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Rating: 
Summary: A Delightful Book
Review: A Bird in Hand is a delightful book. It has an interesting plot and well-developed lead characters. Some of the peripheral characters are a little one-dimensional, but still believable. The only disappointment I had was that Elizabeth's father doesn't get the blistering setdown that he so deserves. I would have really liked to have read that scene! My favorite authors are Mary Balogh and Patricia Oliver. Allison Lane is fast becoming another. I want to read all her books now that I've read A Bird in Hand and The Beleaguered Earl.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable, but not a favourite
Review: Allison Lane has created a complicated plot, certainly, but one which isn't impossible to follow. The hero is indeed likeable, but the supporting characters are barely credible at times. How could two sisters be so different? Yes, fathers could get away with all sorts of behaviour towards their offspring, but really, Fosdale is simply an unbelievable character. It's not credible that the heir to a dukedom would remain under his roof having been so insulted.Talented writer, nice lead characters, try a little harder with the supporting cast next time.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable, but not a favourite
Review: Georgette Heyer once wrote she didn't write about Dukes because there were so few of them. Hero is heir to a dukedom, heroine is a traditional blue stocking writing novels, at least three accidents that left travellers seeking the nearest shelter, scheming sister and father, but all excellently described, set in Cumberland in the winter and it includes realistic tales of how difficult travel could be and bad roads could be in those days. Well worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: Traditional Regency Romance
Review: Georgette Heyer once wrote she didn't write about Dukes because there were so few of them. Hero is heir to a dukedom, heroine is a traditional blue stocking writing novels, at least three accidents that left travellers seeking the nearest shelter, scheming sister and father, but all excellently described, set in Cumberland in the winter and it includes realistic tales of how difficult travel could be and bad roads could be in those days. Well worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful regency romance
Review: I had never heard of Allison Lane until I read A BIRD IN HAND, and now I try not to miss any of her new books! To me the best parts of A BIRD IN HAND are the hero and heroine, Randolph and Elizabeth, and their intelligent and thoughtful conversations. The bookish and shy hero, in particular, is a refreshing change from the typical rake/rogue that seems to dominate much of the romance genre. When Elizabeth and Randolph finally clear up their misunderstandings and misgivings and fall into each other's arms, it is hard not to sigh and dream of a happily-ever-after. Randolph and Elizabeth make an appearance in BIRDS OF A FEATHER, and I hope the author would consider bringing them back in another delightful story.
Rating: 
Summary: Complicated plot, but runs smoothly.
Review: Lord Randolph Symington was only stopping by Ravenswood to purchase a manuscript from Fosdale. He did not expect to see Elizabeth, his daughter, fall into a river during a horrible storm and have to dive in to rescue her. They ended up saving each other. Randolph had sent Sedgewick on to fetch help. Unfortunately, Randolph and Sedgewick both ended up unconscious and everyone though Sedgewick was really Lord Symington. Randolph offered for Elizabeth since they had to spend the night of the storm together, even if nothing happened. He was amazed when she flatly refused! Once reunited with Sedgewick, they decided to keep everyone unaware of the mistake in their identities. Randolph wanted to see if Elizabeth could actually love him without a title or money. It was impossible to believe she REALLY did not wish to marry. At the same time, Elizabeth's sister is trying to compromise the fake Lord Symington into marriage. ***Very complicated plot, but the author manages to pull it off smoothly! Never boring! Allison Lane is a name to watch for future works!***
Rating:
Summary: Uncommonly good book made up of common elements
Review: Lord Symington's grandfather, the Duke of Whitfield, has a dying wish: to see his grandson marry and beget an heir. Symington hates London, but Whitfield suggests a lady who might suit: Lady Elizabeth, the granddaughter of his old friend Lord Fosdale. As it happens, the present Lord Fosdale, Elizabeth's father, has a rare manuscript that Whitfield might wish to purchase. Symington, an expert in antique books, could go to Fosdale Manor to inspect the manuscript and meet the daughter without feeling obligated to make an offer for her. Symington reluctantly agrees, taking along his friend, Lord Sedgewick Wylie. Elizabeth hears of her father's plans to trap Symington into marriage with her. Elizabeth does not wish to marry at all. Besides, her younger sister Cecelia is much more beautiful; if anyone is going to be trapped in marriage--an idea Elizabeth loathes--it might as well be Cecelia. Elizabeth flees to her aunt's home for what she hopes is a long enough time to not meet Lord Symington. But when she returns home, she meets some unusual visitors... The author uses many elements not at all uncommon to historical romance: the hero who isn't sure if anyone sees the man behind the title and wealth; the heroine who fears marriage and the total control it gives a man over his wife; the scheming parents who try to set up their daughters to be compromised; mistaken identities; storms; a carriage accident... What makes A BIRD IN HAND different and so enjoyable is the way Ms. Lane synthesizes these elements into a whole that is greater than its parts. We see the hopes, dreams, plans, thoughts, and fears of most the characters, not just hero and heroine. The primary two spend a great deal of time together, often in serious conversation, and as they get to know each other as people, not just titles, the reader gets to know them as well--Ms. Lane packs a lot into 218 pages. A BIRD IN HAND is not light and frothy, but neither is it dark and depressing--it is just right. Whether you are new to the Regency subgenre or a long-time fan, don't miss this one. Kimberly Borrowdale Under the Covers Book Reviews
Rating:
Summary: Good in parts, but poor characterisation and plot
Review: Unlike another reviewer here, I didn't find this at all a *complicated* plot. However, like another Lane book I've read, it suffers from poor characterisation. While the heroine, Elizabeth, and Symington himself are well drawn, the rest of the cast seem like mere caricatures, especially Elizabeth's father, Fosdyke. I cannot understand why Symington maintained his masquerade when faced with such an appallingly il-mannered host. Cecilia is similarly unbelievable with her repulsive and incredible attempts to force Symington's friend (pretending to be Symington, remember) into marriage. The mistaken identities do get resolved in the end... somehow... and yet I can't even remember how, now! (not that I'd give it away for anyone who hasn't read the book). I can't recommend this; it pales in comparison with anything from Mary Balogh, Mary Jo Putney, Patricia Oliver or Carla Kelly.
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