I wish that I could elaborate on how excellent this book is. But unfortunately, all of the reviews that I have read for this book have said it all. This book will melt your heart and keep you sighing for days and wishing that you could find a love just like the characters in this book. Not since reading Whitney, My Love and Once and Always by Judith McNaught, have I fallen in love with the characters of the books. There are books that you read and say what a good book and you put it down knowing that you read a good book. But this book makes you remember all the wonderful moments that you read. It stays in your mind and keeps you sighing for true love.
You're a FOOL if you pass this one up!*****10 stars*****
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
This book is a must read for historical/regency fans. I have never been so deeply moved by reading a novel -EVER. Its rare in a novel to find such thorough character development paired with an intricately detailed story line which moves along in a fast pace. I cannot tell you how many books I've read where I care about the H/H, but not the secondary characters and muddle through those passages or the other way around. There are four (Yes 4!) romances in this book including the H/H and you will care for each one. Each could have easily had their own novel, they are that good and Ms. Paul didn't skimp in their writing in the least. There is very little in the way of love scenes in the book and I have to admit at first I was skeptical ( I'm really big on steamy love scenes!), but you'll find out as I did that you won't miss it in the least. The 'love' scenes are of a different sort, more of spoken love and action or inaction. Your heart will ache for several characters more than once and you'll despair when you realize that all maybe lost. This is truly a magical book full of lies, blackmail, redemption, regret and most of all love. If you read this book and don't leave with a warm feeling in your heart, sorry to say it but your a cold fish and there is no hope for you!
Fabulous
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Who am I to give this less than a 5* review. This was an absolutely wonderful book with such a different heroine at the center of romance. Radiantly beautiful but flawed, due to the act of a demented servant that tried to kill her when she was a child. Lillian wanted a London season, and her brother Earl of Cardemore would do anything in his power to provide her that season in London, even if it meant blackmailing the handsomest bachelor in London. The Earl of Cardemore wanted Lily to be happy, and would do whatever he needed to make that happen. Her brother could make the gallant earl of Graydon, dance attendance on his sister, and he could even engineer the means to have them wed. What he couldn't prevent would be the devasted heartbreak if the truth be known.This was a wonderful story of love against all odds. It showed that love has no boundaries and handicaps be dammed against the snobbish and uneducated feelings at the turn of the 18th century.Definitely a superb book. I heartily recommend it!
Wonderful story of love.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
An injury during her childhood stripped Lady Lillian Walford's vocal cords until the only sounds she could make were harsh and painful. Her reclusive, loving brother blackmails Anthony Harbreas, Earl of Graydon, into escorting Lily about London during her Season. Although nearly engaged to another woman, Graydon falls in love with Lily and uses a kidnapping setup organized by her brother to convince her to marry him. In an effort to shield Lily from malicious gossip, Graydon doesn't bring her back with him to London after the Christmas holiday, convincing Lily that he is ashamed of her. Secondary romances between Lily's brother and her aunt, forbidden by British law, and a fiery courtship between Lily's cousin and Graydon's best friend are threaded throughout the book.Magnificent story with well-developed characters and views on how mutes and deaf-mutes were treated by Society. Highly recommended to historical and regency romance fans, particularly those who like a little depth to their romances.
A Mute Beauty.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
A romance book in which one of the two main characters are handicapped is rare. They are also special to me. In this book, Lady Lillian is beautiful, yet mute. Due to a servant trying to kill her when she was a child, her vocal cords are permanently damaged. It hurts Lillian to speak and her voice is mannish. So she does not talk. The upper class of London considers her handicap a punishment from God and makes her unfit to wed Anthony and become a Countess. Since she cannot speak, she must be deaf and dumb as well. Sign language cannot be used since it is considered a form of witchcraft. Lillian's brother tricks Anthony into marriage with her. However, Anthony married her out of love. Once Lillian learned of all the lies, blackmail, and tricks used, she can no longer trust that the love of her brother or her husband are real. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ONE!
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