"Perfect blend of romance, humor and intrigue."

Cassie Bentbrooke is an oddity in the polite society of 1811 London. A spinster who's followed in her late father's field of astronomy, she's content to spend her nights searching the sky for its treasures. The world intrudes upon her quiet life when the Duke of Devonlee offers to purchase her father's telescope and his private journals. After Cassie refuses to sell them to the duke, other people appear who are just as interested in obtaining the journals.

The day Devon Sebastien, Marquis de Renard, seeks out Cassie to request access to her father's journals is the day she realizes that there's more involved than a sudden interest in astronomy. The fine looks of the marquis may have swayed Cassie to listen to his story, but nothing will convince her to relinquish the journals, not even his appealing manner.

Liza Kearney, Cassie's ward, is convinced that someone is watching the house and that they are trying to find Cassie's father's treasure. The fact that the deathbed reference to a treasure has become a family legend doesn't lessen Liza's fears.

Cassie refuses to waste time on unsubstantiated stories when there is scientific work to be done. But, against her will, she's drawn into the intrigue and finds that not all treasures are found in the night sky.

A blend of romance, humor and intrigue, this entertaining tale is the perfect afternoon respite. Cassie is an endearing heroine with a brilliant mind and forthright manner who's blind to her own beauty. It will take an equally strong man to complement her and convince her that her physical appearance is as appealing as her mental powers.

Reviewed by Cindy Blair
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted May 23, 2003