"At long last... Colin and Penelope"

For those of us familiar with Julia Quinn's famous Bridgerton clan, this book has been a long time coming. Yes, I'm talking about the story of Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. Just a quick note here: While Lady Whistledown is finally unmasked in Romancing Mister Bridgerton, you won't find the answer to her identity here, or in any other review I imagine. You'll have to go buy the book and read for yourself to find out!

The year is 1824, and Penelope is "on the shelf" at the age of 28. She's come to accept that her love for Colin, brother of her best friend Eloise, will go unrequited. Colin has always viewed Penelope as a shy wallflower, much like the rest of the ton has. So, understandably, he's somewhat surprised to find himself suddenly attracted to her. I must add here that Colin is adorable in his confusion over these new feelings. Their developing love story is played against the backdrop of a London-wide search for the identity of the illusive Lady Whistledown. It seems the entire ton has engaged in the search after the intimidating Lady Danbury announces a one thousand pound reward to anyone who proves the columnist's identity.

It's difficult to write about this wonderful story and not give away spoiler information, so this review must be kept short. I can tell you that your emotions will be engaged from page one and you won't catch your breath until you close the back cover. Julia Quinn has long been a favorite of mine and ROMANCING MISTER BRIDGERTON will go right on my keeper shelf with all of her other books. I can honestly say that my only quibble here is the teaser at the end of the story. Although it says that we'll learn more about Eloise in early 2003, I understand we must wait yet another long year to revisit the Bridgerton family.

Reviewed by Kelly Jones
Posted July 5, 2002