A sequel to Becnel's The Matchmaker, this serviceable Regency-era romance offers up a charming heroine and a hero who's not as self-sufficient as he'd like to be. Sarah Palmer is the novel's troublemaker, but she doesn't really make
trouble; trouble finds her. Having been packed off to Scotland after nearly eloping with a fortune-hunter, Sarah is determined to prove that she's changed. But no sooner does she arrive in sleepy Kelso than she meets handsome American Marshall MacDougal. Years ago, Marsh's mother emigrated to America to await his father, who never showed. Marsh is now searching for his birthright, and he finds Sarah and her family squarely in his way. Although sparks fly between the two, Sarah's determination to handle this problem herself complicates matters. Becnel's books are generally darker than the typical Regency fare—this one revolves around questions of legitimacy—but the novel's serious underpinnings provide grounding for Sarah's flighty nature. As the hero, Marsh is also flawed. His (admittedly justified) bitterness grows old quickly, and the negative feelings that simmer between Sarah and Marsh at times overwhelm their budding affection for each other. Still, the story is warm and well paced and will likely please new readers and longtime fans alike. (Nov.)
