Unleashing Mr. Darcy
Wilson’s enchanting debut mixes dollops of Jane Austen into a modern fairy tale shaped by the British mania for dogs and dog shows. After losing her teaching job, American Elizabeth Scott is hired by British dog-show enthusiast Sue Barrow to help with her border terrier show dogs. Since Elizabeth hopes her own Cavalier King Charles spaniel will win awards one day, she sees working for Sue as a step forward. In her first show, the feisty Elizabeth verbally spars with judge Donovan Darcy, a Cavalier breeder. Consequently, she’s surprised to find that Donovan lives across the street from Sue in London. Although it is love at first sight for both of them, Donovan must wine and dine Elizabeth, and she must reject him because they come from such different socioeconomic backgrounds. While their relationship is blessed by Donovan’s best friend, Henry, and Elizabeth’s beloved older sister, it is thwarted by Henry’s sister, who is besotted with Donovan, and Donovan’s disapproving aunt. Dog lovers and readers who love Austen pastiches will savor this latest showing of the famous couple. --Pat Henshaw