"Sweetly Emotional Regency-Set Historical Romance"
Katrina Jones and her great-aunt have just moved into their
new home. It's dusty and dirty but they're simply happy
that Aunt Hattie's friend had it for them to rent! Katrina
plans to get a job as a silhouette artist to pay their way
and hopes that it will be enough to let them live in peace.
Then she meets her landlord, the Earl of Udall. She is unwillingly fascinated. He is unwilling intrigued. As their courtship progresses against the elegantly
regulated backdrop of Regency England, Katrina is drawn
deeper into the problems that plague the Earl and his
family. From the neglectful Therese and her half-abused son
Frederick to the affable, matchmaking Dowager, Katrina
meets all the people who are important to the Earl -- all
the people who will become as dear to her as her own
family. However, a man who counts the Earl as enemy and
every female as fair game sees her obvious importance to
Quentin and decides to use her as his weapon -- unless
Katrina's caring heart and Quentin's resourcefulness can
save the day. THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD was a wonderful Regency adventure.
(It is actually a historical novel set in the Regency
period.) The characters were just heroic enough that they
came across as both warmly human and singularly unique. The
reader can cheer through their initial backbiting and later
problems, and easily finds herself swept along on a roller
coaster ride of excitement that ends all too quickly.
Another plus was that the villains were actual three-
dimensional people, not the stereotypical people-cutouts
that serve as antagonists in some novels. The ending is
poignant and eminently satisfying -- a sure bet for anyone
who enjoys the sweeter side of historical romance. Packed full of action, emotional drama and, of course,
romance, THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD is wonderful proof of Ms.
Knight's talents at both characterization and setting.
Readers should watch this gifted author -- she is a star in
the making.
Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Posted October 16, 2002
| 
