A reckless Victorian heiress sets her sights on a dashing ex-naval lieutenant, determined to win his heart as the two of them embark on a quest to solve a decades-old mystery.
Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, resolved to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life on an estate of his own. But arranging to purchase the property he desires is more difficult than Charles ever imagined. The place is mired in secrets, some of which may prove deadly. If he’s going to unravel them, he’ll need the assistance of someone as daring as he is.
At only twenty, Lady Katherine Beresford has already earned a scandalous reputation. As skilled with pistols as she is on horseback, she’s never met an obstacle she can’t surmount — or a man she can’t win. That is until she encounters the infuriatingly somber Lieutenant Heywood. But Kate refuses to be deterred by the raven-haired soldier’s strong, silent facade. After all, faint heart never won handsome gentleman.
From the wilds of Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victorian London, Charles and Kate embark on a cross-country quest to solve a decades’ old mystery. Will the greatest danger be to their hearts — or to their lives?
My Review:
Of note: Charles and Kate are children of Mimi Matthews’ previous heroes and heroines (The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim.) I’ve only read The Work of Art and will admit to being thrilled to get a peek into the future of those characters — seeing Phyllida and her captain in all their domestic bliss, happy, happy sigh! But I haven’t read Gentleman Jim, so wasn’t acquainted with Kate’s family’s history. It didn’t impede my enjoyment of this novel though, so you could definitely read Return to Satterthwaite Court as a standalone.
Now to get on with my twitter-pated ramblings because this book….thud! Definitely swoonworthy! And beguiling. And amusing. Matthews has impeccable pacing — the way she moves the plot along, mixing banter and lighthearted moments with an air of mystery is sweet perfection!
Love the unusual spin on the romance — where Kate is the one in pursuit, daring to be open and frank and willing to accept the challenge that is Lieutenant Charles Heywood. The poor man doesn’t stand a chance. Bwahahaha!
There’s plenty of family time with all the hijinx that entails — especially in Kate’s boisterous family! And a mystery to solve as well. It actually concerns Charles’ family, but Kate isn’t about to be left out of things! The dynamic between these two is sublime! The kind of romance that curls your toes and keeps you in a giddy state of euphoria all the way through!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Return to Satterthwaite Court, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.
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