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Reviews for A Dance of
Manners
Regency Romance Anthology
Cynthia Breeding, Kristi Ahlers, Gerri Bowen, Susan Flanders, Erin
E.M. Hatton
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Camellia
"Enchanted Journey" by Cynthia Breeding
Attending a Regency ball by a group of actors is just what American
Ashley Bouvier needs to get over her messy divorce from a cheating
husband. She is intrigued by the gorgeous, dark-haired Andrew
Colton, Earl of Tiverton.
"Wishes In April" by Kristi Ahlers
American-born Cassandra Davenport feels a total failure at fitting
in with London's ton. Yet when she meets James, the dashing Duke of
Sandringham, her heart flutters and heat sears through her veins.
"A Passage To Summer" by Gerri Bowen
When the normally formal and proper Earl of Wickerdun enters an
enchanted forest, his world turns upside down. Songs from wood
nymphs, and an aqua-eyed faery make him think he's on his way to
Bedlam.
"The Farmer's Son" by Erin E.M. Hatton
Lady Emily Spencer comes into an inheritance of a country estate as
well as a sizable dowry. She is elated when the most sought-after
bachelor of the Season offers for her hand. Yet, a farmer's son
makes her heart race.
"Royal Watercolors" by Susan Flanders
After finishing an art lesson with young Princess Victoria, Lady
Kitty is driven home by a handsome coachman who mesmerizes her with
his quick, easy grin and unusual lavender eyes.
These tantalizing Regency tales charm, tease, intrigue, titillate,
and impart a touch of history. The five authors entertain with a
beguiling variety of stories.
“Enchanted Journey”
by Cynthia Breeding transports divorcee, Ashley Bouvier, an
emotionally bankrupt high school history teacher, from the 21st
century to the early 19th century. There she meets Andrew Colton,
Earl of Tiverton at a classic Regency ball. My, what a balm for her
wounded self-esteem!
Soon Ashley hears whispers about the possibility of her being an
American spy. Unknowingly she’s put at risk by thwarting important
people’s plans when Andrew pursues her rather than Lady Felice. At
one time, she wished for a chance to be a part of this intriguing
society, now she tells herself, “Be careful what you wish for”.
While Andrew makes arrangements to protect her from harm, an
unexpected happening takes place changing everything.
A Celtic legend about Arawen, the god of the other world”, his white
horses and white dog with red eyes and ears add a magical touch to
this love that reaches across the centuries. Not until Ashley wakes
up back in the 21st century does she realize just how much the
legend has changed to her life.
“The Farmer’s Son”
by Erin E. M. Hatton
Prissy, pretty Ellen Spencer, reared in the true traditions of
Regency mores, feels so magnanimous when she befriends the country
folks near the estate her father recently inherited. Seventeen years
old and totally wrapped up in her plans for her London Season and
catching Sir Charles Findley, the most eligible bachelor of the
Season, she is rather hateful to the farmer’s son Rodrick Benton,
even though she is drawn to his quiet voice and gentle manner.
Ellen goes to London with great expectations but, even though Sir
Charles pays her court, she discovers he leads a double life. More
than that, she learns Rodrick has a home in Mayfair and belongs to
Brooke’s club in London. In her distress about her poor judgment she
declares, “Rodrick stole every joy from her life”.
Ellen’s growing up and Rodrick’s patience and pursuit of his love
makes super good reading. Erin E. M. Hatton uses brief but revealing
phases making this an irresistible story.
“The Passage of Summer”
by Gerri Bowen
Love this story! It is full of humor, joy, and a touch of magic that
just might come from the dram of fairy blood in Megara and
Wickerdun’s veins. Do the singing wood nymphs know?
Megara’s whimsy, beauty, quicksilver mind, wit, and sense of
self-worth are characteristics that lure Clarence William Marshall
DeBohem Wickerdun to recognize his true self rather than becoming
vicious and vengeful, a twisted sol bedeviled by his demons like his
father had been.
Twenty-four year old Megara, to her aunt’s delight, goes to London
for the Season where Wickerdun returns refreshed and ready to
embrace life.
Gerri Bowen’s ability to tell much about a character in a few words
gives even the minor characters distinct personalities that bring
the story to life. Thomas, the Butler, Miss Littlepond, and Ardmoor
are great examples. They add humor and insight that gives the story
texture not always seen in short stories.
A lovely love story!
“Royal Watercolors”
by Susan Flanders
Mistaken identities in the Regency era often stir up quite a storm
especially when nobility is mistaken for one of the working class.
Lady Kitty, daughter in a happy, affluent home, expects to soon
become the wife to the son of the Earl of Breyton and to one day be
the mistress of Nebry Castle. But at present, she gives art lessons
to Princess Victoria at Kensington palace and finds herself drawn to
Grey, the coachman who gives her transport. She cries about not
being able to have him because of the class difference, but her
heart doesn’t give up.
Grey bides his time and woos Kitty in his own special way.
This story, sprinkled with historical facts and undergirded with the
hint of political intrigues is predictable but still a delight to
read.
Susan Flanders’ writing style entices with descriptions that quicken
the senses.
“Wishes In April” by Kristi Ahlers
Cassandra from Charleston, South Carolina cringes at all the rules
in England’s Regency society where she seems a constant
embarrassment to Aunt Gertrude and Cousin Sara.
When James, the Duke of Sandringham, waltzes with Cassie rather than
Sara, Cassie is in trouble with a capital T. Aunt Gertrude is
determined James will be Sara’s regardless of the cost.
The reader has a front row seat as James literally rides to the
rescue of the woman he loves, foiling wicking intentions again and
again as he woos his American darling that excites him physical,
emotionally, and mentally. He knows she is a prize to gain, a prize
he will never grow weary of. He feels as if “He’d walked through an
enchanted cloud” when he is with Cassie.
“Wishes In April”
is a terrific story full of social machinations. Yet, love slips in
on cat-like feet, makes its ways stealthily through the tangle of
deceits, and glides into worthy hearts to settles down for life.
This collection of Regency stories can be enjoyed again and again—a
delightful addition to one’s book self.
Camellia, Long and Short Reviews
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