It took me a little while to get used to the Arthurian element in what is essentially a Regency tale, but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed this tale. Martha and Vera are bright and fun and everything Regency heroines should be. Martha’s Puka heritage and the pranks it engenders add to the fun. Lord Brinston is mysterious, masterful and handsome in the style of the genre. The Banshee Brigade is aptly named, and for once the spoiled sister is not allowed to torment her sibling too badly. The Brigade is for the most part spoiled and air headed, excepting Lord Brinston’s brother. Mr. Irvine is an interesting character, a trusted employee who tends to fall in love a little too completely. The forgetful Mrs. Jackson and her companion Agnes are very appealing as is Mr. Jackson, who is very warm hearted despite his important position. Martha and Brinston’s love story is a very rocky one, with enough passion to keep everyone interested and the mystery of the missing pages with it’s elements of danger and intrigue is very exciting, with a surprising conclusion. Even the latter portion of the story at Whole House is engrossing in its own way. I look forward to more of this author’s work.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Maura Frankman
October 17, 2007