Review of: To Steal a Heart
The queen of historical romance is back with the first in her new “Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency” series set in late 1800’s New York. Turano brings the Gilded Age to life in this lavishly imagined tale replete with unforgettable characters and layers of intrigue. No one is who they seem in this upstairs-downstairs story featuring Gabriella, an outspoken seamstress who comes to live at Miss Eunice Holbrooke’s Bleeker Street boardinghouse after aging out of the orphanage [p. 16]. When fellow boarding house resident Jennette Moore is wrongfully accused of stealing jewels from the Linwood family estate, Gabriella and the other young ladies of the residence agree to join forces to try to catch the real culprit and clear their friend’s name [p. 9]. After brainstorming means to gather information on the suspects, including donning various disguises and sneaking into ballrooms, readers will enjoy every hilarious detail when their best-laid plans go outrageously awry [p. 14 ff]. During her sleuthing, Gabriella runs into her old friend from the streets, Nicholas Quinn, now a distinguished member of the New York City elite and most sought-after bachelor of the Season [p. 18]. Old friendships are rediscovered and secrets from the past revealed, leading Gabriella and Nicholas to recognize the defenses each had built around their own heart [p. 143 ff]. Readers will laugh out loud at the witty dialogue and cheer when justice gets smartly served and true relationships are tenderly formed. A hands-down award-winner. [Nov]
No comments:
Post a Comment