Review: One of a Kind Regency
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 28, 2014
I absolutely love this book!  I've read it a few of times; each time I've enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time I read it.  It's an amazing story, with a fairly unusual plot--at least in my extensive reading experience--for a regency novel.  The heroine is an absolute treasure...a more level-headed, sensible young miss you could not hope to meet.  Then there is the hero, Ben, who is an complete sweetheart--he has to be the most laid back, easy going, hero I've ever encountered.When the story begins, Clara is a guest at the home of Lady Lucker, whose daughter is set to wed Clara's cousin.  Clara is a bit of a tumbleweed--as a matter of fact, she describes herself as such--in that she does not have a steady home, but instead travels from one relative's home to another, usually staying for a few months before moving on.  While helping Lady Lucker--this character is a hoot!  The things she does to save a buck will have you LOL--with wedding preparations, Clara learns that the hero, Ben, Earl of Allingcote, is nephew to the Luckers and is anticipated to attend the wedding.  Two years previous, Clara and Ben met at a house-party, where they embarked on a light flirtation.  Ben left the house-party early, when he was called away due to his father's illness.Since then Ben and Clara have had no encounters, but he has always remained in her thoughts.  It doesn't help that every time Clara leaves one location to travel to another, she later learns that Ben arrived within a few days of her departure.  This has been an ongoing coincidence for the last two years, and Clara has become quite vexed that she keeps missing Ben.  Now it seems fate is about to smile on her and give her another chance to get to know Ben...although she's not sure the handsome Earl will even remember her, much less condescend to speak to her!  As for Ben, when he does arrive at the Lucker's residence, he is shocked speechless when he sees Clara.  It's very obvious that he not only remembers Clara, but remembers her fondly.Unfortunately, he has not arrived alone.  Accompanying Ben is a young beauty who, it is believed, will eventually become his countess.  Nell is not only beautiful, she's also spoilt, selfish, and willful...she wreaks havoc wherever she goes.  She's also unwelcome at the Luckers because the bride to be absolutely hates her!  Lady Lucker does her best to console her daughter, while taking care not to offend her wealthy nephew.  Thus a plan is undertaken whereby Ben is assigned the task of keeping the spoilt brat entertained, out of trouble, and out of the bride's hair, for the duration of the house-party.  Ben enlists Clara's aid in this endeavor, and the two spend quite a bit of time together over the course of the next few days.The story that unfolds is very sweet, and very funny!  This is definitely a lighthearted read.  It's wonderfully entertaining, with an interesting cast of characters.  Ms. Smith is a fabulous writer and storyteller and "Winter Wedding" is a beautifully crafted tale that is a testament to her talents.  This is one of those books that I will read time and again...a true keeper.  I would definitely recommend it as a thoroughly entertaining read.  FYI, this is a squeaky clean romance.  Happy reading.