Review: A bit slow and wordy
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 4, 2014
This story moved along so slowly I started skimming to find what I hoped would be more interesting.  Our heroine was supposed to be known for her outspoken manner, and while I can understand the reasoning in biting her tongue, she seemed much too reticent when she might have spoken out.Lydia parents are dead.  She and her sister have to depend on relatives to take them in.  Her sister is mentally challenged -- she is sent to live with an aunt and uncle who are kind but poor.  He is a member of the clergy and their home is small, and they have a child.Lydia goes to live with more prosperous relatives, but is told right off the bat that she will need to earn her keep by being constantly at her aunt's disposal.  The aunt is quite nasty, the uncle is never around, the female cousin is an airhead and the male cousin is a predator.  The only truly nice person is the neighbor, Mr Churchman.  And even he has a brother who isn't entirely on the up and up.  Lydia falls for the neighbor, but the vile male cousin lies and says he and Lydia are secretly engaged.  And he manages to cause Lydia to be in disgrace and basically gets her thrown out.She goes to the poor relatives and soon finds out they are expecting a baby.  A neighbor first offers her a position as a companion, then offers marriage.  While deciding what to do an accident brings a new friend into her life as well as a visit to Brighton.  There she meets up with her love interest.There is a bit more to the story, but things end well.  I found it difficult to connect with the heroine.  She seemed to be constantly blushing, and I kept thinking she should tell the creepy cousin off -- or slap him or stab him with a fork.  It was just frustrating.This one is just so-so in my opinion, and it is quite long.