Author: Patrice Kindl
Publisher: Penguin Books
ISBN: 9780142426555
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Althea needed to marry well in order to care for her widowed mother and baby brother. But so far, she hasn't been able to find a suitable match in her small town. But when a new wealthy, young man of means moved in next door, this could be her chance. However, her conceited stepsisters had other plans for their own marriage plans. And plus, Lord Boring's poor cousin, Mr. Fredericks was constantly getting in her way. What was girl to do?
Usually, I'm turned off by wealth-marriage minded heroines, considering them too Machiavellian for my liking. But somehow, Patricia Kindl made Althea to be such a practical girl that you can't help but want her to come out on top. Plus, she wasn't the usual type of romance heroine that you'll find. When the heroine proclaimed that "It was scientifically proven that women's small brains were not capable of understanding anything beyond the household," how can you not love her? It was so utterly ridiculous that I was hooked. There weren't many nuggets like that later in the book, but the plot with its wide cast of marriageable young ladies will keep you on your toes as Althea tried to find Mr. Right. In general, the writing was utterly brilliant. The names were ingenious. The plot moved with a quick pace. The hero was interesting. I feel there could've been more romance to make me understand when Althea realized he was the one. But overall, an enjoyable read.
If you are fan of Jane Austen's works, this has to be on your list of must reads. I mean it. The style, the spunky heroine, enemies and the twist in romance will be very reminiscent. You'll probably see some similarities to "Pride & Prejudice" and "Mansfield Park." A wide array of interesting characters. Fast moving plot line, awesome heroine, and reasonable price makes this a desirable purchase. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because I wouldn't read it again but I got my entertainment value.
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