Helpful Score: 7
Lady Jocelyn Kendal needs a husband. Dying, opium-addicted Major David Lancaster needs peace of mind knowing that his sister Sally will be provided for after his death. What better way to solve both problems than by getting married. What happens though when things don't work out quite as planned?
I loved this book for the imperfections of the main characters--Jocelyn isn't necessarily likeable throughout and there are times you want to shout at her stubborness. David is maybe a little too trusting. The cast of supporting characters in this book is great and I want to read their stories too. I know they are out there. The scene where the author finally lets us into Jocelyn's heart had me reduced to tears. It was so well-written and also was realistic, especially considering the time period Jocelyn grew up in. And when all is forgiven, I cried again. Always a good read in my experience.
I loved this book for the imperfections of the main characters--Jocelyn isn't necessarily likeable throughout and there are times you want to shout at her stubborness. David is maybe a little too trusting. The cast of supporting characters in this book is great and I want to read their stories too. I know they are out there. The scene where the author finally lets us into Jocelyn's heart had me reduced to tears. It was so well-written and also was realistic, especially considering the time period Jocelyn grew up in. And when all is forgiven, I cried again. Always a good read in my experience.
Helpful Score: 4
A memorable romance with many couples. Mary Jo Putney does a splendid job in involving the middle class and discussing the forefront of medicine and other well researched aspects of the Regency period.
Helpful Score: 3
I thought this was a very touching love story. The characters are so intriguing and likable and had a lot of depth to them. (I can't wait to read the stories about the secondary characters because they really drew me in, making me want to know more about them.) Through Lady Jocelyn, Putney did an excellent job of portraying the emotional damage that some people carry around all their lives when they have experienced traumatic events (in this case her parents' very nasty and public divorce, in addition to losing some people who were very close to her, all while she was at a very young age). Because of this, she decides to only enter into "safe" relationships where her emotions are not truly engaged. This comes crashing down when her "safe" marriage of convenience to a dying man falls through when he unexpectedly recovers. Her husband, David, does what he can to accommodate their bargain, but this becomes difficult when he falls in love with Jocelyn. It was very emotional when Jocelyn came face to face with her issues, and David was the perfect guy to end up with. I wish I could clone him. He had the perfect combo of passion, strength, patience, intelligence, sexiness, gorgeousness, humility. The list goes on and on.
Helpful Score: 1
Facing a marriage deadline, Lady Jocelyn Kendal impulsively weds Major David Lancaster, a penniless officer dying of wounds received at Waterlook. In return, his younger sister will receive a generous income--and David will have the enchanting Jocelyn for a wife, if only for a few days...Then fate takes a hand, and Jocelyn suddenly finds herself with a healthy, vibrant husband--aseasoned campaigner who wants to renegotiate the terms of their bargain, and will use every bit of charm and passion he possesses to win the heart of this bewildered bride.
Helpful Score: 1
While I don't have anything remarkable to say about this book I did really enjoy reading it. I stayed up until 8:00 in the morning to finish it so I guess that says something.
