A Rake's Reform

A RAKE'S REFORM

BY ANNE BARBOUR

PRINTED BY

ROBERT HALE , LONDON.

ISBN 978-0-7090-8469-3.

It was on a beautiful fresh early morning in London, in the year of 1817 when Charles Trent, the fifth Earl of Bythorne, who had just arrived home after a night of somewhat dubious pleasure, was apprised of the fact that his young ward Chloe, had run away again. He was given a note by his nervous Valet. Chloe had apparently run away because she could no longer stand his tyranny and lack of regard for her feelings. The Earl was furious, not only because he desperately needed some rest but also Chloe was beginning to become a real trial to him. He had arranged an advantageous match for her with a wealthy young man named John Wery. Chloe had complained many times about this match, stating that Mr. Wery was a dull clod who spoke only of his farm.

The Earl made enquiries amongst his staff but no one had any idea where Chloe could have fled to. He searched Chloe’s bedroom and after flinging open drawers and cupboards he finally searched her desk where he found a roughly drawn map, but it was of the area where his country house was, Bythorne Park, it seemed to be of no help as surely Chloe would not fly there. But when his Aunt Lavinia joined him , she remembered that Chloe had been very interested in and influenced by a book called ‘Women’s Rights An Apologia’ it was written by a very well known feminists named Hester Blayne. Who apparently lived very near to Bythorne Park in a village called Overcross.

The Earl , on his way to Overcross was not best pleased with the turn of events and determined to give Miss Blayne a piece of his mind if she should be found, to be sheltering Chloe.

Hester Blayne quite unaware of the furious Earl who was about to descend upon her, was happily tending her front garden attached to the cottage which she shared with her former Nurse Miss Larkin, much to the disgust of her brother Sir Barnaby, who like many other men of this era had no time for radical feminist ways. He maintained that Hester should be living in his home, under his protection. That way of life would not suit Hester at all and thanks to her success with her writing ,she was able to be completely self sufficient, even if at times it was difficult and they had to economise.

Seeing a woman working in the garden, as he reigned in his horses, the Earl sprang from his carriage and demanded to see the mistress of the house, mistaking Hester for a servant,.He strode up to her impatient with her apparent indifference to his demands. Hester straitened herself and informed him of his mistake. The Earl was somewhat taken back but he demanded to know if she was Hester Blayne the Feminist. She advised him that she was indeed that lady. Then the Earl demanded that she produce his ward without delay. Hester had no idea what he was talking about and became very angry when he did not believe her.

Shown into the cottage by a very uninviting Hester the Earl told his story, but was soon convinced that Chloe was indeed not in the cottage.

Miss Larkin who had been called into confirm Hester’s story, then rang the bell for tea. When the maid entered the room she immediately blanched and burst into tears. The Earl was furious and demanded to know why his ward was posing as a maid.

After hearing Chloe’s story of the unwanted match with Mr Wery and hearing the way the Earl tried to brow beat his ward, Hester is furious with him and takes Chloe into another room , listening to her quietly but persuading gently her that she must return with her legal guardian to London. Then, showing her a way to turn Mr Wery’s mind away from offering for her. At Last Chloe agrees to leave with the Earl, but is very unhappy about it... Due to a slight accident in the front garden The Earl is obliged to stay the night, he is a very ungracious patient and cannot wait to leave the cottage and Miss Hester Blayne.

Back in London however Chloe is still very defiant with the Earl and he finds himself unable to handle her. Then he decides to ask Hester to come to London to be a companion to Chloe until she has settled down again.

Hester says no at first but when the Earl offers her an enormous amount of money she weakens and agrees to his scheme. Hester has no idea what is to happen in her life in London, she has many challenges to meet there and doubts her own heart many times but with help and good friends will she be able to overcome these challenges. Will love and happiness be hers? Or will Hester Blayne the feminist win the day.

This is a really lovely Regency book and lovers of this genre will not be able to put it down, I hope that I have tempted you to read it, it is well worth while. I award this book five red roses. AS

A Criminal Affair

A CRIMINAL AFFAIR

BY

WENDY BURDESS

Published By ROBERT HALE LONDON.

ISBN 978-0-7090-8724-3.


When Lady Charlotte Hamilton over- hears a conversation between her father and his solicitor, she is determined to marry well and help mend the family fortunes. A surprise offer for her hand from a fabulously rich suitor, Lord Fredrick Farrell, is accepted although Charlotte cannot like the man.

During the courtship Charlotte wonders many times, just why Lord Fredrick offered for her because his attitude towards her is far from lover like. His Mother Lady Farrell is unbearably proud and poor Charlotte tries hard to be the lady they expect her to be, but seldom achieves any praise from his mother or his sister Perdita.

Charlotte’s young brother Edward who is a very adventurous young man has injured himself and a Doctor new to the area attends him. Charlotte feels a strange attraction to this man but she knows that she must go through with her engagement to Lord Fredrick, although as the wedding date grows nearer she dreads the match more and more.

Many strange happenings begin to throw Charlotte into a panic lest the Farrell’s determine that she is an unsuitable match. Is someone trying to upset the match? Will the attraction she feels for Doctor Daniel Leigh prevent her from marrying into the proud Farrell Family. Why are the Farrell’s so determined that the marriage should take place when they so obviously dislike Charlotte and find her inferior to their family? There are many questions in this Regency Romance and a twist in the tail. It is a good read and I award this story 4 Red Roses.AS

Red Rosas

Red Rosas Lovers of Mesilla by Stacey Coverstone



Publisher: Eternal Press



ISBN: 978-1-897559-39-0



Pages: 24





Mesilla, New Mexico Territory 1850





Quentin Romero has found the girl he wants to marry. For him, Teresa is everything. The only problem is that his mother will never approve of his choice.



Carlotta Romero has plans for her son and they don’t include him marrying someone who is beneath their station in life. She wants to see the family get more powerful in a country that is still growing.



Quentin is determined to marry Teresa no matter what his mother says. He also doesn’t want the same things his mother does. Now he just has to convince his mother that Teresa is the right one for him.



Teresa is afraid of what will happen when Carlotta finds out about her and Quentin’s plans. She knows his mother will never approve of her only son marrying the help. She knows that there is no one else for her but Quentin, but she needs the opportunity to prove that to his mother.



Just as Quentin and Teresa think things will finally work out for them, tragedy strikes. Not sure how they are going to overcome this newest development they stand by each other and their love for each other.





This is a really good book. With a few twists that keeps you glued to the next page. This is a enjoyable western combined with a mystery that makes it even better.





I give this one 4 red roses

Virginia's Miracle

Virginia’s Miracle by Ginger Simpson
Eternal Press/ebook





Eternal Press



No. of pages: 19









Virginia isn’t finding the pleasure in Christmas she has always had in years past. She knows she needs to make this a special time of year for her grandson, Davey. This is the one time of the year that the whole family is together now that all the children have grown up and gone their own way.



Finding the joy Virginia has always had in life. It is even harder after the death of both her husband and mother. She is working on getting past the anger but finding it a lot harder to do than she expected.



Working on putting her feelings aside to give joy of the season to Davey, Virginia is starting to find her own joy in the holiday. With a special visitor she is ready to celebrate the day just as she has always done in years gone by.





This is a wonderful short Christmas story that reminds you what is really important in life. It is a great story to sit down and curl up with. Definitely one to keep to read over and over.





I give this one 4 red roses

A Mortal Curiosity

Ann Granger/ A Mortal Curiosity/Headline/paperback/ ISBN978-0-7553-2050-9/ 403 PAGES/ £6.99

A Mortal Curiosity is the second of a new series of crime books by best selling author Ann Granger. A departure from her earlier crime books it is set in Victorian times and has a nice blend of mystery, period and romance. It is unusual in its presentation being told in the first person with different chapters from different character's points of view.

Elizabeth Martin is uncomfortable as her aunt's companion in London and is persuaded to take the position as companion to a young and rather disturbed woman called Lucy in a secluded house in Hampshire. Her great friend and admirer Inspector Benjamin Ross is suspicious and doesn't want her to go, perhaps as much for his own sake as the fear that the circumstances may be dodgy. However, Elizabeth knows her aunt wants rid of her and she accepts the post, which enables this remarkable author a chance to give us some beautiful descriptions of the Southhampton Water, the difficulties in landing before the pier was built, and the countryside on the subsequent journey to Shore House. Anyone who has read Granger in the past will not need to be told of the subtle humour, which makes this passage a delight!

On arrival at Shore House, Elizabeth is quickly drawn into the mystery surrounding the seemingly fragile Lucy, the aunts, a sinister looking fellow with objectionable dogs and a missing or dead child. The murder happens and Scotland Yard is needed to sort out the wicked goings on thus bringing in the redoubtable Ben Ross. I particularly enjoyed the sections told from Ben's perspective and read happily to the end of this very enjoyable book. I still have another to read, which is a joy to come. This title is the latest and available to be bought, taken home, read and kept for further delight whenever you feel in need of an old friend.

Ann Granger always deserves five red roses and this book is no exception. Loved it! Linda Sole

A Criminal Affair

A CRIMINAL AFFAIR

BY

WENDY BURDESS

Published By ROBERT HALE LONDON.

ISBN 978-0-7090-8724-3.









When Lady Charlotte Hamilton over- hears a conversation between her father and his solicitor, she is determined to marry well and help mend the family fortunes. A surprise offer for her hand from a fabulously rich suitor, Lord Fredrick Farrell, is accepted although Charlotte cannot like the man.

During the courtship Charlotte wonders many times, just why Lord Fredrick offered for her because his attitude towards her is far from lover like. His Mother Lady Farrell is unbearably proud and poor Charlotte tries hard to be the lady they expect her to be, but seldom achieves any praise from his mother or his sister Perdita.

Charlotte’s young brother Edward who is a very adventurous young man has injured himself and a Doctor new to the area attends him. Charlotte feels a strange attraction to this man but she knows that she must go through with her engagement to Lord Fredrick, although as the wedding date grows nearer she dreads the match more and more.

Many strange happenings begin to throw Charlotte into a panic lest the Farrell’s determine that she is an unsuitable match. Is someone trying to upset the match? Will the attraction she feels for Doctor Daniel Leigh prevent her from marrying into the proud Farrell Family. Why are the Farrell’s so determined that the marriage should take place when they so obviously dislike Charlotte and find her inferior to their family? There are many questions in this Regency Romance and a twist in the tail. It is a good read and I award this story 4 Red Roses.AS

Thieves In The Night

Raven Starr/Thieves In the night/Red Rose Publishing/ 153 pages/ ebook

Femi is brutally treated by her father, yet when she is stolen from outside her home her first thought is for her mother and that she will return one day. When she is taken to be a slave in Hasani’s harem, she begins to suspect that she was sold by her family rather than stolen. Yet still she dreams of her mother and escape. First she must school her fiery nature so that she is not beaten by the vicious monster who rules the harem.

She makes friends in the harem but also enemies. The King’s favourite hates and fears her. Can Femi learn how to live in this dangerous place and can she escape? Or is there something special about her – something that will change everything and bring both good and happiness?

Read this beautifully written story to discover the truth of Femi’s birth. Raven Starr has written some popular and entertaining books but with Thieves In the Night, she has come of age. Congratulations, Raven. Excellent story. Five red roses, Linda