"An entertaining tale"
In 1673 Violet Ashcroft lives up to her family
motto "Question convention" perhaps more than any of her
siblings do. The studious Violet prefers learning and
expanding her mind with a book than attending aristocratic
parties. Even Violet admits to herself that her plain
looks would never send any male panting as much as her
wealth
would anyway. Violet and her brother Rowan visit their neighbor inventor
Ford Chase to help him with caring for his niece. Violet
finds Ford quite handsome, but is really intrigued by his
work on astronomy and especially his construction of a
watch. Ford, whose "girlfriend" of six years finally gave
up on his absent minded ways and eloped, enjoys his
discussions and debates with Violet. As they fall in love
with one another, she still has nagging doubts that any man
would want her except for her money. Though readers lose patience with Violet for her inability
to believe in Ford's love, simultaneously the audience
will admire her thirst for learning that makes her feel
more like a modern woman. The story line engages fans
interested in how the intellectual couple finds the way to
the heart is through the brain. Lauren Royal furbishes
fans of seventeenth century historical romances with a
delightful story starring two for the most part endearing
brilliant eccentrics. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted August 16, 2002
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