Lady Elizabeth's Comet
Sheila SimonsonHistorical romance
Available from Uncial Press
ISBN: 978-1-60174-046-5
April 2008
| Lady Elizabeth Conway is of a scientific bent. An astronomer she is well on the way to discovering a new comet. Her obsession leads her to be a little reclusive, and at twenty eight, she is definitely on the shelf. Her only suitor, her old friend Bevis is away in the army and marriage would interfere with her studies. As it is, she is responsible for her twin fourteen year old hoyden half-sisters. Her father's heir is finally arriving to take up the reins of the estate and a strange and almost frightening man he is, very stiff and unfriendly until an old war injury almost kills him and calls for Liz's nursing skills. A tentative friendship grows between the two, but outside influences interfere.
This is probably the best regency I have read in a long long time. Liz is very intelligent and a little self centered from living so long on her own, but not selfish. As one of eight daughters of the late earl, she had to find her own niche. She is obsessed with her astronomical studies and seldom out into the outside world. Her cousin Lord Clanross is an unknown and frightening for that reason alone. He starts out as a figure of fun, but soon becomes a more substantial character in the story. His illness really turns the storyline around and all the main characters become much more vivid. It is obvious to the reader that Clanross and Liz have feelings for one another, but fun to see them find out for themselves. The supporting cast is varied and interesting from the servants to the members of the Ton; I particularly liked the governess Miss Bluestone and Sims. The various romantic tangles were fun and add much to the plot. This is another well-written Regency for Ms. Simonson.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Maura Frankman |
