Thief by Moonlight

Rating:
Summary: Not a typical Victorian romance novel!
Review: Innocent orphan Alicia is forced into a life of crime to support her crippled brother Roger. Falling into the hands of debauched gambler Garrett, she is raised as a lady in straight-laced Victorian society, the better to steal from the wealthy to support Garrett's addictions. As soon as she comes of age, she is sold in marriage to wealthy Lord Adam McAllister to pay off Garrett's debts. Adam would be the man of Alicia's dreams, but his only motive for marrying her seems to be one of revenge on Garrett and their whole family. How can Lord Adam possibly ever come to love Alicia when she is no more than a commoner and a thief?

Not a typical Victorian romance novel!
Surviving the harsh streets of London is worse than young Alicia could have ever imagined. She and her brother Roger are left to fend for themselves upon the death of their parents. Roger, being crippled, leaves Alicia little choice but to make a living for the both of them. Little does she know that two men would forever change her life in different ways. While trying to survive the streets of London, Alicia made the grave mistake of picking the pocket of one Alfred Garrett. In turn for not having her arrested he decided to put her skills to use. He swept Alicia off the streets gave her an education then promptly utilized her skills as a thief to support his habits. Upon reaching the age of marriage he immediately made arrangements for her to marry. Adam McAllister wanted revenge on Alfred Garrett for the wrong committed against his family by the Garretts. What better way than to take something of value to the old man? Little did he know that his plan was not to be realized. Adam's mother Victoria has been mad since the death of her husband. Maude, Adam's aunt is a thief in her own right. How is a man supposed to bring about revenge when he has so many problems within his own household? Alicia, not wanting to marry anyone, seeks a way to escape. She realizes that escape is what she wants most, but she finds she can't leave her brother Roger or her maid Hannah. She agrees to the marriage on the condition that she is allowed to bring Roger and Hannah with her. And so the race begins. Will Alicia and Adam find happiness and love? What will happen to Roger and Hannah? How does Alfred Garrett survive after the wedding? Does Victoria regain her sanity? Will Maude be discovered as a true thief? All these questions can be answered by reading this fun loving, well-told story. When I sat down to read this story I thought to myself, 'Oh no another Victorian novel.' Boy was I surprised. This is not a typical Victorian novel. It is a very fun, fast paced story where the heroine was not prone to do the expected. Watching the characters unfold was a great delight. I could recommend this book as a keeper for those who like really light reading. For my personal collection I would be hard pressed to let it go. This book was very well written and the characters were easy to lfollow. --Darlene Howard

Rating:
Summary: Very good reading
Review: Very good reading
Jeanne Lamont's 'novel of manners,' Thief by Moonlight, set amid the secretly debauched late Victorian era, tells the story of an orphan plucked from the streets. Lord Garrett raises Alicia as his niece, not out of goodness but for his own sinister purpose. To keep her disabled brother safe, Alicia must consent to steal money and jewels to support Garrett and his prodigious gambling habit. Now he has arranged for Alicia to marry Lord Adam McAllister to pay off his gambling debts and ensure a future income for himself. Alicia doesn't dare refuse or she and her brother will be homeless, as will her maid Hannah, whom her brother loves. She will marry Adam, at first because he is a means of escape, and then because she loves him. Adam is attracted to Alicia, but he too has an ulterior motive for the union. The intricate plot detracts somewhat from full emotional development but this Victorian novel offers very good reading, in its not quite but almost Regency-style story. SWEET -Gerry Benninger