Travelling Matchmaker: Belinda Goes to Bath by M C Beaton
| Travelling Matchmaker: Belinda Goes to Bath by M C Beaton | |
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| Category: Women's Fiction | |
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Reviewer: Sue Magee
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| Summary: A light Regency romance which is part of a series and ideal for a long journey or the beach. | |
| Buy? Maybe | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 196 | Date: February 2011 |
| Publisher: Robinson | |
| ISBN: 978-1849014809 | |
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Miss Hannah Pym was a housekeeper until recently but has now received a legacy which lifts her out of the servant classes and enables her to fulfil her long-held wish to travel. It might be winter but Miss Pym is taking the stagecoach to The Bath (as the upper classes call the city) just for the adventure. The company in the stage is joined by an obviously well-bred young woman, Miss Belinda Earle who, accompanied by her companion, is being sent in disgrace to stay with her aunt.
Cold weather is often mitigated by alcohol and the frequent stops which the stage is forced to make mean that the coachman is not entirely sober and thus unable to stop the stage from falling into an icy river. Fortunately the passengers are rescued by the Marquis of Frenton and taken to Baddiel Castle. It's less fortunate for the people already staying at the castle. They're hoping that their daughter, Penelope, is going to marry Frenton, but he's never been that convinced and he's even less so when he sees how the family treats the stranded passengers.
It's a great romance in a well-researched historical setting. It's 1800 and the period is brought vividly to life. You'll realise just how reactions to female body hair (amongst other things!) have changed, and just how cold, uncomfortable and dangerous travel could be – particularly in winter. It's the characters you'll really warm to though. Miss Pym is a delight with her common sense and straight-forward approach to life. Belinda is a little naïve – particularly as to what she should and shouldn't say about herself – but with a kindly disposition. She might lack a little in terms of beauty but she's someone you could imagine spending time with. Penelope is perhaps just a little too much of the pantomime villain, but it makes for a good story.
I found it an easy read on a long journey and I'd like to thank the publisher for sending a copy to the Bookbag. We also have a review of The Travelling Matchmaker: Emily Goes to Exeter by M C Beaton.
For more Regency romance we can recommend mproper Relations and Mr Bishop and the Actress both by Janet Mullany as well as Counterfeit Kisses by Sandra Heath.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Travelling Matchmaker: Belinda Goes to Bath by M C Beaton at Amazon.com.
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