Friday, March 26, 2010

In Scandal They Wed-Sophie Jordan

In Scandal They Wed
Sophie Jordan
Avon, Mar 30 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061579219

In 1850 Evie Cross’ half-sister Linnie gives birth to a son out of wedlock. Linnie’s mother wants to dump the bastard and her husband is silent. Evie futily pleads with her father, but persuades her stepmother to allow her to raise the child in rusticated isolation, which destroys her chances for any marriage.

In 1854 in the Crimea, a Russian sniper kills Ian Lockhart. With his final breath, he pleads with his cousin Spencer Lockhart to make it right for his baby; whispering the name Linnie. One year later, Spencer is back in England seeking Linnie and his infant second cousin. However, upon finding her, he never expected a sniper would shoot him at home. Evie takes Spencer into her house after her Aunt Gertie shot him. He thinks she is Linnie and she does not correct him. Out of honor, Spencer proposes; Evie wants to accept as she is attracted to him and sees him as her only hope for marriage, but fears how he will react to the truth.

This is an entertaining Victorian romance starring a strong courageous heroine an honorable hero used to being deceived and a deep support cast. Fast-paced from the opening birthing scene and never slowing down, readers will relish this engaging historical wondering how Spence will react when he learns he offered to marry the wrong woman who is the right women for him.

Harriet Klausner

No comments: