Tomorrow's Memories

Already published in England, Howard's latest historical romance (after Strand of Dreams) lands on this side of the pond with a splash, satisfyingly laden with sinister characters and dark secrets. Petite, 24-year-old Sally Grimshaw has spent her life in her father's country inn in beautiful Lancashire. Although her father, when he dies, leaves the Grimshaw Arms to her ineffectual brother, Freddy, Sally is such a capable manager that she naturally takes over running the place. Her appealing blend of frailty and spirit captures the attention of local gentleman Captain Adam Cooper, who literally falls across her doorstep, weakened by wounds suffered fighting in the Crimea. The spark between the pair is snuffed when Sally blurts out a reference to a scandalous Cooper family tragedy. Soon, feckless Freddy loses the inn in a gambling game with the slimy Richard Keene. Sally must accept a job managing her beloved homestead for the sexually aggressive Keene, working herself ragged as she fends off his advances. Meanwhile, her friendship with Cooper blooms into love. Sally accepts his marriage proposal, although she fears he still moons after his dead wife. After she produces twins and gains the respect of society and servants alike, he tells her the true story of his wife's demise. Then vengeful Keene produces the captain's wife, quite alive and oozing beauty and vice. What will sweet Sally do? Although there are few surprises, this is a fine work in the genre. Sally proves to be an appealing protagonist who engages in enough tender (and explicit) sex to keep fans happy. (Jan.)