Review: Recommended Christmas Regency
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 1, 2013
Review by Maggie Toussaint; X-posted by Melissa SnarkThis novella is set in Oxfordshire in 1817. Miss Cerian Blake of Wales is visiting her cousin for a Christmastide house party full of eligible bachelors of the ton. Though she has no title, Cerian has a large dowry, thanks to her father’s thriving copper business. The house party is her mother’s dream – she wants Cerian to make a great match.Newly minted Duke of Markingham, also known as Oliver Townsende, attends the same party because he’s looking for a duchess. It’s his job to marry wall and restore honor to the family name, but Lady Selina Kinsley’s aggressive pursuit makes him literally run and hide, in the silver closet. Only the closet is already a refuge for another party-goer – Cerian.These kindred spirits make a pact to pretend to be courting so that they can relax and enjoy the party without the social pressure. Their alignment raises eyebrows and sets tongues to wagging. Before long, both Oliver and Cerian are questioning the pretense.Mistletoe plays a key role in this story as does an elusive, fluffy, gray cat. Time and again, the cat serves as a matchmaker and facilitator in the relationship.One of the Mamas of the ton threatens Oliver with ruination if he pursues Cerian. Fresh from the battlefield, Oliver doesn’t take kindly to the threat.Valerie Bowman does a great job in creating an authentic Regency setting. If not for having to fix dinner, I’d have read this all in one sitting. Recommended.An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.