Caroline Maxwell, 21-year-old
heiress and oldest daughter of a wealthy New York family, is shamefully past
the peak marrying age for a woman of her social stature. She is also one
independent and nearly-uncontrollable young woman who strains against the social
mandates of the East Coast elite in 1894.
As the family migrates to Newport
for the height of the summer social season, news comes that Lord Bremerton, future Duke of Endsleigh, will be
making the rounds in hopes of finding a suitable bride. This is just the sort of
match Agnes Maxwell has dreamed of for her eldest daughter. Caroline, however,
would prefer a husband who loves her, and she’s clever enough to find a way to
get what she wants.
With a mother and a potential
husband determined to make this match work, Caroline faces formidable odds. But
she is not alone. After a polo match results in a broken leg for Caroline’s
older brother, he wises up to the Bremerton’s true nature and sends his best
friend, Jack Culhane, is his stead to keep an eye on Caroline during a voyage
to England to see what lies in store for the future Lady Bremerton. Jack is
happy to oblige, as he finds Caroline attractive and intriguing – and the
feeling is mutual. However, Jack is first-generation American born to Irish
immigrants and owns, of all things, a string of breweries! He’s hardly a
suitable match, in Mrs. Maxwell’s opinion, for a daughter of fourth-generation
American wealth.
An historical novel is definitely
a departure for Janet Evanovich and her writing partner, Dorien Kelly. However,
some things remain the same: a strong, spunky female main character, romance,
and an addiction to fattening foods. This was an entertaining, quick read but
nothing that will set new literary standards. While the ending is very
predictable, it’s fun to immerse oneself in the wealthy lifestyle of the rich
and somewhat famous from 120 years ago, and to boo the bad guys and cheer for
the good ones.
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