"Exciting romantic adventure reminiscent of THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL."

Descending upon her provincial home, the French Revolution seeks to drown all aristocracy in its tide, including Alexandre Charlotte De La Brous, an intelligent, beautiful spitfire. Spurred on by a supposedly faithful servant, the peasant mob swoops down, forever destroying Alix's future as well as her naive father. Dressed in peasant clothes, she daringly escapes to the madhouse known as Paris with the deeds to her family's estate.

Lost in a world of chaos with danger literally on every corner, Alix finds herself aiding in her own rescue alongside Rafe Harcourt. Passion sparks from the moment they meet, even though neither is looking for love. A sensible, cultured fiancée awaits the earl back home, while Alix seeks only to find her mother, whom she hasn't seen in three years. A comedy of errors ensues. Rafe believes Alix to be an uneducated Citizeness seeking to escape a shady past. Meanwhile, Alix is led to believe Rafe is nothing more than a mere merchant looking for a profit. As danger pursues them, can they overcome their misconceptions in time for true love?

Reminiscent of The Scarlet Pimpernel, THE SOUVENIR COUNTESS is an exciting romantic adventure. From the despair surrounding the French guillotine, to the festive swirling English high society, Ms. Novins' writing is lush, exciting and inviting. Colorful and unforgettable characters ignite the historical pages they spring from. I can't wait to read the sequel, SOUVENIR OF LOVE, when it comes out in February!

Reviewed by Anne Barringer
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted December 26, 2003

Summary

On the run from the French revolutionaries, Alix de la Brou needs the help of Rafe Harcrest—a man who, however handsome, has far too many opinions on the matter of her future. But when he fetches a marriage license behind her back, it takes every bit of restraint not to throw something at the arrogant rake. She can bear the loss of her titles and fortune, but not the idea that Rafe may not love her as a true bride.

Practically engaged to another, Captain Rafe Harcrest, Earl of Moreham is instantly drawn to the fugitive aristocrat named Alix. But with his reputation for discreet pleasures, he has but one choice if he means to help her flee. They must wed—else her reputation will be ruined. But even as he advocates marriage, he doubts his own motives. For there's no question that the very sight of Alix seems to cloud his typically sound judgement—and has give him disconcerting ideas that perhaps he too is capable of falling in love.