JUST ONE SEASON IN LONDON Author: Leigh Michaels ISBN: 9781402244209 7/2011 HISTORICAL Publisher: SOURCEBOOKS
This family has been through a lot after its patriarch passed away. The book starts off with a mother's concern for her children's future. After her husband’s death, she finds out that they’re almost destitute, but this mother will do anything to see her children well situated and to do that she needs to give them a Season in London. If only she had the means to do it… He’s a devoted son and a brother whose wish to give his beautiful sister one Season in London may not come true; more importantly, if he can find an heiress for himself, he might just be able to save his estate, and in the process provide a comfortable life for his mother. If only he had the means to do it… She’s a dutiful daughter and sister, whose beauty and charm is renown throughout the county; but this girl has a mind of her own, and she’s set on doing anything in her power to assure her family's happiness. If she could only get to London… All are aware that only a miracle will do, and guess what? They get that miracle in the person of Lady Stone, an eccentric old lady that is living with her companion, Miss Portia Langford. She invites Rye and his family to London for the Season, as she finds him charming and means to have some fun in sponsoring Rye and his sister. From there on, we’re swept away into a story of passion and confusion! Miranda comes face-to-face with her past in the form of her first love, Marcus Winston, who, she thinks, is set to court her daughter. Sophia meets three prospects: Lord Randall and Lord Carrisbrooke (whom she’s considering for herself), and Robert Wellingham, a wealthy banker she thinks could be a great match for her mother. Rye, on the other hand, is meeting a bevy of rich heiresses, but is increasingly falling for Miss Portia, the companion to Lady Stone. This is the second book in a Regency trilogy romance series by Ms. Michaels in which she introduces three couples and six points-of-view. I’ve not read the first book, but I can safely say that this book stands on its own, and it’s not necessary to have read the first to follow the second. That said, I loved it so much that I’ve ordered the first and can’t wait to read it. Reading this book, full of three-dimensional characters, fast pacing and witty dialogue, I felt like I was watching a movie. Scenes were flowing seamlessly into a wonderful story. It brings to mind a Japanese movie I saw a long time ago called “Rashomon”. It’s about an event that happens to three people at the same time, but the story differs as each of these people sees the same event differently. JUST ONE SEASON IN LONDON also has nuances of Shakespeare by way of the confusion, consequent misunderstandings, and assumptions that each character took. If you’re in a mood for a fun and entertaining read, please don’t pass this one up. You’ll laugh so much your sides will hurt. Melanie Friedman |
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