LADY SABRINA'S SECRET

Author: Jeannie Machin ISBN: 9780709086574 3/2009 HISTORICAL Publisher: ROBERT HALE LTD.
Time Period: Regency

Beautiful young widow Deborah Marchant came to Bath on a desperate mission. Her brother Richard stood accused of seduction and theft. Only Deborah could clear his name by unmasking his accuser, Lady Ann Appleby, and finding his love, the lady of mystery named Sabrina. But Deborah's search was blocked at every turn by the formidable figure of Rowen Sinclair, the domineering Duke of Gretton. Deborah had but one way to unravel the shroud of secrets surrounding her missing brother. Somehow she had to gain the upper hand over this maddening, masterful man who used women as his playthings—while she tried to keep him from getting a hold on her heart...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

A romance with all the traditional elements of a good, solid story, LADY SABRINA’S SECRET is an entertaining tale. Its characters are believable and the story moves along at a nice, steady pace. There are secrets to discover, and surprises at the end. Altogether a very satisfying read.

Deborah is young and virtually alone, but she is determined to discover the truth surrounding her beloved brother. When her husband Jonathan dies she closes herself off from society, refusing to join the living even when her friends and brother voice their disapproval. But when her brother leaves a pocket watch and an explanatory letter before fleeing amidst shocking rumors, she decides she must go out into the world to try and figure out where her brother Richard is, and uncover the truth behind the rumors.

I like the way Deborah steps up when she needs to do so. She puts aside her desire to seek seclusion when she feels compelled to clear her brother’s name. Her courage puts her on the track to finding happiness not only for Richard, but for herself. It shows that selflessness pays off, and I enjoyed seeing Deborah’s evolution.

Kay James