Sharol Louise, Secret Sister

Secret Sister

Sharol Louise

Five Star, November 2006, $25.95

ISBN: 1594145326

In 1794, London solicitor Bartlestaff informs an outraged Mrs. Pickett that her late spouse's will left her nothing, with everything going in a trust fund to his first wife's offspring, Eleanor and Madeline. Mrs. Pickett says that Madeline died in the carriage accident that also killed her husband's first wife while she raised Eleanor.

Eleanor's fianc Emerson persuades his cousin Jace Remington to investigate this previously unheard of Madeline. Jace reluctantly agrees, because he assumes it will be easy to prove the woman is a fraud, and it would also stop his cousin from no longer begging for money as Eleanor is wealthy. Jace arrives at the home of Madeline's ailing grandfather who raised her, but is shocked when the young woman thinks he is to escort her to London the meet her new family; she thinks he is her grandfather's hunting pal Duncan Albus, and he fails to correct her mistake. He quickly believes she is the real thing, as she explains about her joy in learning of a sister, even as he fumbles his way through an outdoor adventure. When the real Duncan catches up to them, Jace is left unconscious without transportation, as Madeline continues to London where she is met with a cold reception. Not long afterward, Jace, still holding her outdoor adventure list, catches up and tries to make amends, as he is half way in love with Madeline.

SECRET SISTER is an interesting late Georgian romance starring a courageous heroine who just wants to meet her family, and a likable dupe who loves her so much he braves the outdoors for her to achieve her list. The support cast augments the insight into the lead couple, while what happened to the heroine's parents is cleverly included when her grandfather "confesses". The historical romance crowd will welcome with accolades this new author (I think first published novel).