Review: Many Reasons to Read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 1, 2013
Sometimes I'm in the mood for a short story--one I can read in one night and still be a complete story with happy ending. This one fit the bill precisely.Eliza Crenshawe's father has recently passed away leaving her in the care of her drunken uncle, who tells her she has no dowry and must marry a friend of his because no one else wants her. She decides to flee and borrow a friend's horse, only her friend isn't there and the new Earl of Monteith, Colin, is and wants to know who is trying to steal his horse. As Colin and Eliza try to get to the bottom of each other's story they come to know each other and Colin starts to give Eliza reasons to stay.This was a fun, quick, delightful romance. They both recognize the absurdity of their stories, even if they are true, and how clichéd their situation has become. Because they recognize it, it became plausible and real.I had a fun time watching Colin and Eliza get to know each other and develop feelings for each other. As they talk about their situation and what they could possibly do to get out of it, Colin decides he quite likes her. She is ready to set out on her own and leave, but Colin says "or you could let me give you a reason to stay." He comes up with several reasons for her to stay, but it takes a while for him to convince her because it can't be just about the physical.I really enjoyed this short story. I've never read anything by this author, but will keep an eye out for her stories as this was a fun read.