A Little Folly

January 7, 2013
The pseudonymous Morgan’s twist-packed new novel (after The Secret Life of William Shakespeare) finds Valentine and Louisa Carnell under the thumb of their father, a man of “harsh, narrow, and illiberal views” whose tyrannical temper and impossible standards keeps them largely isolated on the Regency-era palatial Devonshire estate. But his death, “struck by a paroxysm that dropped him speechless to the ground,” gives the siblings, now into their 20s, freedom to be in the world; they’ll redecorate the drawing room, throw dinner parties, and reject, in Louisa’s case, the vain suitor of her father’s choosing. They also open their home to Tom and Sophie, long-lost cousins from London, and to their cousins’ traveling companion, the mysterious Lady Harriet Eversholt, whose scandalous circumstances capture Valentine’s attention. At Tom and Sophie’s urging, it’s on to London, where everyone is celebrating the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Valentine frequents Lady Harriet’s gambling house, and Louisa strikes up a promising friendship with the brooding lieutenant Lynley. But city life has its pitfalls: Valentine’s gambling debts accrue and Lady Harriet’s jealous husband threatens to destroy the Carnells’ fortunes and reputation. Morgan’s preoccupation with capturing the exact timbre of Regency literature results in the occasional stilted, leaden passage, but her wry, snappy dialogue and well-formed characters are a delight. Agent: Meg Davis, the Ki Agency.

February 1, 2013
Released from their domineering father's strict expectations by his unexpected death, siblings Valentine and Louisa decide to explore life beyond his rigid boundaries. Heading to London, they are tested by their newfound freedom. When their father seems to die from an actual fit of apoplexy, Valentine and Louisa are, for the first time in their lives, free to do as they please, which given the tight leash he has maintained on every detail of their existence, is heady indeed. Acquainting themselves to relatives they never knew, they are easily convinced to head into London to get a taste of sophisticated city life. Valentine becomes embroiled in an affair with a married woman who leads him in a merry dance on the edges of propriety, entangling him in murky debts and pushing him into events that could have devastating consequences. Meanwhile, Louisa, who finally has the ability to refuse the man her father expected her to marry, dips her toes into romance and begins to realize that freedom has pros and cons. As circumstances grow complicated and sinister, Valentine and Louisa revisit what matters most and understand the value of having friends they can depend on, even from surprisingly familiar quarters. This book is a witty, intelligent, Regency-set light romance that is reminiscent of such writers as Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. The language and storyline are clever and highly polished, though almost too much so; often it seems that the distinctly historical tone and cerebral style get in the way of moving the story forward. While the characters are engaging even as they embroil themselves in situations that make the reader want to reach into the book and shake them, they don't have the compelling qualities for which Austen or Heyer characters are famous, and therefore, the ironic, detached narrative style seems at times annoying and obstructive rather than charming. This entry misses the mark of Morgan's previous forays into historical romantic fiction. Many modern romance readers will find the book slow-moving and florid, while others may find the core of the story too lightweight.

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Starred review from March 1, 2013

After their mother's early death, Valentine and Louisa Carnell are raised under their father's harsh rule and not allowed to express opinions or feelings; only his death in 1813 allows them the chance to live. With a fortuitous visit and return invitation from London cousins, Valentine and Louisa seize the opportunity to leave Devonshire for new experiences. But no matter the location, even the best relationships can become tangled and confused. VERDICT Brew a cup of hot tea and settle in for a classic comedy of manners novel that Jane Austen might enjoy. The strong connections between multiple pairs of caring siblings, influenced by proper and slightly questionable personages alike, bring lively spirit to a story focused on the protagonists' internal growth and development. Details describing proper Regency era comportment and society add elegant touches to a touching book in which family, love, and kindness can win the day. A great suggestion for readers of all ages who relish the classics and character-driven books and for fans of Morgan's other historicals (Emily and Charlotte; An Accomplished Woman). [Library marketing.]--Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., OH

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