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Book Review of Jack of Clubs (House of Cards, Bk 2)

Jack of Clubs (House of Cards, Bk 2)
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FYI: Be sure to read these books in order; they build upon each other (see list below).

Often, I think children detract from a story; that is not the case here. Harriett is a scream; she's manipulative and cunning ... and wonderful.

Captain Jack Endicott, out of the military, is looking for a way to find his sister, Lady Charlotte Endicott, who was lost (or died) in a carriage accident. Her mother (Jack and Ace's step-mother) was killed, along with all in and on the conveyance. However, Lottie was not found -- never a trace. The old earl begged his sons to find Lottie and bring her home.

Jack decides to create a high class gambling house. He hires only beautiful redheads and dark-haired women to deal cards. There was another entrance for anyone having any info about Lottie.

To that other entrance comes teacher (and prude) Miss Allison Silver, with her charge in tow, eight year-old Harriett. Through a will, a comrade of Jack's army days has left his child in Jack's care. As a womanizing bachelor, Jack is appalled; when he meets the child, he is horrified. He begs Allie to stay as her teacher -- and keeper.

Harriett loves her "Papa Jack" and soon decides she needs a family. To that end, she plots to get Allie and Jack together. Jack doesn't know if he wants to father Harriett but he gives it his all. This a comedy of the first order. I loved it.

House of Cards Trilogy
** 1. Ace of Hearts (2005)
** 2. Jack of Clubs (2006)
** 3. Queen of Diamonds (2006)