A stand-alone companion to Of Moths and Butterflies and Cry of the Peacock.As a widower, Nathanial Durham has the monumental responsibility of finding suitable husbands for his two daughters. Flirtatious and changeable Bethany might have nearly anyone, but she seems determined to toss her suitors away almost the moment they arrive. Laynie, on the other hand, far behind her sister in looks and … in looks and charm, is of especial concern to her father. And so, when Harold Vaughn returns home to inherit, it seems the problem, at least for one of his daughters, is solved. Only which daughter will it be?
Even his girls cannot quite decide, and so, to cool the rivalry, the sisters are sent to an aunt’s, where they are thrown into the path of other young and eligible gentlemen—and a new rivalry begins.
Meanwhile, Mr. Durham, lonely for intelligent companionship, hires a gentleman to read to him several nights a week, but Mr. Holbrook is off limits to his coquettish girls. With varying degrees of reluctance, they honor the agreement. At least Beth does for herself, but if its possible Mr. Holbrook might provide a distraction for her sister while she decides which gentleman she prefers for herself, well…what harm can there be?
Some, it seems. When Laynie, accident prone and determined to get herself into any fix that comes her way, falls from a horse, it sets in motion a series of events that expose Mr. Holbrook as a man of questionable integrity. Is it possible Mr. Durham’s hired companion is capable of the wrongs laid at his door? Is it possible Laynie has been mistaken in esteeming him as a man of character?
Is it possible to know anyone truly?
Between the manufactured innocence of a young woman and the championed exploits of every man, what happens when the two opposing doctrines collide?
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Enjoyed it tremendously!
Overall enjoyed reading ir
An interesting looking at marriage rituals in turn of the century(19th to 20) England. The characters in the story were interesting and always left one wondering. The story, while bittersweet, did have a redeeming finale.
I became totally wrapped in the lives of the sister in search of husbands. It was a very enjoyable historical romance.
Overall, well written, iin a period style, which i do not normally enjoy. I slogged through it and did like it in the end.
Long, but not badly written. Delves into feelings, emotions, reactions. Takes its time to develop the story. Few typos or errors. Well written. Not a waste of time; you feel like you are in a different era.
Author took the time to develop characters with complex motivations.
I liked development of characters and how they would react during a different century.
Good read but a little slow at times.
Slow start, but enjoyed the story.
Hard to get into
I wanted to like this story more than I did. It had good bones and the story picked up about 3/4 of the way through. I really hated the sister through the first half though. I found the characters actions, especially the men, to be difficult to understand. However, it wasn’t terrible and passed the time so I’d just rate it as ok.
Delves into perceptions and reality of the true character of human males in an unfolding tale of questioning relationships. A better read than I expected. I recommend this book.
Easy read get your mind off things book.
A waste of time
Plot was hard to follow.
I hate to admit this, but it’s been so long since I read it I don’t remember it very well.
Loved this book
An odd combination of characters slow to develop but interesting
A fascinating story with believable characters acting in a plausible manner. The story kept me reading and I got hooked and could not put it down. Excellent writing.