HOW TO TREAT A LADY

Author: Karen Hawkins ISBN:0060514051 12/2003 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I’ve long been a fan of Karen Hawkins and her writing style, which is always filled with sparkling wit and humor. HOW TO TREAT A LADY is her latest release, and as usual, it’s her humorous characters and witty banter that make this a fun and delectable read.

The story centers upon Chase St. John, the more or less black sheep of the prestigious St. John’s of London. Running from the demons that haunt him, feelings of failure, and a wish to shelter his family from his own disgrace, Chase decides to leave London for Europe, in secret. But he doesn’t get far before he’s set upon by bandits and knocked to the ground, surffering a nasty head wound. However, before the scoundrels can finish him off, he’s saved by a trio made up of the local Ward sisters: Harriet, the eldest and most level-headed of the three, Sophia, the middle and overly dramatic sister, and the baby, the “fair” and bookish Ophelia, who’s squabbling and antics with Sophia had me guffawing more than once (a certain kissing scene comes readily to mind). Of course, it’s Harriet that Chase zeroes in on, as we would expect, and who he decides to challenge and seduce.

While the chemistry and bantering dialogue between Harriet and Chase as the lead couple makes for fun reading, it’s not their relationship that put a constant grin on my face. Instead, it’s Harriet’s mother and the relationship and interaction of the three sisters that are the most fun to watch, as they try to convince a wounded Chase, who they believe has amnesia but really doesn’t, to play along with their charade of his being Harriet’s imaginary fiancé in order to save their beloved home, Garrett Park. Yes, there’s loopholes in the plot and unconventional, to say the least, behavior that occurs throughout it, that might rub those who pick at historical details the wrong way, but with Ms. Hawkin’s writing style and her ability to shape personalities and dialogue, those are soon set aside, and the story becomes a fast-paced and truly fun romp.

HOW TO TREAT A LADY is part of Ms. Hawkin’s Talisman Ring series, but if you haven’t read the previous books, don’t worry, because HOW TO TREAT A LADY stands well enough on its own. It really is a fun-filled, delightful and delectable historical romance read.

Nancy Davis

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Karen Hawkins new book, HOW TO TREAT A LADY, reunites us with the St.John brothers. To refresh your memory of the large clan, they are all looking to outsmart their late mothers' matchmaking ring. One of them Brandon, has already succombed to matrimony and passed on the dreaded band of gold.

Currently in the pocket of brother Chase, the ring comes into play after a scuffle with robbers on his way out of the country. Left with a head injury after the exchange, Chase and the ring are rescued by Miss Harriet Ward and her gaggle of sisters and brothers. Not wanting to alert his own brothers to his whereabouts, Chase fakes amnesia and ends up being drawn into the Ward family plight on the farm, and Harriet's not so obvious charms.

Amnesia in a romance book is not unheard of, but the faking of the condition by the hero is a cute spin on it. Though Harriet is aware (somewhat) that Chase if faking his memory loss, she has a big secret of her own that would be jeopordized should she reveal him as a phony. Together they muddle through the greedy banker, prankster brothers, and their attraction to each other. Though the attraction to me is really not as strong as it should be.

Simple and enjoyable, this book was a nice light read that reminded me how much I like the whole cursed (or blessed?) ring connection. My one complaint is that their is not as much attraction between the two main characters. They are at odds so much that its a surprise when they manage to make it to the bedroom.

Shannon Johnson