This was a very fluffy read, and one that barely held my interest. I liked McCabe's light, breezy writing style in the anthologies I have read, but the writing did not translate as well to a full length novel.The plot line centers around a quick marriage between Emily Carroll, a very shy Earl's daughter, and Nicholas, the Duke of Manning. Both characters have secrets, but they steadily grow to love each other. That is it. I usually like stories that do not have a lot of angst since real life is angsty enough, but in this case, the lack of deep emotion made the characters not seem like real people. There was a tragedy in Nocholas' past and Emily was hiding a secret scandalous association and an unsavory thwarted suitor, but it was not enough to give the story depth or keep me in suspense. All of the problems were glossed over and wrapped up in the last chapter in a neat and tidy bow. The characters remained flat and i just tried to get through it.It is a shame really because I really do like how McCabe writes. She creates a good setting, especially in Wellbourne, and I can see the characters in my mind's eye. The weakness is in the character development. Emily and Nicholas were physically attracted to each other, hence the scandal that got them engaged. Their honeymoon was a sweet interlude, except when Nicholas said he wanted to weave daisy chains (if my husband said that, I would have some concerns). However, after the marriage, all secondary character become flat and the story drags: Emily is shy and Nicholas is afraid to fall in love again. Both characters keep BIG secrets from each other, but this fundamental lack of trust is not dealt with in a way that seemed realistic. They have one meeting by the river and voila! all secrets are revealed and the conflict is resolved. I guess my main problem is that there was not character growth. Emily is still shy and uncertain at the end, and I have my doubts about whether she trusted Nicholas, and Nicholas still had his fears and remained a very gentle husband (to the point that made me doubt some of the passion).If you want a low angst book with a shy heroine and gentle hero, both limited by very proper manners, this is for you. If you like books with emotional depth that keep you on the edge of your seat, pass on this one. I will be trying other works by McCabe, but I will most likely stick with her short stories and novellas. 3 stars. I really enjoyed this book. Lady Emily Carroll.needs to marry to save her family. The problem is that Emily is so shy she cant talk to men and is clumcy. Nichols Manning carries a secrect that scare him but he must do his duty to his title. Lady Emily is the only woman who make him feel anything.Scndal has them marry and they discover that trust and friendship is also whats needed in a marriage.
What do You think about Timida Duchessa (2012)?
Lovely historical. McCabe is one of my favorite harlequin historical authors.
—ijoseph
An enjoyable and gentle book that left me sighing.
—reh3d
The heroine is a beautiful idiot, nothing more.
—90REDA
Miniseries: The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor
—xavknight
I guess I was expecting more conflict.
—kuronekoakito
