Friday, June 28, 2013

Review: A Little Night Mischief

A Little Night Mischief by Emily Greenwood

Publication Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Casablanca
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 1402276311
ISBN-13: 978-1402276316

(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Emily Greenwood on the WEB: WebsiteTwitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Excerpt from A Little Night Mischief, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature

Synopsis:

Every Prize Comes with Complications...
A game of chance saves James Collington from the prospect of debtors' prison, and grants him ownership to Tethering estate. Little does he know that his winnings come with serious complications--not least of which is a beautiful but impoverished young lady who insists his new manor belongs to her.
If He Can't Stop Her, He Might as Well Join Her...
Felicity Wilcox is determined to run Mr. Collington off her land, Though James's charm and devilish good looks are a serious distraction. What she doesn't know is that she may be haunting him right back.

Thoughts:

Emily Greenwood's debut novel, A Little Night Mischief is a lighthearted romp in the country, away from the ton. Regency romance lovers will find this new voice in the genre to be entertaining and full of surprises. Greenwood's characters are subtle but witty, romantic but also passionate. She is able to catch the feel and atmosphere of a country estate with ease, giving the reader lavish scenery and descriptions that will entice the senses.

I really enjoyed Emily Greenwood's first novel. I liked the fact that she allowed her characters to have not only a serious side, a lively humorus side. Her characters were able to laugh at themselves and their predicaments, but also be conscientious where their families were concerned. Both the hero and heroine had a strong sense of family and duty and the determination to do what was right, no matter the cost to themselves. Admirable qualities to be sure.

I liked the fact that both James and Felicity were sort of stuck in the past. Felicity bound by a deathbed promise and James by the duty he feels to right a past wrong. Together the two of them forge a future for themselves that transcends their circumstances. Secondary characters like the vicar and Aunt Miranda helped to move the plot along as well. Greenwood does an excellent job of writing her characters as strong willed and determined, yet passionate and true. A good combination.

One of the things that I think set this novel apart was the descriptive prowess of the author. Greenwood's descriptions of the countryside and the small estate atmosphere were delightful. A romp for the senses. Readers will probably find themselves smelling the roses, so to speak and enjoying the scenes of village life as if on the movie screen. Greenwood excelled at setting the scene and drawing readers in.

I look forward to seeing what's come from this new author, as this first one was truly a pleasure to read. There was just enough mystery to keep readers on the edge and plenty of romance to bring it home. A great first effort from an author to watch!

A Little Night Mischief is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!



About the Author:

Emily Greenwood has a degree in French and worked for a number of years as a writer, crafting newsletters and fundraising brochures. But she far prefers writing playful love stories set in Regency England, and she thinks romance is the chocolate of literature.
A Golden Heart finalist, she lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters.

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