Review: Read Cover to Cover in one Night!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 18, 2013
Romance at the Royal Menagerie is another delightful historical romance by the talented Ruth J. Hartman. I was in love with this book from page one and read it in one sitting, because I had to know how it was going to work out. It was a funny, light-hearted romance story that will make you laugh at the antics and conversation of the characters. The writing style was smooth and was paired with fun characters in a beautiful atmosphere.In this book we are introduced to the cat keeper’s daughter, Francesca Hartwell. Her father works at the Tower of London’s Royal Menagerie and she goes there daily to interact with her beloved cats. She has a gift when it comes to animals, especially cats and her days spent with them make her life full.One day a new visitor to the Tower, Mr. Fairgate, catches the eye of the beautiful, yet down to earth Miss Hartwell. After she rescues him from an uncertain encounter they begin a friendship that is tied tightly with love of animals and each other’s company.While both are sure that their days would not be the same without the other in it, they are both keeping a part of themselves back. Miss Hartwell is overcoming the sting of loss in her past and Mr. Fairgate is trying to get adjusted to the role that his birthright has borne him to. Caught in world of social classes and expected behavior and responsibilities, Francesca and John will have to see what the future holds for them and the big cats that they both love so much.What a wonderful story that Ruth has weaved once again in the Regency period. I particularly love that she entangled our characters to another story that she wrote, by having them take a visit to the Regent’s Bird Sanctuary, which is another book I highly recommend.