"The Puzzle and the Puzzlebreaker"
The widow, Laura Martin, is living quietly in a small
village trying to be unobtrusive. On occasion, she helps
the villagers with their ills by using her knowledge of
herbal healing. The younger brother of the Earl of
Beaulieu is shot in a hunting accident. Because the doctor
is indisposed, Laura is sent for and manages to save the
young man's life by quick intervention and careful
nursing. The earl arrives with a doctor from London and
thanks Laura profusely. He notices her beauty and is so
attracted to her, determines to have her under his
protection. Laura is receiving unwanted attention from both the squire
and the clergyman from the village. She only wants to be
left alone. She is very concerned that the earl will
recognize her as the sparks fly between the two. The earl
is known as the puzzlebreaker and he is determined to solve
this particular puzzle. He wants to unravel the mystery
about why the lovely Mrs. Martin is so reclusive, wears
such drab unbecoming clothing and lives in the tiny village
all alone. The earl is a marvelous hero who is determined to ferret
out the puzzle of the elusive Mrs. Martin. He has a
frustrating time trying to earn her trust and as he does,
his admiration and attraction grow. A particularly amusing
part of the book is the vicar and the earl both vying for
Laura's attention -- neither willing to leave the room
before the other. As always, Ms. Justiss has excellent
pacing, crisp writing and romantic tension with this
thoroughly enjoyable book. Kudos to Julia Justiss as MY
LADY'S TRUST joins her other Harlequin Historicals on my
keeper shelf for another read. The only thing I hated was
finishing the book so that I would have to wait for the
next one.
Reviewed by Marilyn Heyman
Posted December 20, 2001
SummaryLaura Martin cannot permit herself to accept Beau
Bradsleigh's offer of friendship, no matter how attracted
she is to the earl. But intrigued by the lady who saved his
brother's life and unaware of the dangerous secret of her
past, Beau is determined to penetrate her wall of secrecy
and win...MY LADY'S TRUST
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