really well written and edited, with a interesting, somewhat unique, plot and well developed characters.  The story encompasses a sweet romance, with just a hint of humor, and makes for a very light , entertaining read.Charity Cardale is a most capable heroine.  She organizes church events, visits the sick, plays the church organ, manages her brother's household, helps to raise her younger brothers, and provides whatever assistance is needed to her neighbors.  As a matter of fact, Charity is so capable that just about every bachelor who meets her wants to marry her!  LOL  Her season in London garnered no less than four offers, all of which were summarily rejected.This is one of those stories that has a hero who is bent on winning the fair heroine and is willing to do just about anything to attain his goal.  Sigh!  Tristan Hale, Lord Braden is an oh so dreamy artist.  With an Italian mother, Tristan has mediterranean good looks with golden tanned skin, coal black hair, and flashing dark eyes.  Charity is immediately taken with him as he's unlike any other man she's ever met, and she does so love art!Having lived in Italy the last few years, pursuing his art, Tristan returns to England upon his brother in law's death, to provide support to his elder sister.  When he arrives he finds his sister prostrate with grief and humiliation, her husband having died under scandalous conditions.  Furthermore, her household is in shambles, the estate in desperate need of care, and her sons are running wild.  The townsfolk are quick to inform Tristan that he needs Charity to take things in hand.  Charity, he is told, will soon have everything in order!Tristan's first encounter with Charity occurs when he overhears her in conversation with his nephews.  Without having laid eyes on her, he is intrigued by the managing female.  Charity is cheerful, kind, and friendly.  When she is her usual open friendly self with Tristan, he becomes suspicious that she may have set her cap for him and behaves in an off-putting manner towards her in an attempt to discourage her interest.  Charity, having correctly interpreted his behavior, withdraws and begins to avoid him.Perversely, Tristan finds himself irked by Charity's avoidance and finds himself seeking her out.  He even goes so far as to offer his services to help with the preparation for the village's Midsummer Fair.  LOL  Pretty soon Tristan is consumed by jealousy of the attention Charity garners from other young men, and becomes just as eager as every other bachelor to win her hand.Unfortunately, on his first go around, Tristan bungles his courtship and must retreat and reconsider the situation.  Pretending to accept Charity's offer of friendship, he then embarks on a most delicious, surreptitious courtship, targeted to overcome all Charity's objections.  Employing underhanded methods such as intense glances, "innocent" touches, and delicious Italian love words, poor Charity doesn't stand a chance.  Sigh!This is a thoroughly entertaining book and makes for delightful reading.  I loved it and recommend it as a worthwhile read.  FYI, this is a clean romance.  Happy reading!