Edith Layton, Alas, My Love

Edith Layton, Alas, My Love - In 1816, Amyas St. Ives tells his best friend Daffyd that he is going home to Cornwell to find out who were his biological parents. Because of the uniqueness of his Christian name and that he comes from the area, he has hopes in succeeding. He also plans to find a wife higher in station than him, which Daffyd reminds him is not saying much. Daffyd also states that they are brothers and have been since they were sent overseas as preteen convicts and says he will be there for him when he returns to London.

At the Jolly Eel in Cornwell, Amyas meets Hugo Tremellyn who invites him to lunch and a chat about his similar sounding first name. At lunch the next day Amyas meets Hugo's daughters, his biological child Grace and the orphaned Amber who came from the sea. Amyas is attracted to Amber, but she is his equal and that is not good enough for him, although she cherishes how he treats her like a person even if she wants more from him, like his heart.

As with its predecessor, The RETURN OF THE EARL, ALAS MY LOVE is an intriguing Regency romance starring a wonderful protagonist and his perfect counterpoint, though he prefers it was not so. The storyline in some ways is more like an amateur sleuth as Amyas follows red herrings and false leads to learn the truth about his heritage. A final twist adds a fabulous climax to a wonderful historical.

Harriet Klausner