The House In Grosvenor Square by Linore Rose Burkard
Paperback: 348 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736925651
ISBN-13: 978-0736925655
From Amazon.com
Product Description
Readers who loved the author’s first book, Before the Season Ends, will delight in this charming sequel set in Regency London.
As Ariana Forsythe plans her wedding to Philip Mornay, she must adjust to the realization that she is soon to become the wife of an extremely wealthy man. She wonders if it’s wrong to rejoice that her future husband is rich. But she promises herself to use her new position to do what she can to aid the numerous street waifs she sees all too often in London.
During a tour of her future home—the house in Grosvenor Square—Ariana makes plans to redecorate according to her tastes. But when Philip arrives home later, he is informed that an expensive silver candlestick and a miniature portrait of George III have gone missing. Moreover, each time Ariana visits the house, accompanied by a friend or relation, another item disappears.
Shortly thereafter Ariana is abducted as she leaves a performance at Covent Garden Theatre, leaving Philip to unravel the pieces of the mystery. Where has his future bride been taken, and by whom? For what reason? How does Ariana’s faith play a role?
Finally, after the safe return of his intended, how does Philip—a man of intense discrimination in his tastes—find the many alterations in his house? And what on earth is behind the sudden influx of bills from every charity in London, all thanking him profusely for his uncommon generosity? Will he have second thoughts about his future bride?
Readers will find romance, intrigue, humor, and inspiration in this new book of spirited romance for the Jane Austen soul.
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I featured the prequel to this novel here.
This book is a delightful mix of comedy, drama, and suspense all wrapped up into one novel! Ariana Forythe is planning to marry wealthy Philip Mornay. She finds it hard to grasp the fact that after the marriage, she will be a wealthy woman. She wants to help the poor people in her area, and when they visit a place in need, Philip asks Ariana to decide how much should be given to the charity. Ariana is pleased that Philip has asked for her opinion, since he’s been cool towards her lately. Does he still want to get married?
Philip is smitten with his future bride. So much so that it’s hard for him to wait until the wedding! He’s attracted to her, and when they kiss, it’s hard for him to stop! He explains his aloofness to Ariana, hoping she’ll understand why they must keep their distance until the nuptials.
Meanwhile, Philip is greatly concerned for his fiancé’s safety. It appears her life is in danger, and he must protect her from the thugs that want to kidnap her.
As Ariana visits Philip’s home, wanting to redecorate, one of the housekeepers tries to keep Ariana away from permanent residence in Philip’s home. The employee tells Philip about items turning up missing after each of Ariana’s visits. Would his future bride deign to steal from him? Also, later, as both Ariana and Philip visit friends, they see Philip’s missing items in the homes of their cronies. What’s going on?
Ariana has a hard time connecting with Philip’s servants. Don’t they realize in a matter of time she’d be the new mistress of the house?
Missing items, multiple kidnappings, and an impending marriage make this novel a delightful read. There’s also has a prophetess in the story, which adds to this novel’s entertaining plot.
If you like Jane Austen and novels set during the Regency period, then you’ll enjoy this book. The story is entertaining and I found myself chuckling a couple of times.