Customer Reviews

Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand and Miss Grimsley's Oxford Career

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This review is based on the first book, "Miss Drew Plays her Hand." I also enjoyed "Miss Grimsley", though it was more light-hearted and not as mature as "Mrs. Drew."

Roxanna Drew was very much in love with her husband, Anthony, who passed away 9 months ago. She is still in mourning when her brother-in-law comes around with an offer to make her his mistress. Young widow Roxanna is poor and has two young daughters. Instead of accepting such a dubious offer, she rents the dower house on Lord Winn's estate.

Lord Winn, Fletcher Rand, ex-army colonel, is plagued by scandal. Polite society no longer accepts him: he is divorced. Just before Christmas, he travels to Moreland--and is surprised to see a young widow and her two daughters living there. Lord Winn fits in almost immediately. He is delighted by the company of Roxanna and her two little girls.

But fate has dealt them both a difficult hand. Throughout the course of the novel, Carla Kelly makes us laugh and pulls at our heartstrings--in the way only SHE can! It's sweet, it's touching, it's poignant, it's mature... Mrs. Drew is truly a magificent, moving tale!

This two-in-one re-release of 2 previous Kelly novels would be an excellent addition to your shelves!

"Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand" is one of my all time favorite books. Carla has a way of bringing each character to life in each of her books and this one is no exception. I could not put this book down my first time through, and I often find myself reading it over again. It's like visiting old friends.

I loved reading Lord Winn's thoughts and comments. His quick wit and secret endearments had me laughing and crying! He quickly won my heart with his caring for Roxanna Drew and her children. He became her champion, and mine, in the process of rescuing Roxanna from her wicked relative! Lord Winn had himself so convinced that he is a royal flop at relationships; and sees himself as being just a scarred war veteran, with little or nothing to give a woman or a family; only to find he is anything but a flop and we get to watch this change take place in his heart and mind as he finds himself so in love that it scares him.

I love Roxanna's strong character; no simpering miss, here! Yet, she knows her own limitations and boundaries and is true to her heart as she honors the love she had for her late husband. She would do anything for her girls, within the dictates of her good morals, that is; and proves it by marrying Lord Winn to keep away from the grip of her adulterous brother-in-law. She finds herself falling in love with her second husband and this frightens her. She steels herself from heartache by applying herself to whatever is needing to be done; something to which many strong-willed women can relate! I like her spunk and determination, yet you see her vulnerable side, too.

JUST AN ALL AROUND DELIGHTFUL BOOK!


Although I absolutely loved "Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand", I also found that "Miss Grimley's Oxford Career" was also a good read; different, but fun and also has a strong young woman as the main character.

Mrs Drew Plays her Hand is one of my all time favorite books! It was such a sweet story and the hero and heroine were never mean to each other (I hate mean people). The brother in law was a good villain too. I would highly recommend this book.