Joan Smith: A Christmas Gambol

THE GENTLEMAN WAS A DYED-IN-THE-WOOL-ROMANTIC.
BUT HE HAD MUCH TO LEARN ABOUT LOVE!

At first, aspiring writer Cicely Caldwell was insulted to be asked to pose as the anonymous lady author of the vastly popular Chaos Is Come Again, a horrid piece of gothic drivel. Then she realized such a pretense would gain her entrée into the literary circles that might forward her own writing career.

Handsome Lord Montaigne confessed the real anonymous lady was his aunt and that Cicely seemed the sort of discreet country lady who would do the part justice. However, Cicely, with a nose for a good story, soon suspected the startling truth of the anonymous lady’s shocking identity.

As the holidays approached, Cicely was unaware that her search for a fictional hero was leading her straight to a man whose outward cynicism could not hide his true romantic nature . . . on the page or off!

This is one country mouse of a heroine who is not afraid to speak her mind. Even if it means telling her London tonnish friends that they look “hagged” or that they need to get busy making babies. The stuff she said often made me cringe–but in the good comedic character sort of way. Here is a heroine who truly is a “breath of fresh air” to the hero, a world wise gentleman.

Set in the month leading up to Christmas and mostly in London during the “little Season”, this is the perfect combination of comedy, sweet romance, and Regency flavor. In the spirit of Sylvester and Mansfield Park, we have a writer heroine who is trying to get her debut novel published–although her effort is a serious one in the spirit of Jane Austen.

When her neighbor propositions her to masquerade as the other of a popular gothic horrid novel, she jumps at the chance to head to London and network with writers and publishers who may help her get published.

There is a little bit of the makeover element, as her friends de-dowdify her from provincial miss to Town Diamond. She also works her country, sensible magic on her friends as she encourages them to cease the bad habits they have picked up in the haute ton and be bit more real. Her real makeover is finding her voice (and a little romance).

Smith writes with humor and a real sense of pacing about the genre that make it a breeze and pleasure to read. Although there are a couple eyebrow raisers in terms of historical accuracy, in general she nails the sense and sensibility of Reg Rom. Although Christmas is not the focal point of the story, it has the lighthearted romantic tone that readers who are busy with the hustle and bustle will find relaxing.

This was a quick, short read that is worth putting in the December rotation. While its sex free, there are some adult subject matter but generally is appropriate for older teens and above.

5 Stars 5 out of 6 Traditional, short Reg Rom with engaging characters and some seasonal cheer.