Julia London, Book Of Scandal

Book Of Scandal

Julia London

Pocket, Aug 2008, $6.99

ISBN: 1416547118

Because of their beloved son's death, the once loving marriage between Nathan Grey the Earl of Lindsey and his wife died too although they are not divorced. Over the next five years Nathan ignored his spouse Evangeline while womanizing in rustic splendor. Evangeline remained prim and proper while residing in London.

However, Nathan becomes irate and though he will not admit it to himself is jealous to hear rumors that Princess Caroline's infamous book contains scandalous behavior by Evangeline. He comes to London to save the Lindsey reputation; demanding she leave for the countryside with him. Evangeline no longer needs the man she loves who deserted her when she most did; besides she plans to divorce him and marry someone else. He realizes how much he misses his wife, but to persuade her he will not leave her again proves futile. However, they become caught up in a dangerous treachery in which an unknown adversary will gladly kill husband and wife.

Using the historical reference book of aristocratic scandal written by Princess Caroline as a backdrop to a second chance at love Regency romance, Julia London cleverly freshens up a common theme. The story line is driven by the broken relationship between Nathan and Evangeline as each coped with their loss in different ways, but neither was there for the other. With the looming scandal of the Princess 'Book Of Scandal' serving as a sort of matchmaker, fans will relish this astute entertaining historical.

Harriet Klausner