Gypsy Lover

by Edith Layton

Book Overview

As the poor relation to a wealthy family, lovely Meg Shaw is obliged to be a governess companion to their daughter. But when her charge runs away, and Meg's position with the family is threatened, she... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060757841
• ISBN13: 9780060757847
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Avon Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Delightful Read

This is a charming novel from Layton, one of the best writers of this genre in the business. Her trademark humor keeps the novel moving along nicely, and the characters are interesting and well-developed. The plot could be a little tighter, and it does take Daffyd a bit longer than it should have to come to his senses. With those minor caveats, this is a very nice way to while away an afternoon.

a delightful read

"Gypsy Lover," I think, ends the trilogy dealing with Geoffrey, the Earl of Egremont; his son, Christian ("The Return of the Earl"); and his two adopted sons, Amyas ("Alas My Love") and Daffyd ("Gypsy Lover") -- even though there is the potential for at least two more books in this series. All four characters had met in prison, where Geoffrey and Christian had ended up after being wrongfully convicted for a crime that Geoffrey hadn't committed. Daffyd and Amyas, both children then, had been convicted for theft. All four had been transported to Botany Bay, where, almost against all odds, they had survived and prospered. All four had then returned to England decades later in order to prove Geoffrey's innocence and gain him a pardon. "Gypsy Lover" is the story of how Daffyd, who because of his background (the illegitimate son of a noblewoman and a gypsy), and personal belief that love doesn't last and brings only pain and bitterness, and who has eschewed love and marriage, meets a young woman who seems almost tailored made for him, and the inner demons he has to struggle with in order to make the right decision. When heiress, Rosalind Osbourne, runs away from home on the eve of her marriage to her childhood friend, everyone assumes that she has eloped with some adventurer -- esp when news that she's in the company of a dark haired man filters through to her family. So, in order to save Rosalind from an imprudent match, Rosalind's godmother, turns to her estranged and illegitimate son, Daffyd Reynard, for help. And as much as he despises his mother, Daffyd readily agrees to find Rosalind for her, just so that his mother will be in his debt. Daffyd expected that this task would be a tedious one (chasing after a headstrong young girl all over the country is not always enjoyable) and a bit dangerous (a dark, gypsy-like man asking about for a young girl could be misconstrued) but the last thing he expected was to encounter Miss Meg Shaw, Rosalind's charming companion, who insists that they join forces in order to search for Rosalind. Suspected of having abetted Rosalind with her runaway plans, Meg is determined to find Rosalind herself, even if it means that her reputation will be in shreds by the time she finds her. What should Daffy do? Join forces with Meg or carry on on his own? Especially when he suspects that there is something about the tempting and winsome Meg that would make him wish that he was not so wholly set against everlasting love, marriage and children... Of the three books, I did prefer "Gypsy Lover" by a long shot. Meg and Daffyd were very appealing characters and very easy to sympathise and relate to; and the storyline was a well conceived and well written one as well -- though I will admit to getting a tad tired of how long it took for Daffyd to realise that he might have been wrong in assuming that he was not cut out for love and marriage. On the other hand there was much about this book to enjoy -- Edith Layton's short but vivid

fun Regency romance

Seventeen years old Rosalind Osborne has run away from her family. While her companion Margaret Shaw tries to find the headstrong young lady before she is hurt, former convict Daffyd Reynard also hope to locate her and bring her home. The two wannabe rescuers meet when Daffyd saves Meg's life. He attempts to persuade her to go home as the quest is dangerous, but she refuses. Though a staid on the shelf female, Meg tells him if he will not allow her to accompany him, she will go it alone. As they work together, they fall in love, but neither expects a future with the other. When they find the runaway and bring her home, Rosalind and Daffyd go their separate ways although her reputation is ruined. He still believes his past and his half-gypsy heritage leaves him beneath the woman he loves. However, a few days apart and he still cannot forget her, but wonders if she will still have him as her husband. The sequel to ALAS, MY LOVE is a fun Regency romance because of the escapades of the delightful lead couple who struggle with love, scandal and finding a missing young lady. Meg is a brave individual willing to risk scorn, scandal, and sacking to do what she believes is right while the daring Daffyd starts off feelings she is a nuisance, but soon wants her with him though he courageously rejects her under the mistaken belief of what he assumes is best for sake. Edith Layton writes a wonderful winner for her audience. Harriet Klausner