"Outstanding Regency with humor and snappy dialog."

Nearsighted and bespectacled country miss Elspeth Quinn suspects her aunt and cousin's motives when an invitation arrives for her to join them in Bath. Elspeth realizes her beautiful, but spiteful, cousin Caroline is entering a fourth season without securing a marriage proposal. Acknowledging she's probably being asked to divert attention from that fact, Elspeth accepts the dubious invitation. Never having traveled, she envisions a grand adventure that will give her a lifetime of memories.

A gentleman farmer with a large estate, Julian Thorpe returns to Bath after a few years absence. Family responsibilities and an increasingly ill father make it imperative that he bring home a wife. Julian reenters the marriage mart remembering his narrow escapes - especially with the extremely persistent Caroline Quinn. The shrewish Caroline and her formidable mother would make any man quake in his boots. At the introduction of Elspeth Quinn, he's amazed to discover an intelligent and spirited woman in this family, raising his hopes for the season.

Julian and Elspeth's growing friendship maddens a jealous Caroline, who vows to end it at all cost. She catches Julian in her web of conspiracy. As he becomes ensnared in a sham engagement, Julian resolves to extricate himself without scandal or losing Elspeth's love.

Ms. McFadden offers readers a wonderful Regency confection. WITH EYES OF LOVE is reminiscent of Jane Austen with its snappy dialog and well-written characters. Two outstanding scenes are the bath episode and Julian's final confrontation with Caroline. They're hysterically funny and will reside in my memory for years. This is a writer to watch.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted May 15, 2003