Miss Whitlow's Turn
Grade : C+

This is a story of unrequited love, a plot that usually works for me. And while Miss Whitlow does finally get her man, the path toward her Happily Ever After is a well-worn and familiar one.

George Clasby has seen his friends fall victim to happiness one by one, causing him to take a good long look at his way of life. To his credit he finds it empty and begins to yearn for love and marriage. But his reputation stands in his way - he has assiduously spurned the young ladies of the ton, preferring to cut a wide swath through society's married ladies. While he has inwardly reformed, he needs external proof of such, and what could signal his newfound respectability more than being seen in the company of the upright and moral Harriet Whitlow?

Poor Harriet has been in love with the clueless George since he was kind to her during her come out. Now beginning her third Season, and having refused many men while waiting for George to come to his senses, her father has made it clear that he expects her to marry this year and even has a candidate chosen.

Harriet decides that she must take a more active role in securing George and has actually begun when she, bolstered by three glasses of mulled wine, boldly initiated a surprisingly intimate kiss under the mistletoe last Christmas. She is aware of his plan to redeem his character and is willing to do all she can to help. She is sure she can save him from himself and make him happy. As they begin to spend time together at balls, picnics, drawing rooms and fêtes, it doesn't take George long to wish he were courting her in earnest.

This is the epitome of a "C" read; it was a nice, quick read, there was nothing terribly exciting about it, but there was nothing aggravating about it either - the only thing that did get a raised eyebrow out of me was the fact that Harriet had to be tipsy in order to make any unilateral move toward George. And this happened three times. I am glad he wised up before she became an alcoholic. The writing flows smoothly, Mindel moves her players around the board with logical easy steps, but there is nothing that raises it above an average, pleasant afternoon's reading. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Reviewed by Cheryl Sneed
Grade : C+
Book Type: Regency Romance

Sensuality: Kisses

Review Date : January 13, 2005

Publication Date: 2005

Review Tags: Holiday romance

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Cheryl Sneed

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