The Earl Takes a Fancy

Heath returns to form with the charming fifth Sin for All Seasons novel (after A Duchess in his Bed). Independent but starry-eyed, Fancy Trewlove dreams of falling in love with a lord who will allow her to maintain her bookstore and stay close with her family. Her belief that she can have it all is partially inspired by a newspaper article singing the praises of Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont, written by his late wife just before she died in hopes of ensuring her husband’s future happiness with a second wife. The article spurs many hopeful young ladies to come calling, driving the still grieving Matthew to flee his mansion to hide out in a humble home near Fancy’s bookshop, which he soon frequents. Believing Matthew to be a commoner, Fancy initially fights her attraction to him, but soon the pair grow close. Somewhat unbelievably for Victorian London, Fancy lives alone, leaving ample opportunity for her and Matthew to have unchaperoned time together. Fancy and Matthew’s path to a happy ending is fairly unremarkable, but their palpable connection will satisfy series fans. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House. (Apr.)