The Betrothal (Harlequin Historical #749) by Terri Brisbin, Miranda Jarrett, Joanne Rock

Betrothal (Harlequin Historical #749)by Anonymous

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March 11, 2005: This is an engagning(though kind of unbalanced) collection of stories in honor of spring weddings that will deserve a place on the shelves of most romance readers. The first story is ?The Claiming of Lady Joanna? by Terri Brisbin, an author known for her medieval English tales of intrigue at the various English courts of the time. Once again she delivers what her fans have come to expect: an independent headstrong heroine and a bold hero who do whatever he must to win her, and a magical medieval adventure through the wilds of England and Wales. Though the differences that keep the two lovers at odds are sometimes thin, a runaway bride is always hard to resist, and readers will enjoy this well-told tale by Miss Brisbin. (Four stars) The second story is ?Highland Handfast? by Joanne Rock, is also a medieval romance, set in the mists of Scotland. Unfortunately, it is also the weakest of the three stories. Starring a young widow who must ask a favor of an old flame to save her children, the story does offer plenty of adventure and action, and the fear and risks the heroine must take on behalf of her children and her lover will surely ring true in any modern mother?s heart. But awkward Scottish dialects and many historical inaccuracies will make this slow-going for dedicated medieval readers, and rob the story of its power. (three stars) I was surprised to find the third story, ?A Marriage in Three Acts? by Miranda Jarrett, included in this collection. It seemed very out of place. Not only is it set in regency England, but the characters and story are as sunny and fun as the other two are dark and dramatic. But this is the reason to buy this book. In the traditions of flawless writers like Loretta Chase and Julia Quinn who lace their romance with witty humor, this story is a gem, a tale that will make you laugh out loud and sigh with happiness when the hero and heroine finally marry. A shabby travelling theater company coaxs a distracted intellectual lord to let them put on a wedding-play for his younger sister at his beautiful country house, and the instant chemistry and witty conversations between the lord and the diva of a leading lady are a real delight. In Miss Jarrett?s expert hands, this story is a tasty bonbon. My only regret was that it wasn?t a full-length book, so I could spend more time with these characters. (six stars)