Impetuous

A frantic treasure hunt brings closure to a 150-year feud between the Verreres and Nevilles in this winsome regency by the author of Indiscreet. Ever since their father died, Cassandra Verrere and her siblings have depended on the charity of self-absorbed relatives. Then Cassandra decides to chase down the Spanish dowry, a legendary horde that supposedly disappeared when a Verrere woman jilted her Neville fiance and fled to America, thereby igniting the feud. The key to finding the dowry lies with Philip Neville, who doubts the dowry exists and suspects Cassandra may be the victim of a fraud. Slowly, Phillip becomes caught up in Cassandra's enthusiasm and joins in the hunt, only to learn that someone else is on the treasure's trail. Camp gives dignity to this tale by drawing a heroine of quiet plainness and refreshing intelligence, and turns an otherwise frothy romance into a smart, fun-filled romp. (Aug.)