"An entertaining tale"

In 1673 Violet Ashcroft lives up to her family motto "Question convention" perhaps more than any of her siblings do. The studious Violet prefers learning and expanding her mind with a book than attending aristocratic parties. Even Violet admits to herself that her plain looks would never send any male panting as much as her wealth would anyway.

Violet and her brother Rowan visit their neighbor inventor Ford Chase to help him with caring for his niece. Violet finds Ford quite handsome, but is really intrigued by his work on astronomy and especially his construction of a watch. Ford, whose "girlfriend" of six years finally gave up on his absent minded ways and eloped, enjoys his discussions and debates with Violet. As they fall in love with one another, she still has nagging doubts that any man would want her except for her money.

Though readers lose patience with Violet for her inability to believe in Ford's love, simultaneously the audience will admire her thirst for learning that makes her feel more like a modern woman. The story line engages fans interested in how the intellectual couple finds the way to the heart is through the brain. Lauren Royal furbishes fans of seventeenth century historical romances with a delightful story starring two for the most part endearing brilliant eccentrics.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 16, 2002

Summary

Violet Ashcroft has decided not to get married. Especially since most suitors would surely have their eyes on her inheritance or her ravishing younger sister. And Violet is convinced her eligible and handsome neighbor, Ford Chase, is no exception. He'd certainly never sincerely be interested in a woman as serious and self-conscious as she.