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A review by allisonwonderlandreads
Lady Meets Earl by Christy Carlyle
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
In Lady Meets Earl, Lucy is ever the dutiful middle child, a fixer and planner who almost can't help but step in when someone else flounders. Without realizing it, Lucy's falling into a role too small for her. So it's lucky indeed she has an eccentric aunt in Scotland who doesn't wish to see her spirit squashed. She invites Lucy to come for a holiday, where she can enjoy her art and live for her own whims. On her journey to Edinburgh, Lucy meets James. The two have an easy rapport and regret parting at the end of their train journey. An opportunity for continuing their acquaintance comes from an unlikely source: James just inherited Aunt Cassandra's home and means to sell it. While Lucy understands James' position, she fears her aunt's reaction to the news.
James' shock at inheriting his uncle's title was chased by relief that he'd be able to settle a debt hanging around his neck. Unfortunately, the estate isn't the lucrative lifesaver he'd briefly imagined. Selling the Scottish manor is his last desperate gambit to keep his lender's thugs at bay, so he'll follow through even if he regrets evicting his Uncle's erstwhile mistress. James has long been a loner responsible for caring for himself. It will take the cheerful meddling of others to make him realize he might be able to safely share his burdens.
I love that this series' premise of being on holiday makes me feel more relaxed, too -- a priceless windfall. This book offers the little joys of sightseeing in an unfamiliar city, seeking comfort in casual physical touch, and the bonds formed through sharing experiences with others. It's unusual for me to so wholeheartedly get behind a whirlwind romance, but I was swept up in the ease of James and Lucy's time together. And though there's definitely trouble to overcome, it's not in the form of a final act breakup, which made the whole affair that much more soothing.
Beyond the romance and the overall vibes, I now consider myself an Aunt Cassandra devotee for the way she ignores conventions and looks out for her niece in her own way. I also appreciate Lucy's positive relationships with her parents and siblings, which feel like a rarity in the genre. Though she needs some time away for herself, Lucy gets on the train secure in the knowledge she has familial support.
All around, this is a sweet, relaxing historical romance that I recommend as an act of self-care. Thanks to Avon for my copy to read and review!
James' shock at inheriting his uncle's title was chased by relief that he'd be able to settle a debt hanging around his neck. Unfortunately, the estate isn't the lucrative lifesaver he'd briefly imagined. Selling the Scottish manor is his last desperate gambit to keep his lender's thugs at bay, so he'll follow through even if he regrets evicting his Uncle's erstwhile mistress. James has long been a loner responsible for caring for himself. It will take the cheerful meddling of others to make him realize he might be able to safely share his burdens.
I love that this series' premise of being on holiday makes me feel more relaxed, too -- a priceless windfall. This book offers the little joys of sightseeing in an unfamiliar city, seeking comfort in casual physical touch, and the bonds formed through sharing experiences with others. It's unusual for me to so wholeheartedly get behind a whirlwind romance, but I was swept up in the ease of James and Lucy's time together. And though there's definitely trouble to overcome, it's not in the form of a final act breakup, which made the whole affair that much more soothing.
Beyond the romance and the overall vibes, I now consider myself an Aunt Cassandra devotee for the way she ignores conventions and looks out for her niece in her own way. I also appreciate Lucy's positive relationships with her parents and siblings, which feel like a rarity in the genre. Though she needs some time away for herself, Lucy gets on the train secure in the knowledge she has familial support.
All around, this is a sweet, relaxing historical romance that I recommend as an act of self-care. Thanks to Avon for my copy to read and review!