I love when I read a book in which the characters, both good and bad, get what’s coming to them. Reforming Lord Neil by Sally Britton is a heart-warming regency novel, which left me feeling comfortably sated in my desire for a happy ending. Not only did the novel tie up each of its strings in a pleasing manner, it even went a little above and beyond, providing more comeuppance and satisfaction than I anticipated. I love to be surprised in that way.
The novel begins by showing us the unfortunate circumstances which have led to the seemingly-troublesome Lord Neil being cast out of his home and family, losing the benefits of fortune and title he was accustomed to. Surprisingly, this seems a mere annoyance to the man who was not-too-unhappy to get out from under his family’s thumb. In trying to find a place without aid from those who reveal themselves to care nothing about him without his family, he stumbles across Mrs. Henry Clapham (Teresa) along with her mother and daughter. A symbiotic, business-like partnership is formed to enable him to have a roof over his head, even if it is a barn roof, and for her to have some much-needed help.
Of course, as a romance, we all know where this is going.
As the story is woven, the characters grow in their fondness for one another right along with the reader. I found myself growing more attached to each of them and their outcomes with each page and spend the better part of a day losing myself in their world. Britton does well conveying a sweet tale along with accurate elements of the past to keep the story and the reader firmly planted in the early 1800’s.
Being the fifth book in a series (Inglewood), strings threaded through connecting the current main character to previous installments. This was done in a way that was subtle and engaging, without being redundant or pulling the reader out of the story.
The growing feelings between Neil and Teresa were (appropriately) tantalizing and tortuous, just as they should be. If you are a fan of clean regency romance, I highly recommend this and its accompanying series. In preparation, you should prepare yourself some tea and finger cakes. Enjoy!
Dawn Ludlow 