Review: Likable characters who really need to talk to each other
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 09 13, 2013
I enjoyed the story.  It was short, and at times, sweet.  But, as I read the story, I was reminded of comments made about other Regencies with similar plot lines in which readers complained that they were tired of reading stories in which there is a "Big Misunderstanding" because neither the h nor the H is willing to be honest- just tell it like it is.  Reading this story, I realized that they had a point.  There are many Regency stories in which the h and H had hurt each other by allowing the other to believe the worst of them- either they are believed to have been unfaithful, to have lied about something, trapped the other into marriage, married without love, etc.This is one of those stories in which the H and h hold a lot of their feelings inside and they both suffer for it.  It is not until the end that they are honest with one another, and all of their misunderstandings are cleared up.  It was a nice story and worth reading.  Glad they finally found their HEA.One other note- the author writes a Disclaimer in which she states that she calls the h "Lady Maria" even though the h should be called "Lady (husband's last name)".  Actually, neither is correct.  The h is a duchess, therefore she is not referred to as "Lady" anything.  She is called "Duchess" or "Your Grace", or "Her Grace, the Duchess of Kent" or "Maria, Duchess of Kent" (or whatever name the character is using).  Georgette Heyer, who is known for her meticulous research, can be used as an example.  In her novel, Sylvester, the H, the Duke of Salford, is referred to by his friends as "Duke" or "Salford".  Two of the characters in the novel call him "My lord Duke" when they are angry with him, and his mother calls him "Sylvester".  His servants call him "Your grace" and refer to him as "His grace" when discussing him, if memory serves; other authors use "His Grace" and "Your Grace".  "My lady" or "My Lady" refers to countesses, marchionesses, and the wives whose husbands hold the title of "Lord" or "Sir".  Sylvester is never called "Lord Salford" or "My Lord".