Spinsters Luck [Paperback]

When Celia was sixteen, she overheard Drake telling Imogene that she was too young to care for children. Where would she go if Imogene insisted she leave!!! But Imogene would not back down and the Duke decided to bide his time and just watch over the situation. When the Duke of Severn made his infrequent visits over the years, Celia made sure she was never in the same room and she harbored the hurt and anger about the overheard conversation. When the Duke and a friend visit, Celia is forced into his company. Drake notices her dislike for him and tries to draw her out.

Celia and Drake learn to hide their hearts, because during the course of Drake's stay at Harbrooke and a subsequent trip to London, they fall in love. Celia thinks that Drake is a faithless rake, and then thinks he's in love with another. Celia inherits some money and property from Edna and Imogene presents her to society, hiding the fact that she has been paid companion and governess. Gossip and snotty interference from Drake's jealous mistress turns that stay in London painful and after a bitter argument with him, Celia returns to the country. How can all the misunderstandings be resolved? A bolt of blue-green velvet fabric smooths the way for Celia and Drake to express their pent up feelings of love for each other.

I liked the flow of this story from country to city. The characters are well fleshed out. This is not a "deep" emotional book but I liked that the trauma was mild. Imogene finds romance along the way too making this pleasant, happy and recommended reading.

Ten years later, 1816

Celly had always been intimidated by Drake and avoided him whenever he visited Harbrooke Hall (in Kent). This time, however, Drake would be staying for quite awhile. Celia could not avoid him all the time. She tried though.

Drake saw Celia with different eyes this time. She was lovely. It was obvious how much his mother, Imogene, and the boys governess, except that she seemed to go out of her way to avoid seeing him. The chase began ...

Major David Rotham was Drake's close friend from the military. When David came back from Scotland, Drake invited him. A romance began to bloom between him and Imogene.

***** That is as much as I can tell without giving anything vital away. I found the story so well done that I read the entire book in one afternoon! Then I went to several on-line book stores to purchase he previous releases. Unfortunately, it looks as though this is Rhonda Woodward's first novel to be published! I have found myself a wonderful new author to keep an eye on here. If Signet is wise, they will get a long-term contract on this author - FAST! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch.