Title: A Noble Masquerade (Hawthorne House #1)
Author: Kristi Ann Hunter
Pages: 365
Year: 2015
Genre: Historical Romance (with some comedy)
Publisher: Bethany House
Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)
Note: I received a free copy of this book through The Book
Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
About the book:
Lady Miranda
Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and
carefree. Approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her
innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother’s old
school friend, the Duke of Marshington. Since she’s never actually met the man,
she has no intention of ever sending the letter and is mortified when her
brother’s mysterious new valet, Marlow, mistakenly mails one of the letters to
the unsuspecting duke.
Shockingly, this
breach of etiquette results in a reply from the duke that soon leads to a
lively correspondence. Insecurity about her previous lack of suitors soon
becomes confusion as Miranda finds herself equally intrigued by Marlow, a man
she has come to depend upon but whose behavior grows more suspicious by the
day. As the secret goings-on at her family’s estate come to light, one thing is
certain: Miranda’s heart is far from all that’s at risk for the Hawthornes and
those they love.
My review:
A delightful
historical romantic comedy!
This is Kristi
Ann Hunter’s debut novel. She has really set a high bar for herself with this
one. She does have a prequel novella out that is available in eBook only.
The characters
are incredibly well developed and easy to connect with. The variety of personalities that are included are
very entertaining.
Lady Miranda
Hawthorne grew up with her mother constantly pulling her aside to give her “lady
lessons” in proper conduct. She hated these little lectures because they
constantly constrained her very nature and emotions. But they were needed to
help her live in “polite” society. Throughout the book when she is struggling
with wanting to act one way and knowing it is wrong she “hears” in her own mind
her mother’s voice and the “lady lesson” that applies. I found each of these
tidbits very amusing.
Interspersed
through the book is a bit of mystery and intrigue. The book is set in 1812
England and they are currently at war with France. There isn’t much actual talk
about the war but it is a backdrop for the story and there is mention of it and
how it affects those in high society. Some of the more quirky characters are
connected with the danger and intrigue.
Kristi Ann Hunter
is now on my list of favorite authors and I am definitely looking forward to
reading her next book. This one is getting a rating of 5 stars from me and I am
highly recommending it.
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