Gifts Gone Astray
Linda BancheHistorical romance
Available from The Wild Rose Press
June 2011
| Christmas comes early every year at the Langley manor and this year may be the best yet. It's the annual family gathering, which means everyone gets a present -- including the help. When, Stephen Fairfax, gets his gift from the delightfully lovely Anne Copley he is thrilled. He has been captivated by her since she arrived to visit her uncle, the Earl. When he opens the present, a surprising old book, he can't believe just how lucky he is. And he can't help but be just a bit shocked. He may be the tutor but he is about to learn a wonderful lesson from the sweet Ms. Copley!
A truly wondrous tale of gift-giving, misunderstandings, and unexpected love. There were blushing beauties, scholarly studs, nefarious schemers, mischievous children, and kindly uncles all wrapped in Ms. Banche's prim and proper Regency prose, that once opened revealed a sweetly racy story that was perfect. The writing was vivid and captured the time exactly. It was fun to read of the bumbling, building romance between Stephen and Anne. They were perfect for each other but may have only lusted in silence if not for a little prank. I loved the miscues and double talk that they engaged in without even realizing it, going around and around until finally it all comes tumbling wonderfully down. There was a happy ever after but without the torturous "I hate you, I must have you, I love you, I must run away, I can't live without you" steps that seem to happen in many historical romances. Just a sweet anticipation that builds to a heady climax and clears with satisfying ending. I have not read Ms. Banche before but I have decided to gift myself her other stories and recommend you do the same, starting with this one.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: TJ |
