THE UNCONVENTIONAL MISS WALTERS

Author: Fenella-Jane Miller ISBN: 0709079559 (U.K.) 1/2006 HISTORICAL Publisher: ROBERT HALE
Time Period: Regency 1812, 1815

Eleanor Walters is obliged, by the terms of her aunt's will, to marry a man she cordially dislikes; the irascible, but decidiedly attractive, Lord Leo Upminster. He is an ex-colonel, used to being obeyed instantly. Eleanor's unconventional behaviour infuriates him but her beauty is irresistable. Their agreement not to consumamate the union becomes increasingly impossible and it is only when he drives her away that he realizes what he has lost. Meanwhile, in her self-imposed exile on a neglected country estate, Eleanor becomes embroiled in riots and treachery. In a desperate race, can Leo save both her life and his marriage?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I've found there's a couple of things that I, as a reader, have to adjust for with romances written by many overseas authors. The first is the difference of writing styles—it's usually of a more Austenish feel in both dialogue and the descriptive passages. The second is the tighter adherence to the period's moral values, societal strictures and mannerisms, such as no improper touching, no sex before marriage, etc.. As a matter of fact, these are some of the things I enjoy most about works from the U.K. and Australia that I've read, with THE UNCONVENTIONAL MISS WALTERS being no exception.

My problem with this book isn't attached to the prose—Ms. Miller's done a fine job and there I can find no fault. My problem lies in the relationship between the two lead characters, Lord Leo Upminster and Eleanor Walters. Their relationship just never connects. Not that I have a problem with the age gap—he's quite a bit older than she is. It's Eleanor's immaturity that rankles me. She's 19 when they marry, but a very immature 19 and she doesn't seem to grow up much as the storyline progresses. Both lead characters seem to be on different levels most of the time, with Leo so mercurial in his mood swings and change of emotions that it makes him a hard man to like. Their emotions and thoughts change too abrubtly from one misunderstanding to the next, making the storyline feel rushed and their personalities harder for me to understand.

As for the story itself, it's pretty much run-of-the-mill, featuring a young lady who enters into a marriage of convenience with her much older cousin/guardian in order to keep from ending up outcast and penniless. Plenty of misunderstandings ensue, but the two eventually fall in love and everything works out happily in the end. Standard fare, but enjoyable, nonetheless.

Fans of the gentler, traditional regencies will find THE UNCONVENTIONAL MISS WALTERS a worthwhile read, and I'm sure a welcome addition to their libraries.

Nancy Davis