In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer McQuiston's enticing new Seduction Diaries entry, a mysterious journal may provide a potential spinster with instruction—or lead her to her heart's desire...
Free-spirited Lucy Westmore isn't yet a spinster, although she fully intends to be. Fortunately, an eccentric aunt has left her both a diary detailing the secrets to spinsterhood and a cottage in Cornwall. Unfortunately, an insufferable marquess is angling for her prize! Turning Lord Thomas Branston down flat should be easy. So why does this man who won't take no for an answer make Lucy's body and soul sigh yes?
Thomas knows the real value of Heathmore Cottage, and he has no intention of letting some silly Society miss get her hands on it. He'll simply have to charm Lucy into selling. But the clever young woman he encounters, first in London, then en route to Cornwall, stands stubbornly on her own two (quite lovely) feet. And now, Thomas can think only of sweeping her off them.
Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea. - Henry Fielding
Lucy Westmore has been groomed by her parents to marry for prestige within the ton. But that is not her vision for her future. An unexpected inheritance - Heathmore Cottage - from her spinster aunt gives Lucy the opportunity to live independently on the Cornish coast, away from the gossiping ton. Lucy also receives her aunt's diary in the mail, giving Lucy a glimpse into her aunt's life in the wilds of the West Country. Yet Lord Thomas Branston stands in her way with his unwavering interest in buying Heathmore Cottage even though he owns a larger property nearby. Lucy's curiosity is piqued with his repeated offers - why does he want the cottage? And why is he hiding away in Cornwall?
The adventure begins when Lucy and Thomas discover they are traveling aboard the same train to Cornwall - Lucy to inspect the cottage for herself and Thomas to return home. During the train ride, Lucy sees Thomas in different light when she learns he befriended her aunt during his self imposed exile to Lizard. Her good opinion of him continues once they arrive in Lizard where it is clear he cares about the villagers. They are suffering from an economic downturn of the fishing industry which supported town for centuries. Lucy is drawn to their plight. However, her sympathy for the villagers does not deter her from securing Heathmore Cottage for herself.
The adventure begins when Lucy and Thomas discover they are traveling aboard the same train to Cornwall - Lucy to inspect the cottage for herself and Thomas to return home. During the train ride, Lucy sees Thomas in different light when she learns he befriended her aunt during his self imposed exile to Lizard. Her good opinion of him continues once they arrive in Lizard where it is clear he cares about the villagers. They are suffering from an economic downturn of the fishing industry which supported town for centuries. Lucy is drawn to their plight. However, her sympathy for the villagers does not deter her from securing Heathmore Cottage for herself.
McQuiston delivers a heartfelt romance between two lovers who are adrift from their peers. Lucy is too much of an independent thinker (like her aunt) to make a love match in the ton. Meanwhile, Thomas carries the guilt of failing his sister who could not face the society's scorn for a scandalous mistake. Yet Lucy and Thomas are two pieces who fit together in Lizard. Thomas is clearly the stronger character as the beta hero - McQuiston creates an emotionally raw man who, as a Marquess, prefers botany to politics. Lucy can be unsympathetic at times with her stubborn behavior. But I forgave her more often than not, recognizing she has been sheltered by her aristocrat family. Together, Thomas and Lucy complete each other as they seek to save those they love in Lizard and themselves.
The creme de la creme McQuiston's vivid descriptions of the physical landscape and the local culture within Lizard Bay. I grew up visiting my English granny in the West Country. THE SPINSTER'S GUIDE TO SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR was a comfy trip down memory lane with two characters who enchanted me.
I purchased THE SPINSTER'S GUIDE TO SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR since I enjoyed the first book in the series, DIARY OF AN ACCIDENTAL WALLFLOWER.
The creme de la creme McQuiston's vivid descriptions of the physical landscape and the local culture within Lizard Bay. I grew up visiting my English granny in the West Country. THE SPINSTER'S GUIDE TO SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR was a comfy trip down memory lane with two characters who enchanted me.
I purchased THE SPINSTER'S GUIDE TO SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR since I enjoyed the first book in the series, DIARY OF AN ACCIDENTAL WALLFLOWER.
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| Lizard Peninsula vistcornwall.com |
I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash, which includes a copy of THE SPINSTER'S GUIDE TO SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR, to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. If you inherited a cottage, what would you name it?
2. Comments are open through Saturday, June 4, 10 pm in Baltimore.
3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 5.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
Learn more about Jennifer and her books at jenmcquiston.com.
More books in the series ...
The Rose
ReplyDeleteI would name it Dream Cottage
ReplyDeleteI'd call the cottage Spindrift after a street I lived in. Happy memories.
ReplyDeleteSwallow's Nest :)
ReplyDeleteThe Hideaway.
ReplyDeleteI love Jennifer's books! If I had a cottage, I'm not sure I'd name it. It's fun to think about though.
ReplyDeleteI would name it Cascara Cottage
ReplyDeleteHarvey Haven
ReplyDeleteI think the location would make a difference in the name... I've never really thought about it.
ReplyDeleteI loved Spinster's Guide! Of course, I've loved all of Jennifer McQuiston's books. :-)
The Escape ;) this sounds fabulous! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe Silver Rose.
ReplyDeleteThe purring nook!
ReplyDeleteI'd name it "Dun-roaming".
ReplyDeletepeace
ReplyDeleteIris Memories
ReplyDeleteWild Paradise
ReplyDeletemy Irish grandmother's family home was called Lunar Lodge - I'd name my cottage that too
ReplyDeleteNot really sure I would name it, but could be Happy Cottage.
ReplyDeleteBook Cottage :D :)
ReplyDeleteThe Butterfly Garden Cottage
ReplyDeleteI have been a fan of Jennifer's since What Happens in Scotland! I would name a cottage "Home at Last".
ReplyDeleteGreat Escape Cottage
ReplyDeleteIt all depends where the cottage is located. I picture mine on the coast surrounded by roses and other flowers. It would be Rose Cottage or Iris Cottaage.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read both of these. I'll have to put them on my list. I'd name it Haven House I guess.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I'd love to read both of these. I'll have to put them on my list. I'd name it Haven House I guess.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I would name it "The Hideaway"
ReplyDeleteCamelot.
ReplyDeletePatty B.