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Reviews
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Anthology
Price: $11.99 US
ISBN-10: 0982361521
ISBN-13: 978-0982361528
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A Dance of Manners:
Regency Romance Anthology by Cynthia
Breeding, Kristi Ahlers, Gerri Bowen, Susan
Flanders, Erin E.M. Hatton
Publisher: Highland Press Publishing
Genre: Historical / Regency
Length: Full (246 pages)
Heat: Sensual
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Camellia
"Enchanted Journey" by Cynthia Breeding
Attending a Regency ball by a group of
actors is just what American Ashley Bouvier
needs to get over her messy divorce from a
cheating husband. She is intrigued by the
gorgeous, dark-haired Andrew Colton, Earl of
Tiverton.
"Wishes In April" by Kristi Ahlers
American-born Cassandra Davenport feels a
total failure at fitting in with London's
ton. Yet when she meets James, the dashing
Duke of Sandringham, her heart flutters and
heat sears through her veins.
"A Passage To Summer" by Gerri Bowen
When the normally formal and proper Earl of
Wickerdun enters an enchanted forest, his
world turns upside down. Songs from wood
nymphs, and an aqua-eyed faery make him
think he's on his way to Bedlam.
"The Farmer's Son" by Erin E.M. Hatton
Lady Emily Spencer comes into an inheritance
of a country estate as well as a sizable
dowry. She is elated when the most
sought-after bachelor of the Season offers
for her hand. Yet, a farmer's son makes her
heart race.
"Royal Watercolors" by Susan Flanders
After finishing an art lesson with young
Princess Victoria, Lady Kitty is driven home
by a handsome coachman who mesmerizes her
with his quick, easy grin and unusual
lavender eyes.
These tantalizing Regency tales charm,
tease, intrigue, titillate, and impart a
touch of history. The five authors entertain
with a beguiling variety of stories.
“Enchanted Journey” by Cynthia Breeding
transports divorcee, Ashley Bouvier, an
emotionally bankrupt high school history
teacher, from the 21st century to the early
19th century. There she meets Andrew Colton,
Earl of Tiverton at a classic Regency ball.
My, what a balm for her wounded self-esteem!
Soon Ashley hears whispers about the
possibility of her being an American spy.
Unknowingly she’s put at risk by thwarting
important people’s plans when Andrew pursues
her rather than Lady Felice. At one time,
she wished for a chance to be a part of this
intriguing society, now she tells herself,
“Be careful what you wish for”. While Andrew
makes arrangements to protect her from harm,
an unexpected happening takes place changing
everything.
A Celtic legend about Arawen, the god of the
other world”, his white horses and white dog
with red eyes and ears add a magical touch
to this love that reaches across the
centuries. Not until Ashley wakes up back in
the 21st century does she realize just how
much the legend has changed to her life.
“The Farmer’s Son” by Erin E. M. Hatton
Prissy, pretty Ellen Spencer, reared in the
true traditions of Regency mores, feels so
magnanimous when she befriends the country
folks near the estate her father recently
inherited. Seventeen years old and totally
wrapped up in her plans for her London
Season and catching Sir Charles Findley, the
most eligible bachelor of the Season, she is
rather hateful to the farmer’s son Rodrick
Benton, even though she is drawn to his
quiet voice and gentle manner.
Ellen goes to London with great expectations
but, even though Sir Charles pays her court,
she discovers he leads a double life. More
than that, she learns Rodrick has a home in
Mayfair and belongs to Brooke’s club in
London. In her distress about her poor
judgment she declares, “Rodrick stole every
joy from her life”.
Ellen’s growing up and Rodrick’s patience
and pursuit of his love makes super good
reading. Erin E. M. Hatton uses brief but
revealing phases making this an irresistible
story.
“The Passage of Summer” by Gerri Bowen
Love this story! It is full of humor, joy,
and a touch of magic that just might come
from the dram of fairy blood in Megara and
Wickerdun’s veins. Do the singing wood
nymphs know?
Megara’s whimsy, beauty, quicksilver mind,
wit, and sense of self-worth are
characteristics that lure Clarence William
Marshall DeBohem Wickerdun to recognize his
true self rather than becoming vicious and
vengeful, a twisted sol bedeviled by his
demons like his father had been.
Twenty-four year old Megara, to her aunt’s
delight, goes to London for the Season where
Wickerdun returns refreshed and ready to
embrace life.
Gerri Bowen’s ability to tell much about a
character in a few words gives even the
minor characters distinct personalities that
bring the story to life. Thomas, the Butler,
Miss Littlepond, and Ardmoor are great
examples. They add humor and insight that
gives the story texture not always seen in
short stories.
A lovely love story!
“Royal Watercolors” by Susan Flanders
Mistaken identities in the Regency era often
stir up quite a storm especially when
nobility is mistaken for one of the working
class.
Lady Kitty, daughter in a happy, affluent
home, expects to soon become the wife to the
son of the Earl of Breyton and to one day be
the mistress of Nebry Castle. But at
present, she gives art lessons to Princess
Victoria at Kensington palace and finds
herself drawn to Grey, the coachman who
gives her transport. She cries about not
being able to have him because of the class
difference, but her heart doesn’t give up.
Grey bides his time and woos Kitty in his
own special way.
This story, sprinkled with historical facts
and undergirded with the hint of political
intrigues is predictable but still a delight
to read.
Susan Flanders’ writing style entices with
descriptions that quicken the senses.
“Wishes In April” by Kristi Ahlers
Cassandra from Charleston, South Carolina
cringes at all the rules in England’s
Regency society where she seems a constant
embarrassment to Aunt Gertrude and Cousin
Sara.
When James, the Duke of Sandringham, waltzes
with Cassie rather than Sara, Cassie is in
trouble with a capital T. Aunt Gertrude is
determined James will be Sara’s regardless
of the cost.
The reader has a front row seat as James
literally rides to the rescue of the woman
he loves, foiling wicking intentions again
and again as he woos his American darling
that excites him physical, emotionally, and
mentally. He knows she is a prize to gain, a
prize he will never grow weary of. He feels
as if “He’d walked through an enchanted
cloud” when he is with Cassie.
“Wishes In April” is a terrific story full
of social machinations. Yet, love slips in
on cat-like feet, makes its ways stealthily
through the tangle of deceits, and glides
into worthy hearts to settles down for life.
This collection of Regency stories can be
enjoyed again and again—a delightful
addition to one’s book self.
Camellia, Long and Short Reviews
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