"The sequel to THE MATCHMAKER"

A set of convoluted family relationships makes this latest offering from Ms Becnel, THE TROUBLEMAKER, problematic to say the least. One will need a score card to keep the relationships straight but then this might serve to divert the reader from the real problems with this story: main characters who at times are hardly heroic plus overused plot devises adding little new for readers.

Sarah Palmer is the family's problem child. Yet, now she has really crossed the Ton's acceptable line of behavior. In constant need of being rescued from her foolish exploits, her brother has decided to send her off to her half sister Olivia n Scotland to keep her from disgracing the family further. What awaits her there is sure to try the family in ways they haven?t even considered. Will Sarah rise above her restless nature to be the catalyst to heal old wounds and in doing so heal her own?

American Marshall McDougall has come to Scotland to settle an old score. Armed with a heart full of revenge he has come to find the man who was responsible for his mother's exile and lonely life in America. Believing his parents were truly married, he sets out to prove it and make Cameron Byrde pay for his and his mother?s hardships. Although a man of means, when Marshall finds out his father is dead his intent shifts to prove he is the man's true heir by single-mindedly pursuing ownership of the man's estate. Yet, at what cost to those innocent to a dead man?s numerous deceptions?

When Sarah and Marshall meet by mistake a tenuous relationship develops. Unfortunately Marshall has no time for this type of complication. Neither does Sarah, but she is drawn to Marshall in ways she isn?t able to control, adding to her already complicated life. However all these secret yearnings change when she learns just who he is and what he plans. True to her typical reckless manner Sarah sets out to protect her sister's inheritance by first trying to destroy evidence, as well as trying to pay him off. And when that fails she even tries to offer her own innocence as the ultimate payment for his silence.

Unfortunately Marshall, so intent on proving his father and mother were married, is more than willing to let Sarah compromise herself. However, when a heroine makes light of her own self worth by offering that one gift that can only be given once, it seems to this reviewer THE TROUBLEMAKER is an example of the romance industry slipping back toward the (best forgotten) bodice ripper mentality. I expected more from a storyteller of Ms. Becnel's talent.

As one who reads historicals for their sense of history, I guess it would be fair to say Marshall?s brashness might be considered historically accurate for the time period. Certainly there were different standards of acceptable behaviors for men vs. women. But don?t the readers expect to see some character growth? I can not accept Marshall as a hero when he is so willing to avenge one woman's honor by taking another's. Nor did I feel much empathy for Sarah because she valued her family?s honor above her own. Neither our hero nor heroine achieved enough of the measurable character growth required to impress experienced romance readers.

Having read some of Ms. Becnel's earlier work, I thoroughly enjoy her talent in taking a dark hero toward the light. I was sadly disappointed she never achieved this with Marshall. At best THE TROUBLEMAKER is an average read which may appeal to those who have read THE MATCHMAKER. Although I was disappointed with this one, I do believe every author should be allowed to have one book that misses the mark. For those new to Rexanne Becnel this is not the one to start with; seek out her Rosecliffe trilogy which is a far better reflection of her unique storytelling talent.

Reviewed by Jody Allen
Posted January 1, 2002