In this second novel of Suzanne Enoch's Lessons in Love books, we are introduced to Evie Ruddick, the sister of a politician who decides to lend her support to the Heart of Hope Orphanage. Enter the Marquis St. Aubyn known as "Saint", the main benefactor of the orphanage.
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Saint finds the orphanage to be a hindrance, until Evie attends a trustee meeting asking for permission to volunteer and he finds himself immediately enchanted by her. Evie sees Saint as the perfect candidate for her "lessons" that her and two friends have created to reform the male population.
Even though the pair are like night and day, they find themselves drawn to each other, and their chemistry is wonderfully compelling in the story, in which they fight to overcome the obstacles that are thrown their way, mostly by Evie's self-centered brother, Victor, who completely dislikes St. Aubyn.
The review of this Book prepared by Angel Manners
Avon, May 2003, 5.99, 384 pp.
ISBN: 0380820838
Evelyn Ruddick wants to help society's poor though a young lady like herself is expected to embroider not visit orphanages. When she sees the Heart of Hope Orphanage, she selects that as a place she can provide some good through donating her time and money. However, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees the Marquis of St. Aubyn, better known by the misnomer, “Saint”, thinks otherwise. Saint tells her to go back to her aristocratic cronies, but when she persists he insists she come back with a plan as he still tries to get rid of the meddling do-gooder.
Saint wants out of the orphanage business, but his mother's will ties him to the place that he hopes to tear down. He finds himself quite attracted to Evelyn, who wants to implement an education program for the children. However, her brother sees Saint as a reprobate who will cost him his political career so he bans his sister from seeing him. Still, Evelyn and Saint fall in love while she tries to improve the lot of the poor children.
This engaging Regency romance hooks the reader from the moment the cynical Saint meets the Pollyanna Evelyn. Though the complex social issues are too easily resolved, the story line is fun to follow especially when the endearing mischievous children fluster Evelyn and she in turn emotionally moves the Saint, who knows how to retaliate via kisses. The audience will appreciate this entertaining Regency.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner