The Courtship [Paperback]

Stephanie Mittman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1997

Two brothers...and the one woman who claimed their hearts...

Ash Whittier had barely returned to Oakland's harbor, when he was arrested for arson, insurance fraud--and murder.  His only hope was his brother Cabot, the best lawyer in Oakland, and Cabot's young wife, Charlotte, the town's first lady lawyer.  He knew he could count on his brother to rescue him, just as he'd done before.  The last time had put Cabot in a wheelchair...This time there was Charlotte, whose no-nonsense suits weren't doing much to hide her needy heart.

All Charlotte had ever wanted was to be a lawyer.  Cabot had given her the chance, and so much more, when he'd married her.  He'd taught her to dress like a lawyer, think like a professional, and act like a man.  But somehow her brother-in-law still saw the lace beneath the starch.  And suddenly being a lawyer wasn't the only thing she wanted anymore.

They were his lawyers, determined to save his life.  But as his trial approached, it became clear that if Ash won his case, someone would still have to lose.  .  .  .

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A brilliant, wheelchair-bound attorney; his naive, but equally brilliant attorney wife; and his seafaring, businessman brother form a seemingly impossible romantic triangle in this emotionally involving story. The characters (including some memorable birds) are appealing, the choice of Victorian Oakland?rather than San Francisco?as a setting is delightfully original, and humor and whimsy add a light touch to a story with a rather dark premise. The dilemma's resolution is too-convenient, but believable. Mittman has produced a charming, compelling story that draws readers in and will please her growing number of fans while attracting new ones. Mittman (Sweeter Than Wine, Dell, 1997) lives in Centerport, New York.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Courtships are light-hearted things, but not when the courtship involves a courtroom, a lawyer, the lawyer's brother, and the lawyer's wife. To make this courtship even more tense, the lawyer's wife is a lawyer too. It all started when the lawyer's brother - that's Ash - gets into trouble with the law for burning down his own business. Of course, no matter what family relations are, the lawyer must come to his brother's assistance. One twist in this story is the unfeeling behavior of the lawyer for his lawyer-wife. The wife, Charlotte Whittier, wears plain clothes, all the frills covered up so her husband won't see them. She is softhearted, but only when he can't see it. She cries hidden away in a room where no one can hear. Her husband, who incidentally is in a wheelchair because of an accident supposedly caused by Ash - and that's the second twist --, attempts to erase away every last feminine detail, making Charlotte a consummate lawyer in the face of society, even though she is a woman. Ash Whittier, the bad-luck brother, is drawn to the lovely and caring Charlotte, seeing through all of her false faces. They brush by each other, both tormented by a desire barely concealed. Their hands touch and sparks ignite. Eyes meet across the table and the passion runs rampant. The ache they both feel is denied to keep from destroying the delicate web of this tragic situation. Neither can ignore the love that exists between them, but their entire world is built on Charlotte's marriage to Ash's brother. With all the stoic tension of a Perry Mason movie, Stephanie Mittman unleashes incredible powers of persuasion and intrigue. Cabot Whittier, the lawyer and third wheel in this love story, is perhaps the element that makes this entire thing work. He is dynamic, disagreeable, and domineering, but he is truly enigmatic. The tension between these characters is almost palpable. The wonderful intensity of The Courtship's plot is astoundingly clever and enjoyable. Stephanie Mittman writes a sensational story of courtroom romance! A three-way love story that will astonish readers in its intensity and volatility! In the world of high-tension romance, Stephanie Mittman rises above the rest! The Courtship is exhilarating and brilliant. Karen Ellington -- Copyright © 1998 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Dell (December 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440221811
• ISBN-13: 978-0440221814
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 3.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,276,001 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Starts out slow but..., May 12, 2001

By 

J. Williams (Worcester, Ma United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Courtship (Paperback)

This book started really slow, several times I wondered if I should just put it on my bookshelf. Happily, I did not because it really picked up in the middle and was a wonderful story filled with romance, humor, and a little bit of mystery.

Charlotte is a wonderful heroine, strong and willing to fight for a cause. Ash is the perfect suitor (even if he is courting his brother's wife). I just wish that Cabot (the husband) was more likable. It was obvious from the beginning that Charlotte would be better off with her brother-in-law than with her own husband.

Overall it was a great book. If you decide to give it a try be patient! Get through the first 100 pages and you will be glad that you did.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best!!!!!!, November 25, 1998

By 

Kristyn Pleva ([e-mail]) (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Courtship (Paperback)

Stephanie Mittman has created such a wonderful story, it is a shame we can only give her 5 stars. Charlotte, Ashford, and Cabot are memorable characters that will stay with you for a long time. This is not a typical romance story. The characters take time to get to know each other, not just introduce themselves and jump in to bed. It is full of humor and genuine emotions.

Ash is on trial for arson, a crime he did not commit. His brother, who Ash believes he crippled years ago, and his sister-in-law are his lawyers. As more and more evidence points to Ash as the arsonist, the more Charlotte believes he is innocent. Charlotte and Ash fight their growing love, as they fight together for Ash's life.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this author, February 25, 2011

By 

Louise Pledge "Library Lou" (Bountiful, Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Courtship (Paperback)

Actually, it's the first time I've read Stephanie Mittman, but it certainly won't be the last. The cover was a turn-off to me, as I thought, "Oh, it's just one of those cheap romance stories", but I was in for a surprise. It's much more! It's a love story laden with loyalties, frustration and other emotions. I really had a hard time putting it down; I would get up in the middle of the night and start reading again. Now I'm eager to read her others!