1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable romance, Jun 20 2010
By sarah stewart "Otagogirl" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: When Marrying A Scoundrel (Mass Market Paperback)
I really enjoyed this story which was a lovely romance with two warm main characters. I think it could have been a little more edgy to have made 5 stars but otherwise, a sweet love story about lost and found love. I am really looking forward to reading more books in this series.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
strong second chance Victorian romance, May 29 2010
By Harriet Klausner - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: When Marrying A Scoundrel (Mass Market Paperback)
Years ago Jack Farrington abandoned his wife. To eat Sadie Moon became a fortune teller, which she is quite good at. However, lately her tea leaves readings have included some personal messages that she cannot fathom what they mean. Jack's visage keeps showing up.
In 1877 wealthy investor Jack Friday and Sadie meet when she wants to lease a store from him. Neither lets the other know they recognize one another as their spouse. He remains angry that she deserted him and she feels likewise. Both moved on. However, each quickly realizes they remain in love, but will either risk their heart again; if they do they will learn the truth of why they separated and who plots to keep them apart. If they don't, a second chance to correct what should have been will be lost as will their respective hearts.
This is a strong second chance Victorian romance if either of the still in love star-crossed pair takes that key first step of reconciliation. Both are likable but obstinate not trusting the other or their betraying heart. Fans will enjoy this profound historical due to the strong lead pair while reading the tea leaves that insist their friends will continue the gender war.
Harriet Klausner
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Almost four stars, romantic hero but heroine is a bit stubborn, Jun 9 2010
By Melissa - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: When Marrying A Scoundrel (Mass Market Paperback)
Reunited love, fate, and mistrust are all central themes of When Marrying a Scoundrel. I enjoyed the tension of the book but not necessarily some of the actions of the characters. The leads have a terrible tendency to believe they know what the other is thinking and usually they are wrong in their assessments.
Sadie Moon reads tea leaves for the wealthy and aristocratic in London and even though she can see the fates of others she is unable or perhaps unwilling to read her own fate (or even remembering it from a past reading). She is therefore unprepared to encounter her estranged husband Jack at a soiree. She is astounded to see him after a ten year absence.
Jack is also surprised. He is in London to oversee some investments and he is deeply moved when he sees his wife. Both characters are mistrustful of the other. Jack left Sadie to seek a fortune and after he departed Sadie left their home too. Both feel abandoned and in the right and neither really listens to the other person, in fact, they have a tendency to talk past each other. They do not have a big misunderstanding, more of miscommunications as they listen and empathize with the other person.
Sadie is emotional and angry but she seemsto be oblivious about her own personality quirks. She realizes she is still attracted to Jack and this disturbs her equilibrium. They bicker but not to the point of being maddening to the reader. Sadie surprisingly is loyal to Jack when others cast aspirations upon him.
Jack knows his heart much more than Sadie does, he is willing to make a go of their marriage but convincing Sadie is another matter all together. I liked Jack, probably more than I did Sadie. Both have been faithful to each other and Jack is a romantic at heart. Their physical relationship is strong and passionate, almost a refuge for them in some very trying circumstances.
This is almost a four star read. The story was interesting but Sadie's stubbornness was a little too much for too long, especially for a woman who believes in fate. Several times friends try to clue Sadie in about her feelings for Jack and her own fears but Sadie doesn't listen that well. Jack's romantic nature was wonderful though.