Secrets and Sensibilities

Review by: Lynda E. on May 10, 2016 :
This is the first book in the Lady Emily Capers, and as I find Regina Scott’s writing very enjoyable, I am thrilled to begin what is a new series to me.

Hannah is an art teacher acting as a chaperone to several students as they visit one of their aunts, the widowed Lady Brentfield. One of the best parts about her character is the selfless attitude she expresses throughout, but I really enjoyed her growth through the novel, from quiet, insecure spinster, to confident woman who finally knows her own mind, abilities, and value.

David is an unusual Regency hero—his American heritage and upbringing give him a humorous bent at times and call attention to some of the ridiculous rules of the period at others. The reader gets the opportunity to learn some of the conventions along with him, giving us more historical grounding and understanding of some of the customs to which ladies and gentlemen adhered. And when it seems like nonsense to him, he is willing to throw all accepted practice to the wind, giving him a rakish quality without making him into a caricature of either an English gentleman or a bumbling American.

Too often within historical fiction, it feels as if a plot could take place in any time period. But in this novel the words, phrasing, mannerisms and situations locate us firmly in the Regency era. Discussions about entails, proper bowing based on social station, being “bored to flinders,” and “desultory” conversations are only a few examples of how she skillfully immerses us in the setting without resorting to lecturing the reader.

With wonderful characters and humor, this delightful Regency romantic mystery is sure to please fans of the genre. I would highly recommend it to those who are looking for a fun read with a sweet romance and a few luscious kisses.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for this honest review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

Review by: Brittany McEuen on March 18, 2016 :
What a delightful and fun story this was! Secrets and Sensibilities, a clean regency novel, was packed with interesting characters and a wonderfully written romance. I absolutely loved the way the relationship developed between the two main characters, Hannah and David. There was great romantic attraction and tension between these two, while also respect and plenty of humor.

The other side characters have plenty to recommend them, as well. At the beginning of the book, I wasn’t sure if I could ever like Hannah’s charges, who all seemed to be spoiled and self-focused. I was pleased with their growth throughout the story. I am excited to see what happens with each of these young ladies in future novels.

Secrets and Sensibilities had the perfect balance of love, danger, and humor. It was a fun novel that I had trouble setting down! I definitely recommend it to fans of clean regency fiction that contains a dash of mystery and danger.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review by: Jutzie on March 12, 2016 :
Secrets and Sensibilities by Regina Scott
The Lady Emily Capers Book One
Hannah Alexander is looking forward to quitting her job at Barnsley's School for Young Ladies, as her true desire is to paint. She is close to having the funds to move to London and do so. Very close. That is until she is sent to chaperone four young women and everything changes.

David Tenant, the new Earl of Brentfield knows little about the aristocracy or about being an earl. He's an American who enjoyed his leather craft business. One thing he is learning quickly about is that aristocratic women are underhanded. And that maybe he should have heeded his friends advice that someone wanted to kill him.

This starts the series of mystery, intrigue and romance that continues in the books that follow. The four young women; Emily Southwell, Priscilla Tate, Daphne and Ariadne Courdebas, continue solving more mysteries. I really enjoyed this story. It brings out the emotions for the characters...such as despising one or two of them and keeps the reader guessing who the villain could be.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2012/10/regina-scott-book-list.html