Reviewer: Robyn Roberts
Title: The School for Heiresses - Part of The School of Heiresses Series
Author: Sabrina Jeffries, Liz Carlyle, Julia London, and Renee Bernard
Publisher: Pocket Star Books
ISBN: 1-4165-1611-5
Release Date: December 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Regency Romance
Year/Setting: Around 1822, during the Christmas holiday
Overall Rating: 4.25
Sexual Content Rating: Sensual
Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: Mild/Moderate
Violent Content Rating: N/A
Websites: See below
Ten Reasons to Stay, by Sabrina Jeffries www.sabrinajeffries.com:
Colin is the new Earl of Montieth and on his first evening at his new estate, he is already being robbed by a horse thief. He catches a young man trying to steal – or borrow to hear him tell it – his new prize Arabian. Colin takes this young man into custody to deliver to the authorities when he realizes this young man is no man at all. She’s Eliza and a beautiful young woman running away. Her tale sounds like it’s straight from a Gothic romance novel, but it’s true. Her uncle is now her guardian and is forcing her into an arranged marriage. She’s trying to get to Mrs. Harris’ School for Young Ladies, where she hopes Mrs. Harris will help her in thwarting her uncle’s plans.
When Colin finds himself with a beautiful runaway on his hands, he doesn’t know what to do. He decides to keep her locked up until morning when he can take her to the authorities and see her returned to her guardian. He locks her into his dressing room and the shenanigans that Eliza comes up with rival none other.
I found this novella to be humorous in dire situations and a fun read. Ms. Jeffries has a spirited heroine who is witty and smart. Eliza is also just enough of a scamp to bring comic relief like no other.
After Midnight, by Liz Carlyle www.lizcarlyle.com:
Martinique must leave Mrs. Harris’ School for Young Ladies, where she has lived as a student and as a teacher for several years. Her uncle is coming to get her and introduce her into society. She believes he is trying to get rid of her---again. First he sent her away from her home in the West Indies after the death of her parents and now he wants her married off. Can a girl of questionable breeding ever be accepted by "polite" society?
Lord St. Vrain is back from Paris and while his title may be Lord, he’s looked upon as evil spawn in his homeland. After a torrid affair with his step-mother and her death, he has no reason to ever want to be in society again.
After a case of mistaken identity, Martinique finds her reputation ruined and her uncle forcing her to wed. Will she follow his wishes or will she hold out for the Grand Passion she’s always desired.
Ms. Carlyle writes a fast-paced, lively romance. I found Martinique to be the sassy and intelligent heroine that I appreciate the most. Lord St. Vrain blusters a lot, but has a very tender heart. Can these two ever confess their fears to themselves in order to have a shot at happiness?
The Merchant’s Gift, by Julia London www.julialondon.com:
Set in Leeds, England in 1822, Grace Holcomb is on her way home to visit her Papa. After failing to acquire a betrothal during two seasons in London, he is anxious to see her wed. He’s made his fortune in trade and through a few faux pas moments during her first season, the ton has deemed Grace to be gauche and beneath them with her "new" money. However, Mr. Holcomb is determined to secure a titled match for his daughter so he may be accepted and invited to events currently out of his grasp.
When a winter soiree is held at their home, Grace finds herself telling the requirements of her potential suitors to an old family friend, Barrett Adlaine. Mr. Adlaine owns a textile mill and is slowly rising into wealth himself. He finds himself frustrated and jealous of possible suitors and begins to aunt and torment Grace.
These two have so much misinformation between them, it seems unlikely for them to look at their own true feelings. The events become more complex as Grace gets into a two-suitor situation.
I thought this story had a little bit of plot confusion in the beginning. However, I quickly realized that I had all the facts from both sides while Grace & Barrett are working with the wrong information. It makes a cute story that keeps you guessing until the end.
Mischief’s Holiday, by Renee Bernard www.reneebernard.com:
Alyssa Martin is trying to survive the holidays without any embarrassing incident. She starts off doing well until her drunken carriage driver lands the carriage on its side in a small creek. The driver leaves to find help (or perhaps more drink) and Alyssa decides she can’t have any incidents getting out of the carriage. Sadly enough, she’s discovered by a man out on a horseback ride…with her rear-end stuck out of the window of the carriage. He helps her and she swears him to silence and refuses to exchange any names or information with him so they will never know who each other is. Unfortunately for Alyssa, he’s Leland Yates, her father’s houseguest for the holidays.
Alyssa has an "I Love Lucy" knack for finding "embarrassing incidents. She never goes looking for trouble, but it seems to find her. Leland is constantly pulling her out of jams during his stay. However, he decides he’s immune to all women since he never really wants to marry.
This was my favorite story in the anthology and a wonderful way to end the book. It’s a hilarious romp with some poignant moments. I guess it’s true that mischief never really seems to take a holiday.
Robyn
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