Havencross

This peculiar Regency from Daines (Willowkeep) is much more a suspense novel than a romance, kissed with the aesthetic of modern fantasy. It’s primarily an expression of love for the Cornwall coast and for Arthurian legend, grounded in the smuggling history of the region. Elaine Cardinham’s family is chased by scandal back to their country estate, Havencross, which they left five years earlier in the wake of two life-changing events: the death of Elaine’s brother John and her secret rejection of a marriage proposal from John’s best friend, Gareth Kemp. Elaine is shocked but delighted when her London suitor, the Earl of Chiverton, comes to Havencross to propose to her. Gareth continues to offer his friendship and cave-exploring company, since he knows his love won’t be accepted, but his jealousy combined with drive to find the smugglers who killed his father gives him a unique perspective on Chiverton’s hidden agenda. Mystical aid from Gwenevere, the queen of legend, yields important evidence and a second chance for Elaine and Gareth. Elaine’s combination of thoughtful regret and resourceful cleverness has appeal, but the couple’s dynamic never really coalesces. (Sept.)