Bookshop Cinderella
In this Victorian romance, Evie Harlow is a strong and independent woman, a source of consternation to her family and society. She took over her father’s rare book store when he died and has been happily ensconced in that ever since. She has no need of male companionship beyond a dear childhood friend and can’t imagine herself in any sort of long-term relationship. So, imagine how flustered she is when she finds herself in the acquaintance of Maximillian Shaw, Duke of Westbourne. Max is determined to win a bet proving that Evie can become a debutante and take the London season by storm.
This is a fun rags-to-riches story. The basic cast of characters are well developed and have plenty of interesting personality quirks, which helps move the plot forward. Evie and Max are both likeable characters in their different ways, and secondary characters feel like actual people and not placeholders needed to fill a crowd. The slow-building passion between Evie and Max makes the anticipation a pleasant ride. My one quibble is that there isn’t much resolution with the villain. I wanted a proper comeuppance! Overall, the plot is engaging, readers are treated to details about daily life among the peerage and the working classes, and the ending is everything it needed to be. Recommended.
