C. A. Belmond, A Rather Lovely Inheritance

A Rather Lovely Inheritance

C. A. Belmond

NAL, January 2007, $12.95

ISBN: 0451220528

Penny Nichols works as a freelance historical researcher and set design consultant for Pentathlon Productions cable TV company, that shoots almost exclusively in New York. While on location overlooking the Hudson, her mother calls to inform her that her Great-aunt Penelope, whom she met only one time, died in London. Now that would mean very little to the American, even if she is named after her great-aunt; yet for some odd reason, perhaps the name, Aunt Penelope included her niece in her will, as well as penny's mom.

Representing her mom and herself, Penny travels to London for the reading of the will, where she re-meets her cousins Jeremy Laidley and Rollo. She learns that her inheritance is inside the garage attached to her late aunt's French villa. She and Jeremy travel across the Channel to the South of France to see what is inside, as family members come out of the woodwork as a bi-coastal Atlantic Ocean war over ownership explodes.

Though a bit light in terms of a mystery, and the relationship between Jeremy and Penny fans will appreciate this inheritance war because of the lan of the visiting American who hooks everyone (except Rollo and Mrs. Laidley) with her klutzy optimism. Readers will root for Penny, who keeps the tale moving with her need to know the truth about Aunt Penelope, and her willingness to compromise with Jeremy and battle nasty Rollo. Fans will enjoy the light hearted breezy storyline as the Yank take England, France and Italy.