Anne's Wish (Ballad Romances)

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Summary: The joy of discovery and the magic of a wishing well
Review: Up until she began receiving the attentions of Timothy Linville, Anne Barrington's life at court had been one of isolation. With only distant relatives as family and all of her time devoted to the Queen, Anne's loneliness was palpable. Therefore, Timothy's kisses upon her hands and sweet words led to dreams of love and marriage. After taking Anne's virtue, however, Timothy abandons his plans for advancement at court in lieu of marrying an heiress.

Her ethereal beauty captivates James, the Earl of Westland, after one glimpse. Their chance meeting in the corridors of the palace while everyone else attends the King's birthday ball leads to a marriage proposal. Anne needs to escape the Queen's service and James needs an heir. Although James proposes a marriage of convenience, he doesn't tell Anne how captivating he finds her. Nor does she confess her own increasing ardor for this handsome rescuer.

As secrets of the past, especially Anne's concern over her loss of virginity to another man, continue to haunt their marriage, Anne and James must learn to separate the past from the future they build together. This gentle journey toward discovery is marked by several remarkable secondary characters, including a bird-eating spider, and the Ladies of the neighborhood, both of the risqué and of the gossipy variety.

Joy Reed creates a delightfully pleasant romance in ANNE'S WISH. As Anne's wish comes true, the joy of discovery and the magic of a wishing well mark the passage of infatuation into a deep and abiding love. Reed's graceful writing aptly reflects the most beautiful elements of this era. Indeed, this racy Regency comes highly recommended.