"Secondary characters add an interesting story"
Lord Stanhope has died and in his will has left a piece of
farm property to Colin Savernake provided he goes to
Yorkshire and solves the thefts taking place in Squire
William Hobblesby's home. Once this has been completed the
property is his. Colin Savernake, an investigator for the Ton is quite
jaded by the titled rich. But this last request made by
Lord Stanhope intrigues him and he decides to take the
case. Needing a cover story for his arrival he and Squire
Hobblesby agree to make him the Squire's secretary. As Colin goes under cover he has the pleasure of meeting
Anthea Fortesque, the Squire's Fiancée, where he is more
than twice her age. Obvious this cannot be a love match
and the fact that she is also an impoverished earl's
daughter, Colin begins to zero in on Anthea. Now as much
as I can appreciate the logic of suspecting Anthea because
of age difference and finances, it seems to blind Colin
for a good portion of the book to all other possibilities. Now Brody Hobblesby, the Squire's son has retired his
commission in the military and returned blind and a hero.
Brody, catching onto Collins' charade, volunteers to help
with the investigation since the true criminal wouldn't
perceive him as a threat because he's blind. I really enjoyed the secondary characters Brody and Violet
Fortesque, Anthea's younger sister, she is outspoken and
trying to write a novel. The dynamics of these two
characters really assisted the story by bringing a much
needed lightness and humor. As Violet refuses to buy into
Brody's self pity, which creates an instant attraction and
some wonderful humorous bantering scenes. However circumstances soon find Anthea, being in the wrong
place at the wrong time. Not only for the crimes that are
committed but also for the attraction that starts to
blossom with Colin. But Anthea must not succumb to her
feelings for Colin, for she sees this marriage to the
Squire as her family's only salvation from poverty. And
the Squire relishes the idea of 'marrying up' to an earl's
daughter regardless if she is poor. Eventually the stakes become higher as the criminal turns
violent. And Colin Savernake realizes he must come to
terms with his feelings for Anthea, if he is to solve this
case. Lucky for him he has the ears of Brody and the eyes
of Violet for without them I do not believe he would stand
a chance in solving this case. Always Yours, is a love story wrapped around a mystery
that must be solved. Ms. Anderson's plot is interesting,
the setting is easy to visualize, and the secondary
characters are completely amusing. Overall I would say
this book is a light and easy read.
Reviewed by Mindy Lobaugh
Posted April 19, 2004
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