An Uncommon Earl

Bessey (The Noble Smuggler) returns to late 18th-century England in this sweet romance between two consummate do-gooders. Alexander Allerton, Earl of Bloxley, is in London working to change England’s child labor laws when he meets Jane Hadford, whose family will soon become his neighbors in the country. Jane is a talented artist who has difficulty walking following an accident five years prior, and Alexander is immediately attracted to her quiet beauty and caring nature. When Alexander’s carriage driver strikes and mortally wounds a flower seller, the woman asks Alexander to find the son she gave away as her dying wish. Alexander searches for the boy, Asher, in vain—until Jane offers her assistance. Together they discover that Asher was moved from a London Foundling Hospital to a home near Bloxley Hall. As Alexander still has business in London, Jane offers to visit Asher on his behalf. When she does, she sees signs that Asher has been mistreated and takes him into her personal care—and after Alexander witnesses her selfless adoption of the child, he becomes all the more enamored. Admirable, intelligent characters are at the heart of this well-plotted novel. Historical romance fans will find much to like about the protagonists and their progressive, humanitarian efforts. [em](Apr.) [/em]