Arabella, Slightly Scandalous, and Slightly Wicked share wonderful similarities.

   One of the most compelling literary devices is the turning point--that moment in which a character deepens, changes her tune or changes her ways. In Arabella, turning points abound.I see echoes of Heyer's plots and strategies in another favorite writer, Mary Balogh.

     Arabella begins in a minister's home with eight children, fine and lovely but strapped for worldly goods.  The eldest will head for a London season in the hopes of making an advantageous marriage, whereby she can aid her siblings.  One comedic error threatens to undo her plans due to her scruples.  It's delightful.  Without giving this away, let me promise that this novel is fun even for modern readers more accustomed to lightening plots.

     It occurred to me while reading that this novel shares traits with Slightly Scandalous and Slightly Wicked, two Mary Balogh works that impart nothing of their depth by their shameless titles. In both of these, the characters appear to be shallow, living for the moment's pleasure.  By the end, they have fallen in love, or chosen to love based on much more than physical attraction. Freyja and Josh are each much more than meets the eye.  Rannulf drools for Judith's exterior,  but falls in love with her intelligent, caring, unselfish ways.
      Again, this is the bone I pick with many modern writers such as Nora Roberts and others.  The sole pull of attraction seems to be that the guy and girl look fabulous and act hot--and are, perhaps, unrealistically rich or talented.  I love a book where the characters learn unselfishness, find that true religion is action, repent of trampling someone's feelings.

     I love it that Arabella, while being poor, doesn't care for rich folks empty of character.   Those drawn into her circle glimpse the joy of social reform, one miserable chimney boy at a time. I see echoes of Little Women in this fine book, and others who loved that classic will, also.  Arabella's regard for her minister-father and the kindness of his brand of religion also recommend this book.  The love between her parents is a guiding force.    As to rating about sexual content--Arabella should be rated PG13, while Balogh's novels are more aptly "R."