Under a Lucky Star
Diane Farr
Signet, Apr 2004, $6.99, 352 pp.
ISBN: 0451211707

In 1803, a bored Derek Whittaker wanders around the theater when he meets Lady Cynthia Fitzwilliam. He rescues her from her suitor Sir James Filey and the two soon share a delightful kiss before she returns to her family's box. A few days later, Cynthia, the daughter of an Earl, snubs Derek, a landless secretary. Not long afterward her parents announce that Cynthia and James will marry.

Three yeas later, Derek now owns property. He travels to visit his pregnant sister, but is distraught to find Cynthia and her mother there. Since James died before she married him, Cynthia's new target is a young wealthy lord. However, Derek realizes that he still loves Cynthia and believes she feels the same way. Now if she would only show the backbone to rid herself of her family of leeches that blame their poverty on her not their gambling father.

Regency romance readers will delight in Diane Farr's UNDER A LUCKY STAR. The story line stars an atypical female protagonist who seems to reflect the era more than the usual fiery independent in your face heroine. Instead Cynthia is under the thumb of her mother and is responsible for taking care of her family by marrying money. Only love and the desperate urging of Derek and her best friend give Cynthia the courage to go after what she desires while providing sub-genre fans with a great treat.

Harriet Klausner