*** This novella was previously found in the anthology, An Encounter at the Museum.It has been altered slightly. An epilogue has been added.Tall, practical girls might not be worth much in man’s world, but Miss Lisbeth Moreton knows she’s worth more than the squire’s prized heifer. To change her fate, she’s run off to a date with destiny at the British Museum. Her would-be swain never shows, but … swain never shows, but an unexpected encounter with Lord Cotwell and his lonely ward might lead to altogether new prospects . . . and perhaps to love.
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Good book. Lisbeth fled her home when her stepfather attempted to arrange a marriage for her in exchange for a prize bull. She arranged to meet a friend at the British Museum, but he never showed up, leaving her stranded with nowhere to go. Hestia Wright, a former courtesan who now helps other women, asked her to keep an eye on an unattended young girl until she can return to assist her. Lisbeth and the little girl, Aurelia, connect quickly. When Aurelia’s guardian, Lord Cotwell, tracks her down, Aurelia is quick to engineer a way to keep Lisbeth as her governess.
Edmund, Lord Cotwell, is a big bear of a man, gruff and reclusive, who has no clue how to deal with his ward. She ended up with him when her original guardian refused to even see the girl. Aurelia’s father was Edmund’s best friend, and he wants to do the right thing. Hiring Lisbeth relieves his worries over her care.
I enjoyed the development of Edmund and Lisbeth’s relationship. Tired of how Society treats him because of his size and social awkwardness, Edmund spends his time shut away in his laboratory working on his inventions. Lisbeth suffered years of her stepfather’s constant denigration of her looks and abilities. They first become friends as they share their concern for Aurelia and her grief over her parents’ deaths. Lisbeth also takes over as housekeeper, bringing order to Edmund’s home and life. Edmund, who locked away his emotions years earlier, finds those feelings stirring back to life around the two females. Lisbeth also feels a growing connection to Edmund though neither feels that they are good enough for the other. A crisis with Aurelia creates the opportunity for some soul-searching, but it’s a different encounter that opens Edmund’s eyes to the truth. I loved his big moment at the end.
#netgalley “Encounters with a Rogue”
So glad I tried this novella from new-to-me author, Deb Marlowe! A dreamy little story (just as I like them), that was well written with interesting and likable characters. Definitely left me wanting to read more in this series.
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This was a lovely novella in the Half Moon House series. There were themes from both Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Lisbeth was only appreciated by her family for the work she could do, not her kindness, intelligence, and beauty. Edmund was a hulking man, who was awkward in Society, yet a brilliant inventor and philanthropist. When Lisbeth and Edmund’s young ward, Aurelia, end up at the British Museum at the same time, it only takes a little nudge and behind the scenes management from Hestia Wright to set them all on a course to a better life.
I liked the gentle approach Lisbeth and Edmund took to bring Aurelia out of her shell, and also Lisbeth’s efforts to bring Edmund back to life. It was a touching story that didn’t try to force them to be something they were not.
I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more in the series.
What a truly wonderful story! This is the first book I have read by Deb Marlowe and it certainly won’t be the last. The writing is amazing, and left me wanting more. I love how this is a simple story and is not weighed down with evil villains and excessive drama etc, it was easy to follow, interesting and more importantly it was believable! I love that James is not beyond redemption and want to hear more about him. Lisbeth and Edmund are phenomenal characters, I adored them. Just a wonderful read all the way around.
Lisbeth has run away from home – her stepfather wants her to marry a local squire in exchange for a prize bull. Her friend was supposed to meet her at the museum and take her to stay with his mother, but he does not show. Aurelia is a little girl who has lost her parents. Her guardian is too busy with his work (and secluding himself from society) to pay attention to her, so she frequently escapes to the museum, where she feels close to her father. Hestia brings Lisbeth and Aurelia together, and a bond is instantly formed. Enter the guardian, Lord Cotwell, and things start to get complicated.