THE TURNABOUT TWINS

Author: Barbara Hazard ISBN: 9780709086253 6/2009 HISTORICAL Publisher: ROBERT HALE LTD.
Time Period: Regency 1818

Lady Amelia Fairhaven and Lady Anne Fairhaven were twin sisters who shared more than their extraordinary beauty and their distinguished lineage as daughters of the Duke of Severn. They shared as well the same tastes, the same talents, the same deep fondness for each other, and the same bevy of suitors who swarmed around society's most sought after belles. But now they shared something else as well. A passionate attraction toward the Honorable James Galt, whom their father distrusted and neither of them could resist. Unfortunately, the good Mr. Galt could make only one of them the happiest young lady in the world—while breaking the heart of the other...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

In THE DREADFUL DUKE we were introduced to the Duke of Severn and his rambunctious offspring, Amelia and Anne, who were in sore need of civilizing after years of running amok. THE TURNABOUT TWINS moves the story forward five years, and the twins have turned 18 and made their bows to society. They are still close as peas in a pod, still practically similar in almost every way; but that, unfortunately, leads to some jealousies and heartbreak.

For me, this was like returning to a family I hadn’t seen in a while. I’ve followed the Duke of Severn through two previous titles (from his ill-managed courtship in the first book, to his eventual wooing of his current wife Juliet in the second book) and was excited to read about his daughters’ love stories run amok, as well.

Amelia and Anne, despite being ‘tamed’, certainly haven’t lost any of their sparkle or vivacity—the two have grown into well-sought-after beauties. I admit that the triangle formed between Amelia, Anne, and Mr. James Galt was a little bit tiring—especially when it became clear that Mr. Galt preferred Amelia over Anne, but I was very happy to see that it didn’t lead to Amelia and Anne resorting to nasty tricks to secure Mr. Galt’s affections. It hurt her, greatly, but Anne wanted her sister’s happiness above her own and so she stepped aside, however reluctantly.

Her own romance was of a more solid understanding that grew over time. The only part I find difficult to negotiate was her abrupt turnabout from ‘loving James forever and ever’ to being head-over-heels for her love interest. It happened within twenty pages—her realization of the fact, I mean, not the romance itself—but since Anne was of a more mercurial temperament than Amelia, it made sense.

And for anyone wondering, the ‘proud name of Severn’ is very much remarked upon again. The Duke just can’t seem to help himself!

Alexandra Cenni