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Summary: a splendid treat for any time of year -
Review: At last! In case you've ever discovered yourself doing something entirely unplanned or even un-thought-of, you might want to check your family portraits. Especially if the time is close to Halloween. You may well have a Lady Margaret of your very own, conjuring up ways to get you to do as she wishes, rather than what you might have had planned.
Sandra Heath presents a perfectly plausible explanation for such activities in her delightful romp "The Halloween Husband." Since its publication in 1994, when it promptly became my favorite of her books, I've tried to re-read it every year just prior to the date it commemorates. It never loses its charm!
When Rowena Melcombe found herself in an all-too-lifelike dream with a gentleman she didn't even know, she had no idea that the next day, there he'd be, virtually on her doorstep. Well, actually, it was in the secluded vestry of the church where Rowena had gone for a private cry. And just like magic--in walked the very gentleman of whom she'd dreamed so lasciviously the night before.
The Melcombe family troubles began when the husband and father, William, died suddenly, leaving behind a widow, a daughter, Rowena, his heir, the studious fifteen-year-old Lionel, and twin sons, Stephen and Paul. At twelve years of age, they're fit to become devils all on their own with their endless pranks. If only there was enough money available to allow them to live as they ought, but no -- that was beyond possibility.
Still, however, there is Lady Margaret. She is determined to keep her little family safe and in their own home. Never underestimate the power of a truly obstinate female, especially a ghostly one!
Lord Justin Alderney is a rake of no little regard, frustrated at his father's command to marry soon. If necessary, the Marquis will choose a suitable bride for his son. Well! This sort of situation cannot be left on its own to develop when there's a willing, if ghostly hand available to help out just a little bit!
Set in the countryside of Exmoor as well as London, legends and lore of Halloween abound in this tale that is certain to bring laughs, chuckles and an abundance of smiles to the reader. Add in the perfect happy ending for each character, including Lady Margaret!-and happy sighs will also be heard. No tricks-it's the perfect treat!
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Summary: a wonderful Halloween romance
Review: William Melcombe dies, leaving his poor family destitute. Fortunately, for them, the ghostly Lady Margaret Melcombe decides to put her ghostly finger into matters. The Powers that Be have granted her the ability to leave her portrait once a year on Halloween night, to make sure her family is fairing well. Lady Margaret decides what is needed is a bit of matchmaking this Halloween, between Lord Justin Alderney and her innocent relative Rowenna Melcombe. But this may require more biffity-boffity-boop to see her plans realized. Justin is a rake of the first order, and Rowenna has just narrowly escape ruin at the hands of one rake. However, time is short and there is no other likely candidate, so Lady Margaret works her special magic. That is why, despite all Rowenne's best sense, she suddenly find Justin Alderney so enchanting. He is just passing through her tiny village, and a rogue; common sense scream keeps away. Yet, Lady Margaret really pushes opposites attract in this charming tale. Everything is going along romantically, until dawn when Halloween ends...and shatters the illusion woven by ghostly hands on this mystical night.A wonderful tale for Halloween, under the deft hand of Sandra Heath one of the strongest Regency/Gothic writers around. She has such a strong foundation of lore and history, that she is simply amazing. I also appreciate her Multi-POV (Point of View) writing, which allows you to enjoy all her charming characters, even Lady Margaret, letting the readers experience the full story. I highly recommend all of Heath's works, especially Lavender Blue.
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