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 positions of governess to his daughter. Clearly, that will put Charlotte exactly where she need 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
- Mischief and Manors
- The Last Eligible Bachelor
- The Ace of Hearts
- The Captain's Confidant
- With Love, Louisa
-
Lord Blackwell's Promise
