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Virginia Leishman lends her precise British accent to this historical romance. The unexpected death of his older brother brings Stuart Somerset back in touch with Verity Durant, the woman who got away 10 years earlier. Mistaken identity and romantic tribulations ensue, helped along by Leishman's steady, even tones throughout. While she provides little variation in pace or accent, Leishman gives Stuart's voice a slightly lower pitch, which helps keep the characters easily differentiated--although some of the flashes back to Stuart and Verity's pasts can be difficult to follow. Leishman shines in her portrayal of Verity, who supposedly is French, adding a touch of intrigue to the otherwise-straitlaced story. A particular delight is the contrast between the restrained emotion of the upper classes and the steamy interludes between Verity and Stuart. E.N. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

June 16, 2008
A Cinderella story with a compelling culinary twist, Thomas's scrumptious Victorian confection (after Private Arrangements
) proves impossible to resist. Madame Verity Durant works for Bertram “Bertie” Somerset at his estate, Fairleigh Park—after serving as the mistress he failed to marry (due to a questionable background that includes an illegitimate child). When Bertie dies unexpectedly at 38, Verity worries as Bertie's “bastard-born” brother, Stuart—now London's foremost barrister —takes over the estate. Verity had shared a secret, mouthwatering affair with Stuart 10 years earlier, and she doesn't expect him to keep her on, especially since he's affianced to the very proper Miss Lizzy Bessler. What ensues, however, is “happiness on a plate,” as Thomas shows that hunger for passion, and madeleines, never dies.