SECRETS OF A LADY

Author: Tracy Grant ISBN: 0061284882 8/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON RED
Time Period: Regency, 1819 London

In the glittering world of Regency London, where gossip is exchanged—and reputations ruined—with the tilt of a fan, Mélanie Fraser is the perfect wife. Devoted to her husband, Charles, the grandson of a duke, she is acknowledged as society's most charming hostess. But just as the elegant façade of Regency London hides a dark side, Mélanie is not what she seems. She has a secret: one that could destroy her perfect jewel-box life forever . . . and the cost to keep it is an exquisite heirloom ring surrounded by legend and power. The search for it will pull Mélanie and Charles into a gritty underworld of gin-soaked brothels, elegant gaming hells, and debtors' prisons. In this maze of intrigue, deception is second nature and betrayal can come far too easily . . .

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Melanie and Charles Fraser seem to be the perfect couple. It is obvious to everyone that they are very much in love. When their son goes missing, secrets from Melanie's past are exposed. Deceptions and betrayals threaten to destroy their family. To find their son, they must locate a special ring. This ring is wanted by the Spanish, French, and English governments because of its rich history and legendary powers. Their search takes them into the dark and dirty underworld of brothels and gaming hells. While searching they discover they are not the only ones looking for this ring. Someone else is looking for this ring and will do anything to get it. Melanie and Charles find themselves in danger. No matter what they are feeling about each other, they must work together if they are to survive and get their son back.

Tracy Grant's SECRETS OF A LADY is a fascinating romance filled with exciting action and thrilling intrigue. I was drawn into this story by the compelling characters as they traveled from the shining world of regency London, to the dark and dirty world of brothels and gaming hells in search of a mysterious ring. Charles and Melanie are wonderful and totally believable characters, who love each other dearly. They live a happy storybook life with their children. When their son goes missing, Charles soon learns that Melanie has been living a lie. Her many deceptions and betrayals threaten to destroy everything they have together. Only the fact that they must work together to get their son back keeps Charles from thinking about the future of his marriage. Their emotions are in a turmoil and their lives are in danger, but no matter what, they must solve the mystery of the missing ring.

It is upsetting to learn that Melanie has been living a life filled with lies. She loves her husband, but she was able to deceive him. Her history makes her reasons easier to accept, but I found that I had trouble forgiving her for hurting her husband. As she reveals her deceptions I was able to feel her pain. Her shame and guilt is conveyed strongly through the words of the author. I could only hope that now that the truth is exposed that Charles would be able to find a way to forgive her. Her love for him is real, and it would be a terrible thing to lose.

Charles is a quiet character. He is heartbroken to discover that he did not truly know his wife. I was amazed that he was able to put aside his pain and works toward finding his son. He is so happy in the beginning of the story, to see him broken by Melanie's deceptions made me want to cry. His life became so stressful that the story has a sad, heavy feeling to it.

The mystery surrounding the ring is fascinating. Melanie and Charles become involved in a dangerous adventure filled with intrigue to locate this missing ring. Fast paced and exciting action kept me totally involved in the story. I was a willing captive as I waited to see if there would be a happy ending.

Because of its rich plot, believable characters, and strongly conveyed emotions, SECRETS OF A LADY is a definite keeper that you will want to read again and again.

Anita Hartsell