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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
a good read, April 12, 2003
This review is from: Miranda's Mistake (Signet Regency Romance) (Paperback)
Seven years ago, Miranda Hemsley jilted Evan Langley so that she could marry the very rich (and much older) Earl of Crandle. Miranda, of course, did this in order to save her family from destitution. Now, she's a sophisticated widow of the ton and spends her time in London partaking in all the many diversions and social amusements that her position and wealth entitles her to. But she's never forgotten her first love nor has she ceased to regret her very abrupt jilting of Evan. The last thing she expected, however, when she accepted her good friend (and former governess), Lady Beatrice Rothwell's invitation to attend a house party at Beatrice's country estate was to find Evan there as one of the guests, and as a suitor for Beatrice's stepdaughter's, Artemis, hand in marriage! Evan Langley thought that he had managed to put all thoughts (save bitter and angry ones) of Miranda behind him. Yet, he cannot ignore just how much the sight of her still manages to stir and ignite him after all this time. Evan is determined to ignore this resurgence of feeling and concentrate on courting Artemis instead. But he has to contend with a very determined Miranda however who has decided that Evan will just not do for her very young friend. Who will win this battle of wills? Will Evan and Miranda be able to overlook their strong feelings for each other? And what of Artemis who has decided that Evan would suit her as a husband admirably? "Miranda's Mistake" while it does center on a much used plot device proved to be rather pleasant read. Miranda and Evan were quite the typical stock hero and heroine type, likable but with flaws a plenty and a tendency (on Evan's part in particular) not to forgive past wrongs easily. What I liked about this novel in particular was Jenna Mindel's portrayal of Artemis Rothwell and all the insecurities she felt and dealt with since she was not the typical ingenue type we're all familiar with. And while I was a little disappointed that very little of her story was resolved, I'm hoping that the authour has planned a sequel to "Miranda's Mistake" which would feature Artemis as heroine. On the whole though, if you're in the mood for a well written novel that focuses on the second chance at love gambit, "Miranda's Mistake" would do amply.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Three-dimensional characters in a fine read, February 12, 2004
This review is from: Miranda's Mistake (Signet Regency Romance) (Paperback)
I loved the characters in this book. Miranda, Evan, and Artemis are well-rounded, believable people with true insecurities and problems to be faced. The author avoids tried-and-true plot devices and provides a sweet tale set entirely in the countryside rather than in overused London. The author's voice grew stronger as the book moved on, and I can only think that her next book will be even better. I'm pleased to see that the next will be Artemis's story, and I look forward to reading it.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good, but not without mixed feelings, May 1, 2003
This review is from: Miranda's Mistake (Signet Regency Romance) (Paperback)
Seven years ago, Miranda met the love of her life during her first Season. She and Evan Langley were caught in a whirlwind romance, and she had promised to marry him... until she married Lord Crandle instead. Miranda was stuck in a cold marriage with a man 3X her age, and Evan's heart was broken. Now a widow, Miranda travels to the Rothwell estate to help her former governess' daughter, Artemis (a veritable tomboy). Miranda is to bolster the young girl's confidence and show her some grace. While Miranda is there, fate lands her in the company of her former love, Evan--now the Earl of Ashbourne. Miranda starts to wonder if they can rekindle their relationship. But Evan's hopes are very different from hers. Evan wants to make Artemis his wife, because Artemis isn't the kind of girl he could lose his head over. Of course Evan is still attracted to Miranda, but can she convince him to give her another chance? I liked the characters. Evan possessed a lot of lethargic charm-even if he was a bit pig-headed at times. I definitely could relate with Evan's feelings, and I could understand his reserve. Miranda's character transitions were quite believeable. The hero and heroine weren't perfect, but they were very realistic. Their thoughts and reactions were very believeable. Mindel's novel is a strong character piece. I also enjoyed Artemis, and I thought Evan and Miranda treated her a bit unfairly at times. Poor, insecure Artemis... I hope she'll be featured in a sequel where she can find a man who makes her feel worthy of love. (Perhaps Clasby, Evan's friend?) The book is good. It's not astounding, but it's good. It moved along at a quick pace and always kept my interest. The plot was a bit stale, but the realistic characters made it worthwhile.
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