Reviewed by Charlotte.
Scandalous Whisper is synonymous with everything
ardent fans of Jane Austen expect from a traditional Regency romance. The
narrative is stylish. The dialogue is eloquent. There are characters whose
foibles are endearing and at times irritating. The heroine’s mother is not
unalike Elizabeth Bennet’s mother in Pride and Prejudice...Mrs Napier is a
mother typical of Jane Austen’s world. Silly and vain...The butterfly incident
is magical the prose poetic at the time of the first kiss...Scandalous Whisper
is most definitely a five star Regency romance. It’s remarkable how the author
squeezed so much detail into this emotionally driven novella.
Full Review:
Scandalous
Whisper is synonymous with everything ardent fans of Jane Austen expect from a traditional
Regency romance. The narrative is stylish. The dialogue is eloquent. There are
characters whose foibles are endearing and at times irritating. The heroine’s
mother is not unalike Elizabeth Bennet’s mother in Pride and Prejudice. Similarly
ambitious for her daughter’s advancement in society Mrs Napier is a mother
typical of Jane Austen’s world. Silly and vain, Mrs Napier cannot see the folly
of fawning to the Earl of Kilder. His manners in public are without fault. In
private he’s a bully. Christina’s twin brother James is little better. While James
and Simon Kilder are plotting to compromise Christina and force her into
marriage, poor Christina lives in fear of both and thanks her good fortune for
the return of her elder brother from war. A hero at the Battle of Waterloo,
Julian resumes his role as her champion. Sadly a rift soon develops between
mother and son causing dreadful disharmony. The tipping point for Christina is the
homecoming of Lord Devonish. He’s a true officer and gentleman and wins her
heart with kindness. The butterfly incident is magical the prose poetic at the time
of the first kiss between them. Lord Devonish has a sister and she becomes
Christina’s secret ally. Egged on by the reckless Alathea, Christina risks her
reputation in pursuit of happiness. In the meanwhile her hopes and dreams are
dashed. Lord Devonish and Julian are recalled to their regiment. Bereft
Christina can’t understand why Lord Devonish has deserted her. I don’t wish to
spoil the story for other readers and will only say the end to this love story brought
me to tears. Scandalous Whisper is most definitely a five star Regency romance.
It’s remarkable how the author squeezed so much detail into this emotionally
driven novella.
