The Souvenir Countess (Berkley Sensation) (Paperback)

by Joanna Novins (Author) "Please let it still be here,'' Alix prayed as she ran her hands frantically over the floor..." (more)
Key Phrases: silver siren, little hoyden, mock shudder, Lady Melbourne, Lady Anne, Anne Dinsmore (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Joanna Novins brings a rich new voice to romantic fiction. -- Julia London, USA Today bestselling author of The Secret Lover

Product Description
On the run from French revolutionaries, Alix de la Brou needs the help of Rafe Harcrest-a man who, however handsome, has far too many opinions on the matter of her future. But when he fetches a marriage license behind her back, it takes every bit of restraint not to throw something at the arrogant rake. She can bear the loss of her titles and fortune, but not the idea that Rafe may not love her as a true bride.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (January 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 042519387X
• ISBN-13: 978-0425193877
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,749,370 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine historical romantic read, January 7, 2004

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

1792 Paris remains an unsafe place for the aristocracy. Lady Alix de la Brou knows she must flee, but first searches for her missing mamam so that they can find sanctuary across the Channel. However, Alix instead finds herself in danger until visiting Englishman Rafe Harcourt rescues her from Madam Guillotine. To keep her reputation intact as they journey to England together, they marry though she is convinced she wed a commoner.

In London, they separate and Alix moves in with her mother, who had previously escaped from France. Rafe missies his French spouse and wants her back, but she refuses to return to him saying he married her under false pretenses by not revealing he was an earl and only wed her to take her to safety in accordance with acceptable convention. Rafe has his work cut out as he courts his wife in an attempt to prove to her he loves her.

Though the heroine is a charmer, her behavior at times seems odd (battle fatigue syndrome perhaps?); yet fans will still enjoy this French Revolution Era romance due to the dysfunctional loving relationship between the lead couple. Rafe is a delightful protagonist while fans will feel empathy towards Alix's plight of loving him, but not able to trust his motives. Fans will enjoy Joanna Nevins swift-paced sensational story that brings the time period alive on both sides of the Channel inside a fine historical romantic read.

Harriet Klausner

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun read and a good story, February 11, 2004

By A Customer

I thought that this was a very well researched book, with great pacing. I enjoyed it. Definitely a cut above much of what I have been reading! The characters were fun; I liked that Alix was young and a bit self focused, that Rafe was...well, you'll have to read it for yourself!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read, January 19, 2004

By A Customer

I liked the writing, the pacing, the story. I could feel the silk, hear the angry mobs, feel the fear. The interaction was believable; Rafe and Alix, as well as a rich array of secondary characters, were multi dimensional. The historical setting added depth and excitement. The writing was intelligent and even.

I look forward to more books from this author!