Harrietta’s Happenstance
Miss Harrietta Eastmont appears to be a well-bred, well-educated, albeit mysterious gentlewoman in this Regency romance set in London and the country. Harrietta has a secret and a past she’s running from. When she applies for and is accepted as companion to the elderly and lonely Lady Blackstone, it surprises the Lady’s son to no end. Lord Blackstone is convinced that he will get to the bottom of what troubles the puzzling young woman, a task which proves quite difficult since she is skittish around men. Harrietta must learn to overcome her fears, and trust the loving Blackstones in order to face her past, and heal her heart.
This cozy romance creeps along at a slow, even pace. The underlying theme of female empowerment will appeal to modern-day readers, while the standard plot will delight Regency romance fans. Some parts of the novel do seem contrived, like Lord Blackstone repairing Harrietta’s ribs after an accident, despite a doctor being in the house at the time. Nonetheless, this is a pleasant read with a fine ending.
