Aloha to Meredith Bond, AN EXOTIC HEIR, and A DANDY IN DISGUISE

On Sunday night, I skipped Downton Abbey (on PBS) in favor of Hawaii Life (on HGTV).   But I returned to PBS for the Masterpiece Mystery, THE MAKING OF A LADY (link):

Based on the novel by celebrated writer Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Secret Garden), this is the story of the educated but penniless Emily. During her duties as a lady’s companion for Lady Maria she meets her employer’s wealthy widower nephew, Lord James Walderhurst. Accepting his practical if unromantic marriage proposal, Emily finds solace in the company of Walderhurst’s nephew Alec Osborn and his glamorous wife, Hester, after Lord James leaves to rejoin his regiment. Emily, alone with the Osborns, increasingly comes under their control. She begins to fear for her life.

Dorfold Hall, film location for THE MAKING OF A LADY
Image from Historic Houses Association (link)

The subplot involves Colonial India ... reminding me that I have two books in queue to review from Meredith Bond's Merry Men Quartet:

AN EXOTIC HEIR:

Weaving a web of revenge can be satisfying, but dangerous to your heart.

London society is shallow and cruel, sending Cassandra Renwick running to Calcutta, the exotic seat of the British Raj. It’s a fascinating place filled with interesting sights – including the dark and mysterious Julian Ritchie. But she never thought that an even greater heartbreak could be here in this alien and enchanting land.

Julian has always been discriminated against for being only half English. Embittered, he plots an intricate plan for vengeance with the innocent and lovely Cassandra as his pawn. But he soon finds that payback can be painful for the avenger as well when the threads of revenge unwittingly turn into the silken bonds of love.

A DANDY IN DISGUISE:

St. John Fotheringay-Phipps has nearly forgotten who he truly is. As the dashing, amusing dandy known to all in society as Fungy, he has hidden himself behind a mask of merriment. But he is reminded that there are pleasures beyond society — when he finds himself feeling responsible for the innocently lovely and fiercely intellectual Rose, the daughter of a famed archaeologist, and her charming, if socially inept, family.

Rose Grace knows that she cannot gamble with her future. She has suddenly been thrust into the role of mother to her two young sisters, companion to her brilliant, distracted father –and family savior. She needs to do the right thing — to forget her own desires and quickly find a wealthy husband before the creditors come beating at their door. Then why is she distracted by the foppishly handsome Fungy, who seems so very irresponsible and pleasure-loving? Surely he’s the last person whose advice she should follow!

Oh, I might not get back to Downton Abbey with these books to read!   What's in your book reading queue?  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash.   Comments are open through Saturday, February 15, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, February 16.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

To learn more about Meredith and her books, including links for excerpts and to buy, check out her website at meredithbond.com.

Meredith (left) read at Lady Jane's Salon/Silver Spring (link).