I previously reviewed
Mischief and Manors, the first book in the Change of Heart Series. I expressed
how delighted I was to find such an entertaining series "built around
characters with charm and wit". The second book,
Seaside Scandal, was
equally as enjoyable as the first. However, this third book,
Lies and Letters, has thus far been my favorite, but that reason had
nothing to do with charm or wit.
The main character in Lies and Letters, Charlotte Lyons, was one of
the characters in both of the previous books. She was
definitely not a likable character. She was a cunning,
deceptive, self-centered, vain, backstabbing, fortune & title seeker who
didn't care who she hurt in order to get what she wanted, including other
women who thought she was a trusted friend. There was absolutely
nothing about Charlotte that made her admirable or desirable aside from her
physical beauty. That beauty may have attracted men, but once they
looked past the surface, they lost interest completely.
We knew some of Charlotte's background from the previous two books, but we
learn all about her in Lies and Letters. Her mother has trained
her to harden her heart against emotions and to secure a future of
fortune. A titled husband was most important for societal
success. Charlotte was even a malicious and cruel liar when it served
her purposes.
Surprisingly, as much as I disliked Charlotte in the first two books, I
couldn't help feeling very sorry for her in this book. I even wanted
her to have a life filled with love, instead of the hatefulness she had been
taught all of her life.
Sometimes people get what they deserve. Other times, they are
fortunate enough to start over and get a second chance. Then there are
times when they get both. There is nothing like a fiction book to make
everything so crystal clear. Real life is a lot messier, but isn't
that one of the main reasons we enjoy reading fiction?
Lies and Letters Synopsis
Lies and Letters: A Regency Romance
(Change of Heart Book 3)Check PriceWhen the Lyons family discovers their father/husband has lost his fortune
gambling and ruined their reputation socially, Charlotte's mother plots a
way for her daughter, Charlotte, to restore their standing. Mr. Lyons
is excelled to France. Mrs. Lyons goes to live with her wealthy
cousin. Charlotte and her sister, Clara, are sent away from London to
the northern coast of England to pursue an Earl who is too far away to know
what has happened to their family. Her mother has made it clear that
Charlotte must succeed!
Upon arrival at Craster, Charlotte is immediately disgusted by the dismal
place. She can't imagine having to live the rest of her life there,
but she steels herself to the fact that she has no choice. She must
get the Earl to marry her and restore her family's standing. In order
to do that, she "uses" every means available to place her in the path of the
Earl, including threatening his brother. She has fortuitously come
into possession of an old love letter he wrote. Charlotte insures him
she will send that letter to a young woman in town to force him to marry her
or risk ruining the girl's reputation. As a gentleman and truly kind
person, James will not harm the girl and the family that has been his
friends for many years.
Noting Charlotte's education and social training, James recommends her to
his brother for the position of governess to his daughter. Clearly,
that will put Charlotte exactly where she needs to be ensnare the
Earl.
But, Charlotte, herself, is the one who ends up being ensnared and the
costs are exorbitant and life changing.
There are definitely some unexpected twists in this Regency Romance.
Books by Ashtyn Newbold Previously Reviewed on ReviewThisReviews.com
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