Customer Reviews

I Bid One American

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What a fun novel! Henry James broke my heart with Isabel Archer in "Portrait of a Lady," but Amy Corwin gives us the kind of heroine we love, ambitious, intelligent, outspoken, free-spirited and determined never to give up her independence no matter who seeks her hand in marriage. Not even the most charming, titled, sought-after bachelor in town will tempt her. (Of course, she *might* underestimate his sweetness and sex appeal...)

Unlike the famously ill-fated Isabel, this American heroine in Europe realizes that a woman just might be able to travel, study and see the world while escorted by a handsome husband. Marriage might place limits on some women's freedom, but a woman like Charlotte will find a free-spirited man who is equally terrified of the institution of marriage. --No, this is not a plot spoiler, this is a romance, so we know Charlotte will not end up a spinster or a miserable wife.

In the midst of Charlotte's journey to self-discovery and a lifelong partnership, this story is filled with murder, mayhem, adventure and surprises. Charlotte's guardians, the Archers, are delightful and wickedly funny people, even if they do live in "stuffy" British society.

This "whodunnit" keeps us guessing to the end, but we may be sure our hero has no blood on his hands, no matter how much circumstantial evidence builds around him. And we'll be sure to read Amy's next novel, in which (rumor has it) the Archers and the Bow Street detective will once again delight faithful readers.

--Here is the conclusion from the review by Long and Short Reviews

Filled with colorful characters with peculiar traits, this novel held me spellbound as I raced through its pages. The author does a wonderful job of portraying Charlotte with her strong American beliefs of equality but also a respect for the authority that she is under. Even though she does not like going to the balls, she accompanies the Archers since they are her guardians. I was also able to identify with her, especially regarding the fact that she spoke before she thought. That is a fault many people can own up to. The mystery is also very well developed and solved in a timely manner with a surprise ending that I was unable to guess.

This was a great read and Ms. Corwin has written an outstanding novel.
--Reviewed by Jasmin for LONG and SHORT Reviews