Rating: 
Summary: A good read
Review: A good read which captured my imagination and helped to pass a very dull plane flight -- I was caught up in the very clever plot and the complex personalities of the protagonists. That it was based on a true story made the book all the more entertaining. Bravo!
Rating: 
Summary: one of the better romance novels I've read so far
Review: Based on a series of letters that Jo Manning (the authour) came across many years ago, this (completely) fictitious accounting of the real romance between Mary Martin and Isaac Rebow, had me devoutly wishing that this authour had written a lot more Regency romances than she actually has. What a find this novel (and authour) was! "The Reluctant Guardian" is definitely one of the better romance novels that I have read so far, and I'm really puzzled as to why Jo Manning is not being more loudly touted as one of the better authours in this genre.When Sir Isaac Reblow receives a missive from his dragon of a mother demanding that he see to his two abandoned cousins, he is quite irked. Apparently his loose crew of an uncle (Matthew Martin) had left his London house in the middle of the night, without leaving his daughters, Mary and Sally, any kind of missive at all. Isaac realises that what his mother wants is for him to pack the two girls home so that they can play nursemaid to her crochets. However, upon seeing his two cousins, and realising that they are two rather pretty and accomplished young ladies, Isaac decides to sponsor them to a Season instead, while he searches for their father. What Isaac refuses to do is to admit to himself that he has fallen violently in love (at first sight) with the delectable but strong minded Mary. For Isaac has suffered from being the only child of a deeply unhappy marriage, and doesn't believe that there is such an emotion love at all. Mary, on the other hand, has been in love with her cousin Isaac for as long as she can remember. And now here he is, summarily ordering her about and insisting in running her life! Who would have thought that her beloved Isaac could be so cold and autocratic? But as the days pass, Mary finds that her childish adoration for Isaac has blossomed into a more adult love of a young woman for her soul mate. But how can she get Isaac to see that she is no longer a little girl, and that she is a worthy mate for him? And what of Isaac's rumoured affair with the very beautiful and married socialite, Lady Sophia Rowley? On paper, this romance novel reads like a great many other romance novels with similar plots. The difference lies in the excellent manner in which Jo Manning allows her plot to unfold. Completely character driven, and with a great eye for detail (whether it was for fashion, architecture or scenery) Jo Manning skillfully held my interest. So that even though there was nothing terribly new or different in "The Reluctant Guardian," I felt as if I was reading something rare and precious. The novel unfolded briskly and smoothly; and the characters were all brilliantly depicted -- esp those of Isaac's mother (a character so poisonous that one can dislike her heartily with ease), and Mary. I thought that the authour had captured Mary's tumultuous and confused feeling for Isaac beautifully. There are a couple of other minor subplots concerning Mary's and Sally's missing father, Isaac's entanglement with Lady Sophia, and Isaac's dealing with his harpy of a mother. And while the resolutions to these subplots were sometimes rushed, it was not too much of a detraction. On the whole, "The Reluctant Guardian" was a wonderfully engaging read. And I'll definitely be ordering a copy for my own collection!
Rating:
Summary: Turning the tables
Review: Colonel Sir Isaac Rebow's unhappy relationship with his shrewish mother has turned him into a confirmed misogynist. Now, to his dismay, he must take over the guarianship of his two lovely young cousins. Sally, the youngest sister, a sweet bidable girl gives him no problem. But Mary, the oldest sister, used to running an estate and a household refuses to follow his orders. So why does he keep wanting to kiss her? It is always fun to see a confirmed bachelor's life turned upside down. And it is fascinating to learn this book is lightly based on an actual historical event.
Rating:
Summary: Turning the tables
Review: Colonel Sir Isaac Rebow's unhappy relationship with his shrewish mother has turned him into a confirmed misogynist. Now, to his dismay, he must take over the guarianship of his two lovely young cousins. Sally, the youngest sister, a sweet bidable girl gives him no problem. But Mary, the oldest sister, used to running an estate and a household refuses to follow his orders. So why does he keep wanting to kiss her? It is always fun to see a confirmed bachelor's life turned upside down. And it is fascinating to learn this book is lightly based on an actual historical event.
Rating:
Summary: Fast-paced plot, full of twists and turns
Review: Colonel Sir Isaac Rebow, a war veteran, country gentleman, and budding politician, is vexed by a missive from his manipulating mother. She commands Isaac to curtail his carefree bachelor existence and apply himself to caring for his cousins, Mary and Sally Martin. Mary and Sally's absent-minded father has taken them to town and deserted them on Isaac's doorstep. Isaac reluctantly attempts to bring these two young women from the country to the notice of London society. Although only nineteen, Mary had run her father's household competently ever since her governess left three years earlier, and she has no intention of letting Isaac wrest control from her hands. Mary had worshipped Isaac as a child, while at the time he scarcely noticed her. She now resents his sudden interference in her family's affairs after months of neglect. When Mary's father resurfaces, relief gives way to dismay as the family learns he has married a fallen woman. This is only the first of many obstacles the headstrong heroine and duty-bound hero must overcome as they work through these family difficulties. Many of Ms. Manning's characters are taken from the letters of Mary Martin Rebow, an 18th century gentlewoman. Ms. Manning has moved the characters to the Regency period, infused them with life and charm and constructed her engaging tale around them. The fast-paced plot is full of twists and turns, and the dialogue is lively. Although she is a published author and reviewer, this is Jo Manning's first full-length novel. Fortunately for us, she is already working on two other Regency period novels. Nan Curnutt, for the Historical Novels Review
Rating:
Summary: Too short!
Review: I wasn't ready for this Regency to end. The characters, plot and setting all had the Regency ambiance I most enjoy. All the subtle chemistry between Sir Isaac and Mary and the portrayal of the nicely nasty Madam were well done. Then to learn that there was a real historical basis for the plot added something extra. I will look forward to more romances from this author!
Rating:
Summary: Too short!
Review: I wasn't ready for this Regency to end. The characters, plot and setting all had the Regency ambiance I most enjoy. All the subtle chemistry between Sir Isaac and Mary and the portrayal of the nicely nasty Madam were well done. Then to learn that there was a real historical basis for the plot added something extra. I will look forward to more romances from this author!
Rating:
Summary: She thought I wouldn't like it
Review: I've known Jo for a few years now. When this book was published, she assumed I wouldn't like it. I did, very much so. I'm waiting for the next one, Jo.
Rating:
Summary: The Reluctant Guardian
Review: Jo Manning adds a fresh new voice to the Regency genre. She gives us a thoroughly enjoyable set of characters. Her research of the era is impeccable. I hope we hear more from her.
Rating:
Summary: The Reluctant Guardian
Review: Jo Manning adds a fresh new voice to the Regency genre. She gives us a thoroughly enjoyable set of characters. Her research of the era is impeccable. I hope we hear more from her.
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