Tuesday, April 18, 2006

A Noble Resolve; Sara Blayne

Yet another traditional Regency published by Zebra in 1998. A May- December gothic tinged romance. Josephine Powell, youngest of seven & always frail, is on her way to Harrogate to take the waters &, hopefully, overcome a bout of melancholia. On the way, her carraige & that of Devon Roth, Earl of Ravenaugh very nearly collide, thus ensuring an overnight stay at Ravenaugh's medieval fortress.

Josphine, being the youngest of seven & an observer (rather than a participant in) of life because of her health, captures Ravenaugh's interest through a shared love of classic literature & because Josephine makes several shrewd comments regarding Ravenaugh's troubled daughter Clarissa. Josphine's parents are long and happily married & are concerned for & love their children deeply- a unique circumstance in Romancelandia. Will Josphine's health improve? Can she encourage Ravenaugh to believe in her enough to give them a chance at a relationship?

Ravenaugh is deeply scarred by the circumstances surrounding his wife's death. In addition, he has been absent from home frequently due to the War which led to emotional estrangement from his teenage daughter Clarissa. Now, Josephine tumbles into his life at a critical juncture. Can he grasp the second chance life has offered him? Can he protect both Clarissa & Josephine from the man who threatens them? Is he able to let go & move on?

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1 comment:

Bob & Muffintop said...

I don't know how this 'parents are usually incompetant' issue began. Perhaps it serves to set up a need within each person to find happiness at last.

I find it used as a two edged sword, though. One the one hand it creates a drive to find happiness. On the other hand, it can cause people, esp. the hero, to be suspicious of an emotion he rarely saw/experienced in his early life.

Too, bad parenting can cause a young person to do/say anything to escape a torturous home life.