Prelude for a Lord

July 1, 2014

After the deaths of her father and brother, Alethea goes to live with a widowed aunt in Bath because her cousin has inherited her childhood home. Her comfortable existence is challenged by not only the move to the city but also the expectation that she will serve as governess to 12-year-old orphaned Margaret. At age 28, Alethea has failed to meet society's expectations that she marry. Her passion is playing the violin but it's considered scandalous for a lady (especially an unmarried one) to perform in public. When a thief becomes interested in her instrument, she accepts help from Lord Dommick, also a violinist, to protect it. His investigation into the violin's provenance puts his family, Alethea, and himself in danger physically as well as emotionally as rumors, lies, innuendo, and gossip abound. By the time the mystery of the violin's origins has been solved, Alethea may have found a man who actually loves her for herself. VERDICT The Christian element is not an important factor in this Regency England-set debut until near the end of the story. This is an enjoyable read for fans of Tamera Alexander and Tracie Peterson.--Margaret Bentley, Shiawassee District Lib., Owosso, MI

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