Much Ado About Margaret

Mixing the wit of Jane Austen, plot points borrowed from Shakespeare, and distinctly modern sensibilities, Roux’s delightful latest Regency (after The Proposition) turns on an eventful wedding weekend. Margaret Arden is determined to publish her novel—despite the harsh critiques of editor Bridger Darrow, who read the first few pages and dismissed the project as “an overwrought examination of whose misplaced giggle at the ball made Mamma beside herself.” This makes Bridger the last man Margaret wants to see at her cousin Lane’s wedding. But when the pages of Margaret’s manuscript go flying out an open window, Bridger’s shocked to see how deeply the guests respond to these scattered pages and gives her book another try. The pair bond over their love of all things literary and the weekend is looking up—until Lane’s bride-to-be, Ann, is spotted apparently kissing another man, shattering the newlyweds’ bliss. Bridger suspects his rascally cousin is somehow involved, and he and Margaret join forces to get to the bottom of the supposed infidelity. Their dialogue sparkles and their chemistry crackles, but Margaret’s aunts are determined she should marry for money, which may doom the relationship before it can begin. Readers will adore both ambitious, strong-willed Margaret and brooding softy Bridger. This is a gem. Agent: Kate McKean, Howard Morhaim Literary. (Oct.)