Rosemary Morris Tangled Hearts

Rosemary Morris' debut novel set in the time of Queen Anne, begins during a time of great change in England. Richelda Shaw's family are loyal Jacobites, but their lives are destined to be turned upside down when King James II flees to France and the new regime under William and Mary begins.Her parents die, leaving Richelda penniless and alone, but the possessor of a promise made to her father to reclaim their ancestral home. She learns humility through her own poverty and the meaning of loyalty when her childhood sweetheart declares his love for her best friend, Kitty. Dudley's betrayal is hard to take and Richelda becomes wary of giving her heart again.Her only living relative, a wealthy but emotionally distant aunt, saves her from poverty. Her actions begin as familial duty but aunt and niece discover a mutual affection as time passes. Her aunt contrives a marriage for Richelda to the handsome Lord Chesney, but emotionally bruised, but unwilling to be used as a pawn, Richelda resists. Until Chesney himself exerts his considerable charm on her and she doubts her own resolve.Life takes her to London and she is reminded of her oath, but others remember the hidden treasure the Shaw's family home conceals and they too are determined to obtain it by any means. Richelda learns that those around her are not always what they appear and if she wants to win true love, and her inheritance, she has to fight for both.This story is a familiar one at first, with engaging characters and all the components of a true love story but there are also surprises in store and a suspenseful ending.Ms Morris' characterization is excellent and you feel for Richelda, who keeps her gentle nature through all her tribulations. I especially loved Aunt Isobel, a forceful character with an entertaining temperament reminiscent of an Oscar Wilde matriarch.