THE SECOND LADY SOUTHVALE

Author: Sandra Heath ISBN: 9780709080909 1/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: ROBERT HALE LTD.
Time Period: 1811, America and England

Miss Rosalind Carberry defied all warnings when she accepted Lord Philip Southvale's proposal. First her father distrusted the breathtakingly handsome, fabulously wealthy Englishman. Then rumours ran riot about his persisting passion for his beautiful first wife. And overshadowing everything was war fever as it rose between Philip's country and Rosalind's America. Nonetheless Rosalind believed his warm words and her heart's ardent answer. Alone she set sail to England to join with him in wedlock. It was only when she landed that she discovered the awesome odds against her—as she faced a rival who seemed to hold all the cards in a game of love with no rules and all risk...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I loved this book! THE SECOND LADY SOUTHVALE by Sandra Heath is so much more than most Regency romances. It is a sweeping tale of love, adventure and obligation set within the turmoil of two nations continually on the brink of full-scale war.

Rosalind's brother, John, brings an unexpected-and almost unwelcome-guest to a ball and it is her duty to meet the man. His silken breeches, revealing every masculine detail, make meeting Philip de Grey, Lord Southvale, a definite pleasure. One thing leads to another, and before long, Lord Southvale is discussing marriage with Rosalind's father. She agrees to wed him, but when she arrives in England she finds he's been missing for several weeks. Despite the butler's shock at seeing her, Rosalind takes the hospitality of Southvale House and tries to figure out what's gone wrong with Philip.

The pluckiness of this heroine, coupled with the unrivaled sex appeal of Lord Southvale, makes this a terrific read. There is a shadow of mystery surrounding all that happens, in the form of the first Lady Southvale. It carries through this tale, making it a journey not only of love but discovery.

THE SECOND LADY SOUTHVALE by Sandra Heath is all a Regency romance should be-and much, much more. Delightful!

Kay James