Honoria

Honoria noticed the newcomer during her father's, the vicar, sermon. Living in a small town and everyone knowing what went on as soon as it happened, she was surprised she hadn't heard of him. When she finds that Mr. Carstairs has bought Riverview, she rides over to see what renovations he is doing and meets his business man, Mr. Bowes and is told that Mr. Carstairs is looking for a bride. She and Mr. Bowes hatch a scheme to get Roland Carstairs to marry her. But they have a couple of problems, one is that Honoria's older sister has come home to place Honoria in the employ of one of her friends; the other is that Louise also wants to marry Mr. Carstairs. What does Mr. Carstairs want? Well, read this book to find that answer.

Ms. McCann has given readers a delightful tale of how two people try to play matchmaker and how things can turn out even better than they thought. Honoria has to deflect her sister, Prudence and her friend Mrs. Fitzkirk, while also trying to get Mr. Whitham to realize they aren't suited for each other. The descriptions of the characters make them come to life and fosters the feeling that the readers is there with them. The rivalry between Louise and Honoria can be seen with the repartee between them and will make the readers chuckle. With a few choice words Honoria can make the most of a scene as in telling Mrs. Fitzkirk she can't wait to come work for her so she can meet all the eligible men, knowing that Mrs. Fitzkirk doesn't go to parties. I loved the scene when Honoria, her sisters and Mrs. Fitzkirk had taken the orphans to gather berries and Honoria lets Mrs. Fitzkirk know that when she moves to Norcross with her then she will make sure they have more than just! bread and butter to eat. I was surprised to find that I was caught up in the matchmaking plans of these two, so much so that I read it in one sitting. I enjoyed reading this book and I will be looking for more of Ms. McCann's work.

Reviewed by: Donna