As a prank, five young men, encouraged by her brother, proposed to Kate Montgomery. No harm done, except that it reminded some in the country neighborhood that Kate had also refused the suit of the Earl of Winterton’s brother–but then surprisingly accepted a legacy from him when he died in the Peninsula
Written by: Laura Matthews
First published in: 1979
We first meet Miss KATE MONTGOMERY as she suffers through a series of prank marriage proposals, instigated by her brother. Kate has recently returned to her home village after a few years living with her aunt and there’s definitely a sense that perhaps she should have stayed away.
Andrew, the EARL of WINTERTON comes to our attention when he dissuades Kate’s brother from purchasing a horse. It’s a short scene and he comes more properly to our notice when he saves Kate’s younger sister from being run-over by a carriage.
What did I like about this book?
I liked Kate’s intelligence and her desire to help people, even the people who insulted her with their fake marriage proposals.
I also liked the change of pace from your more customary Regency romance novels – no balls and routs here, instead the book focuses around country pastimes such as farming, riding and visiting the local ‘big’ town, Bristol.
Also, the supportive female relationships – sisters; friends and mother/daughter were all shown as close and connected. That makes the second book in a row that has supportive female relationships!
There were some laugh out loud scenes as well – especially the one with Andrew and Kate in Bristol.
What did I not like about this book?
I struggled to see the romance growing between Kate and Andrew – I actually felt we spent more time with Charity and Ralph than with the main characters and that the misunderstanding between Charity and Ralph was actually more important than the one between Kate and Andrew!
I also struggled to see why Kate’s acceptance of the legacy was such a big deal. She turned someone down, he subsequently died and left her his own (presumably) money. Case ended. Except in the book, it isn’t case closed and I could not see why.
The question of who would handle the legacy was also ultimately left unresolved I felt. It was hinted at (in a manner I didn’t like) and then never discussed again. Loose ends annoy me!
How did I feel at the end?
That’s really the important thing isn’t it? Did I feel the HEA was right? Did I feel happy or disappointed by the misunderstandings? Was I left with a warm and fuzzy feeling or wishing I could get my money back?
HEA – yes I felt this was right. It wasn’t rushed and I really enjoyed the conversation between Kate and Andrew leading up to the proposal.
Misunderstandings – as I mentioned earlier I failed to understand why the legacy was such a big deal so the ‘misunderstanding’ failed to make any sense to me.
At the end, although I wasn’t left with a warm and fuzzy feeling neither did I wish I could get my money back.
Final thoughts? Recommended primarily because I enjoyed Kate’s character so much. If you enjoy intelligent / independent heroines; and witty conversations then you too may enjoy this book.