Lansdowne (My Fair Quiggley) once again tries her hand at a lengthier historical with this carefully choreographed, conservative read. Ripe with eccentric characters and quirky humor, this Regency-era romance twirls a myriad of plot threads together but remains focused on the romance between Josiah Elliot, a man with meager means, and Lady Miranda Wesley, the sister of a duke. In the hopes that the Earl of Blazingame, a good-natured dandy, will help him discover the location of his missing brother, Josiah disguises himself as a valet and enters the earl's service. Josiah's brother has information proving his link to noble blood, the lack of which is the only obstacle that stands between him and Miranda. In true Regency form, the relationship between the two is chaste but somewhat undeveloped. While Josiah seeks to solve the mystery of his missing brother, he encounters strong-minded Eleanor Feebes and her brother Donovan. Josiah believes that the unconventional Eleanor may be a perfect partner for Blazingame and, inevitably, he's correct. A cow named Susan, a missing diamond and a greedy villain are only a few of the elements that combine to make this an engaging read, but readers who prefer sizzling romantic tension over witty repartee may be disappointed by this tame, traditional tale. (Mar.)
