Review: A Sweet Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 11, 2013
This regency-type novella takes place in St.Mark-on-Locke (called St.Mark by the village residents).Lady Theresa Barclay is the daughter of the Earl of Leighton.  Five years prior, Theresa's mother passed away leaving her emotional and vulnerable.  She easily fell in love with Paolo, a spanish diplomat's son, when he made himself available to Theresa in her time of need.  When Theresa requested that they marry, Paolo turned tail and ran back home, leaving her feeling distraught, betrayed, and no longer wishing to marry or entertain the idea of marriage ever again.  Theresa is a woman that is strong, independent, and highly influential, however, after her issues with Paolo, she has decided "that she was not wifely enough for any man" (Simpson, D.L., 2013, pg. 4 of Ch.7).Honourable Mr. James Martindale is the third son of  the impoveristed Viscount St. Boniface.  He recently moved his family, consisting of himself, his pre-teen daughter, Angelica, and his young son Jacob, to St. Mark and currently rent Meadowlark Manner.  James' wife died a few years back.When the town catches wind that Jacob is a special child, most townsfolk automatically shun the family and begin to spread rumors.  People of this time period were convinced that those like Jacob were cursed and evil, and most were sent away to live in asylums.  Lady Theresa takes it upon herself to introduce herself to the family, which is generally not the accepted way in that time period.  The Martindale family is not at all what the villagers think and Theresa takes it upon herself to make sure they are accepted into St. Mark.Spending as much time with the Martindale family as she has caused Theresa to develop affection for the children and a spark of romance toward James.  James, as well, has been bitten by romance.  However, there are several issues that must be dealt with before either can release the tight holds they have on their hearts.This is a well thought out novella.  We get the back story of both Theresa and James, which allows us to see why she doesn't want a husband and why James thinks that she has made herself a part of his family's life in search of a husband.  The lives they've endured ~ deaths of loved ones, betrayals by lovers, and insincere relationship requests based on money ~ have caused skepticism and a certain measure of distrust to culminate within both Theresa and James.Both Theresa and James are easy to relate to and I enjoyed their story.  It is a sweet romance with a bit of deception that keeps the novella interesting.Quote:"London during the season is the most fascinating place I would never want to live" (Simpson, D.L., 2013, pg.2 of Ch.3) ~ Lady Theresa to Angelica.This quote describes my feelings about Chicago, IL.  I love going to Chicago on vacation but could never live there.Review Copy Courtesy Of: Beyond the Page Publishing, via NetGalley, at no cost in exchange for an honest review.