Patricia Harrison Reviews

Page One

Added July 22, 2004

Lord Compton's Folly

Author: Patricia Harrison
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Available At: www.amberquill.com
Publishing Date: July 2004
Genre: Romance: Historical/Regency
Format: Trade Paperback, Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT
Price: $15.50 paperback, $6.00 ebook
ISBN: 1-59279-839-X paperback, 1-59279-261-8 ebook
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo

Lord Compton's Folly cleverly adds a touch of adventure and suspense to a sweetly romantic tale!

Although Napoleon's wars devastated much of France, the people retained their pride as well as a desire for a better future. Mademoiselle Fleur lived in Montigny, her family home, near Calais. Both of her parents were dead and she was destitute. Her one hope lies in England, where her mother's family resides. Unfortunately, she knows little about these relatives because her mother had married against their will, thereby severing family ties. Now, Fleur is faced with marrying a wealthy man to save her family home, or trying to find a family she never knew.

Richard Handley, Viscount Compton, entered into a dangerous adventure of espionage to save his friend's life. However, his own life was jeopardized when his archenemy seriously wounded him. Although he was brought back to health through the tender care of Mademoiselle Fleur, he remained suspicious of her motives. All too soon, he discovers that she has her own agenda to pursue, and he was unwittingly chosen to help her.

Readers will be delighted with this amorous and dangerous tale about a titled Englishman and a beautiful French woman. The story begins in France, showcasing the devastation of that country because of the fighting and political unrest. Richard had been smuggling plans to rescue Napoleon and return him to France when he was viciously attacked. The author stayed true to the history of the times and incorporated it skillfully into the story.

Also noteworthy of this period were the class distinctions. Being born to a noble and well-respected family was the ticket to one's future. Although Fleur was a woman of genteel manners and possessed a keen intelligence, her uncertain parentage left an ugly stain on her character. Modern day readers will keenly feel Fleur's hurt at the hands of the upper class. The author did a superb job of showing this prejudice that was unfortunately acceptable in this time period.

However, this book also adds an element of suspense with a thrilling adventure for the main characters. Danger, intrigue and a life-and-death battle ensue. Yet, readers will smile with satisfaction as the author gently closes this story with the best possible ending.

Lord Compton's Folly is a slice of history with a twist of adventure and a lot of love.

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Added May 3, 2004

A Very Proper Thief

Author: Patricia Harrison
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Available At: www.amberquill.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Historical/Regency
Format: Trade Paperback and Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT
Price: $14.50 paperback, $6.00 ebook
ISBN: 1-59279-859-4 paperback, 1-59279-202-2 ebook
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo

A Very Proper Thief will steal readers' hearts with its charming characters and sweetly sensual plot.

Set in England's Regency period in the early 1800's, this first book by author Patricia Harrison escorts readers to a time of gentility and graciousness. Even the writing style adapts to this time period to further bring the reader into the story. The societal demands placed on courting were shown to the reader, underscoring what was considered "proper" behavior at that time.

Yet, the author puts a marvelous twist in the story, showing that even though there were certain rules of etiquette to follow, the hearts of men and women beat with an age-old passion and freedom. At twenty-four, Daphne Summerhayes was past the bloom of youth, yet hope remained in her to marry a man for love and not for wealth and title. On the other hand, Victor Merritt, the Earl of Courtlea, did not desire a marriage until he was past forty. With the availability of wenches, marriage wasn't a necessity to him.

However, the lives of these two people crossed in some interesting ways. Their first meeting was emotional and quite memorable. When Daphne later discovered an emerald brooch missing, she decides on a daring plan to right the wrong. It is through this action, that she steps out of the role of dignified young woman. Through a serious of frustrating and even humorous misunderstandings, Daphne and Victor are brought together and are forced to examine their own hearts and desires.

Eloquent writing, combined with a fast-moving plot will keep readers interested. Very enjoyable were the conversations between Daphne and Victor, which were similar to a fencing match. Sharp were the barbs they threw at each other in the beginning, yet sweet were the smiles as they let down their guards. Reality was brought to the story through, not only dialogue, setting and clothing, but also by referring to what was happening in the world as that time, specifically, the possibility of war with Napoleon.

A Very Proper Thief is a very appropriate tale for lovers of historical romance.

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