A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes

When young widow Lady Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreamed he would turn up in her parlor. But just as the London Season is getting under way, there he is, along with a few other questionable personages. While she should be focused on helping her headstrong younger sister prepare for her entré into London society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting her family in danger?

Readers will enjoy being drawn into this world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades. Author Laurie Alice Eakes whisks readers through the drawing rooms of London amid the sound of rustling gowns on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past and let love guide the future.

This book was enticing because of the world that Laurie Alice created. It’s a world full of balls, pretty gowns, and upper-class citizens. Lydia feels that aiding a French prisoner with parole is the right thing to do – especially since the prisoner was a friend of her late husband’s. Using a an expensive bracelet (that has sentimental value), Lydia funds the prisoner’s parole.

However, Lydia’s life goes awry when it appears that her deed to help the Frenchman backfires and places her in a world of trouble.

She finds herself getting blackmailed as she aides her sister with her entrance into London society. She must help some men to become acquainted with some of her elite friends since they feel these connections are necessary. She has doubts about these men and the whole scheme is linked to the mysterious Frenchman.

As you read about a world filled with elite people and beautiful ball gowns, you will get a healthy does of a suspenseful mystery and an endearing, heartwarming romance between Lydia and Christien. I highly recommend this novel, especially if you love reading about Regency England.

I also found Lydia’s affection for her cat to be a quirky, as well as endearing, character trait.

Many thanks to Baker/Revell for providing me with a free review copy.
~Cecelia Dowdy~