Wedding Gamble
Sarah Wellingford's father gambled away her future and that of her siblings. The bank is about to foreclose on their estate, unless Sarah can come up with the money in ten days. Her only chance at the amount of money she needs is to marry it. And thus, Sarah is forced to abandon the promise she made to Sinjin, her first love, never to marry since they could not marry each other. Unfortunately, the wealthy men among her suitors is limited. And the one most eager to marry her, Sir James Findlay, is a villain whose touch she detests. His relentless and ruthless pursuit soon chases away all other prospects. Sarah's season is sponsored by Lady Beaumont, in exchange for Sarah's calming influence on her temperamental daughter Clarissa. Clarissa's temper puts her engagement with the handsome Marquess of Englemere on shaky ground. Sarah's role of peacemaker puts her in frequent contact with Englemere. They become friends and he attempts to find her a suitable husband. But time is running out and a nasty encounter with Findlay forces Sarah to accept the immediate solution offered-marry Englemere. Clarissa is supportive and Sarah is soon the Marchioness of Englemere. Happiness seems assured. Until Sinjin reappears. And Sir James Findlay picks another cash strapped young girl as his bride. Sarah is determined to rescue the girl, even if she has to go against her husband's wishes and destroy their marriage. The quest for freshness within the Regency genre has many authors exploring the fantastic or supernatural. Julia Justiss has managed to stay within the traditional boundaries and create a plot far from ordinary. The characters move with flesh and bone across the page. The Wedding Gamble is a delight! No luck involved here. A quality read is a sure bet! Justiss is a talented writer with a keen ear for dialogue! Don't miss this one! Linda Fitzner  --Copyright © 1999 Literary Times, Inc.  All rights reserved--FromLiterary Times