Review: Pleasantly surprised
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 10, 2013
ADVANCED COPY PROVIDED BY AUTHORI don't like Jasmine Fitzpatrick.I didn't like her when I first met her in "The Reluctant Debutante" and I didn't like her when I began reading "The Tempestuous Debutante," Author Becky Lower's newest installment of her Cotillion Ball series.I'm familiar with the Fitzpatrick clan and their battles for survival in the 1800s. And I've been waiting since last year to see how Jasmine would overcome her broken ankle and her resentment of her siblings, who have found love and happiness with wonderful spouses. Her sole goal in life is to one-up them. Yes, Jasmine is that shallow.So it is a tribute to Ms. Lower's storytelling capabilities that I kept reading late into the night to find out if Jasmine could redeem herself. She is surrounded by a cast of characters who can help her do that, if she lets them.I quietly cheered when dad said no new dresses for the debutante season and Jasmine faced wearing last year's wardrobe. I felt as smug as the "poor unfortunates" whom Jasmine looked down her nose at - the still-single women from last year.But in the face of adversity, Jasmine shines. It is apparent when she tackles last year's fashions, elevating them to this year's haute couture. It shows when she outwits a competitor by establishing her own successful business, and it is evident when she risks her life to save the man she loves, propriety be damned.Ms. Lower uses several story twists to demonstrate that beneath Jasmine's shallow exterior is a smart businesswoman and a good person.I still don't like Jasmine. But I'm glad that she is happy with a man who shatters her triviality and I loved this book. Bravo, Ms. Lower!