Bird In Hand: Amazon.ca: Allison Lane: Books

Product Description

From Library Journal

When a dramatic river rescue leaves Lord Symington and Lady Elizabeth hopelessly compromised and a carriage accident precipitates a case of mistaken identity, the stage is set for a lively tangle of deception and courtship that takes most of the book to resolve. Likable, exceptionally well-developed protagonists shine in this story, which features a rather complicated backstory, several memorable secondary characters (at least one of whom deserves a story of his own), and meticulous historical detail. The result is a classic Regency that, while making use of a number of conventions, produces a realistic picture of the times and fills it with enough twists to make it anything but ordinary. Lane (A Clandestine Courtship, Signet, 1999) lives in San Jose, CA.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ingram

A daring young lord, seeing a young woman floundering in an icy river, immediately dives to her rescue. But in saving her life, he almost loses his own! When he comes to, he finds himself alone with the mysterious lady in a small country cottage. And though he had successfully avoided the marriage-minded maidens of the "ton" for years, he felt honor-bound to propose to his beautiful benefactor. After all, they had spent the night alone, and the scandal would be unbearable. But the woman vehemently refuses, and disappears. But the young lord finds himself not so willing to let go of her, and the chase is on.

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Customer Reviews

7 Reviews

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
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Average Customer Review

4.0 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)

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4.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Book, Sep 5 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Bird In Hand (Paperback)

A Bird in Hand is a delightful book. It has an interesting plot and well-developed lead characters. Some of the peripheral characters are a little one-dimensional, but still believable. The only disappointment I had was that Elizabeth's father doesn't get the blistering setdown that he so deserves. I would have really liked to have read that scene! My favorite authors are Mary Balogh and Patricia Oliver. Allison Lane is fast becoming another. I want to read all her books now that I've read A Bird in Hand and The Beleaguered Earl.

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3.0 out of 5 stars Good in parts, but poor characterisation and plot, May 1 2000

By

Dr W. Richards "wmr-uk" (Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Bird In Hand (Paperback)

Unlike another reviewer here, I didn't find this at all a *complicated* plot. However, like another Lane book I've read, it suffers from poor characterisation. While the heroine, Elizabeth, and Symington himself are well drawn, the rest of the cast seem like mere caricatures, especially Elizabeth's father, Fosdyke. I cannot understand why Symington maintained his masquerade when faced with such an appallingly il-mannered host. Cecilia is similarly unbelievable with her repulsive and incredible attempts to force Symington's friend (pretending to be Symington, remember) into marriage.

The mistaken identities do get resolved in the end... somehow... and yet I can't even remember how, now! (not that I'd give it away for anyone who hasn't read the book).

I can't recommend this; it pales in comparison with anything from Mary Balogh, Mary Jo Putney, Patricia Oliver or Carla Kelly.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Uncommonly good book made up of common elements, Jan 8 2000

By

Kimberly Borrowdale (Oregon USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Bird In Hand (Paperback)

Lord Symington's grandfather, the Duke of Whitfield, has a dying wish: to see his grandson marry and beget an heir. Symington hates London, but Whitfield suggests a lady who might suit: Lady Elizabeth, the granddaughter of his old friend Lord Fosdale. As it happens, the present Lord Fosdale, Elizabeth's father, has a rare manuscript that Whitfield might wish to purchase. Symington, an expert in antique books, could go to Fosdale Manor to inspect the manuscript and meet the daughter without feeling obligated to make an offer for her. Symington reluctantly agrees, taking along his friend, Lord Sedgewick Wylie.

Elizabeth hears of her father's plans to trap Symington into marriage with her. Elizabeth does not wish to marry at all. Besides, her younger sister Cecelia is much more beautiful; if anyone is going to be trapped in marriage--an idea Elizabeth loathes--it might as well be Cecelia. Elizabeth flees to her aunt's home for what she hopes is a long enough time to not meet Lord Symington. But when she returns home, she meets some unusual visitors...

The author uses many elements not at all uncommon to historical romance: the hero who isn't sure if anyone sees the man behind the title and wealth; the heroine who fears marriage and the total control it gives a man over his wife; the scheming parents who try to set up their daughters to be compromised; mistaken identities; storms; a carriage accident... What makes A BIRD IN HAND different and so enjoyable is the way Ms. Lane synthesizes these elements into a whole that is greater than its parts. We see the hopes, dreams, plans, thoughts, and fears of most the characters, not just hero and heroine. The primary two spend a great deal of time together, often in serious conversation, and as they get to know each other as people, not just titles, the reader gets to know them as well--Ms. Lane packs a lot into 218 pages. A BIRD IN HAND is not light and frothy, but neither is it dark and depressing--it is just right. Whether you are new to the Regency subgenre or a long-time fan, don't miss this one.

Kimberly Borrowdale Under the Covers Book Reviews

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Most recent customer reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, but not a favourite
Allison Lane has created a complicated plot, certainly, but one which isn't impossible to follow. The hero is indeed likeable, but the supporting characters are barely credible at... Read more

Published on Nov 4 1999

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful regency romance
I had never heard of Allison Lane until I read A BIRD IN HAND, and now I try not to miss any of her new books! Read more