Corey McFadden has come out with a third novel, a superb romance made more interesting by the intriguing drama of the interaction of family and friends trying to influence the outcome. The setting takes place in England during the regency period, a nostalgic time before the advent of automobiles. This was a time when the more affluent formed their own social circle, the "ton," as McFadden puts it. The people in the "ton," most of them, come off as basically decent and likable people. There are, of course, "heavies," but part of the charm in the novel is that they are more than outnumbered by likeable characters.
The main characters are Elspeth Quinn, Julian Thorpe, and Elspeth's cousin, Caroline. The plot is a love triangle that takes the reader through many changes of direction and sub-plots that are absorbing and entertaining. Other characters are Elspeth's brother, Harry, her mother Margaret, Julian's friend Edgar Randall, Caroline's mother, Bettina, her brother, Roderick, and several members of the "ton," especially Viscountess Alderson and Dolly Haverford.
The characterization is very good, done mostly through dialog, which is much more effective than narration. McFadden makes her characters come alive this way. The opening scenes describe Elspeth, Margaret and Harry, and Caroline, Bettina and Roderick. The reader, through McFadden's effective dialog, knows early in the book, the major plot and sees the virtues and flaws of the main characters. Once making the main plot known, however, McFadden adds more characters, expertly rounded out through dialog, and adds more avenues to the plot, making the book a fascinating story of many people in the "ton" and some very interesting insights into their characters.
This is a love story using the proven plot of girl meets boy, girl loses boy, girl gains boy, but McFadden adds some surprising and interesting twists to it. You will find Elspeth sweet and lovable, Caroline spoiled and selfish, Julian manly and of good character. There are scenes of love and passion, but done with good taste and with a sense of decency.
Margaret Quinn and Bettina Quinn are sister-in-law, both widowed. Their husbands were born into the social elite of Bath. Margaret's husband fared poorly. He and his family live in the rural town of Weston-Under-Lizard. Bettina's husband remained affluent and kept his family in Bath. Upon the death of her husband, Margaret sends her daughter Elspeth, twenty-three and passed the usual "coming out" time to spend the summer with her aunt, whose own daughter, Caroline, at twenty, is prime for "coming out." Caroline has her eye on Julian. She and her mother think having her poor cousin from the country, already passed her prime, will make Caroline's qualities more obvious to Julian, the "toff of the ton," a phrase loosely translated as "pride of the elite." The two younger brothers don't like each other, Harry, a nice boy, devoted to his sister; Roderick, a little spoiled and somewhat a bully toward his cousin.
By time you think you have the plot figured out, McFadden adds several very interesting wrinkles. Her skill in characterization through dialog captures your imagination once again. You get to know three members of the "ton:" Edgar, Julian's friend; Viscountess Alderson, seventy plus and the matriarch of the "ton;" and Dolly Haverford, a prominent member of the "ton." McFadden has a knack for developing characterization quickly and for delving into interesting side plots.
You will like this story and most of the characters. If you like romanic scenes, you won't be disappointed. If you value integrity in your imaginary heros, once again, you won't be disappointed. Corey McFadden has put together a charming romance that will fill your heart with love.
