The Reluctant Guardian - Hardcover

Manning, Jo

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1929085079 ISBN 13: 9781929085071

Publisher: Regency Pr, 2000

Synopsis

Colonel Sir Isaac Rebow, traumatized by his parents' unhappy marriage, vowed never to be legshackled; he's successfully avoided the parson's mousetrap. Enter his errant uncle, caperwitted squire Matthew Martin, who disappears from his Chelsea townhouse late one night, abandoning his two daughters. Isaac must step in as guardian until Matthew reappears, a situation not at all to his liking.

Mary Martin, the elder sister, is stubborn, independent, and strong-willed. She's also been in love with her handsome cousin forever, but he's never deigned to notice her. Chafing under his reluctant guardianship, they cross swords immediately and often. Lady Sophia Rowley, one of the ton's most beautiful and ruthless women, determined to lead Isaac to the altar when her ailing husband dies, further complicates matters. A situation in Isaac's library leads to an offer of marriage, an offer Mary refuses. She adores him, but how can she enter into a loveless union, thinking his affections are otherwise engaged? She has no idea he's mad for her-he's hidden his feelings so well. Meanwhile, her father turns up, plunging them into a dangerous series of events that reach their climax at bucolic Alresford Hall, where Mary has retired to reconsider what she believes is Isaac's reluctant proposal.

About this title

About the Author:

Jo Manning, born/bred/educated in New York City, recently moved to Miami Beach with her husband, Nick, a film-maker. She was the founder and director of the Reader's Digest General Books Library, and also worked as an information specialist at ABC News. She recently retired from a position as Assistant Professor/Reference Librarian at the University of Miami in Coral Gables. Jo reviews fiction for Library Journal and other magazines, writes articles for professional journals, edits newsletters, and was published several times on the love stories page of the Star. An ardent Anglophile and enthusiastic world traveler, she frequently visits her grandchildren, Zöe Violet and William Ozzy, in England, and her grandson, Julian, in Texas.

Jo is currently working on at least two more full-length Regency novels.

From Library Journal:

Irritated at having his carefree bachelor life interrupted by a missive from his overbearing mother demanding that he do something about his uncle's having disappeared and left his two daughters "unprotected," Col. Sir Isaac Rebow reluctantly takes over their guardianshipAwith lively and romantic results. A likable but combative heroine and an emotionally wounded hero who is trying to do the right thing are joined by an uncommon cast of secondary characters, including a few you-love-to-hate types (e.g., a mean-spirited, selfish mother, a wicked other woman, and some truly unsavory London lowlifes) in this unusual Regency, which does not always take the expected path. Featuring lively dialog, a dash of danger, and a somewhat irreverent flair, this story may appeal to readers who like their Regencies on the different side. Although she has written short stories and novellas, Manning is a relatively new Regency writer; she lives in Florida and reviews regularly for LJ. Note: Librarians may be interested to know that this book is available in both mass market paperback and large print formats.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Regency Pr
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1929085079
• ISBN 13: 9781929085071
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224