At six and twenty, the impoverished Lydia Hathaway has endured bleak years of heartbreak, longing for a love that never came. Her deceased father's foolhardiness has left her family bankrupt, and Lydia is eventually left no alternative but to take a position as the companion and governess to Susan Ashcroft of Danbury Park in Surrey. During the first days at her post, Lydia pines bitterly for a life she believes forever lost. Anxious for peace, she rambles one morning across the muddy wilds of the Ashcroft estate where she has a most unimaginable encounter with the notorious Lord Connor Denton.
As their paths continue to cross, Lydia falls ever deeper in love with the charming rogue while battling against his growing assault on her heart. In spite of his forward attentions, she considers his behavior toward her as nothing less than idle flirtation. And why should she think otherwise? As the wealthy son of an earl, Lord Denton may choose from among the most beautiful women of England's first circles--none to which Lydia claims inclusion. In spite of her indignation over Lord Denton's rakish maneuvering, she anguishes beneath the reality that he is forever beyond her reach.
Tormented in a relentless battle to suppress a love she cannot overcome, Lydia resolves to leave the Ashcrofts and Danbury Park forever. After all, she is nothing to Denton--isn't she?
My Review
I really enjoy historical romances and was quite excited to review Lydia. But I came to a realization. I like historical novels written with a more modern story telling technique.
Lydia is written in a total Jane Austen style - with wordy sentences, ping pong emotions, and well, more wordy stuff. Just like J.A. Before any J.A. fans start sending me hate mail, I should clairify that I love her stories, but just can't handle her writing. Give me an Austen movie, and I'm a happy chick. I think Lydia would make an awesome historical chick movie!
So, back to my review. The first five chapters were killer for me to get through, but by page fifty-ish, I really started to get into the story. And the last thirty pages had me wrapped up and wondering how Lydia and Lord Denton would admit their true feelings for each other. LOVED the ending! I don't do spoilers, so if ya wanna know, you'll have to read the book.
My recommendation is if you're more like me and prefer more contemporary historicals (Julia Quinn), then this may not be the book for you. BUT, if you're a die-hard Jane Austen fan, you're gonna love it. I already have friends asking to borrow it!
More Information
You can purchase Lydia by Wanda Luce at Amazon.com (link to the left) or your local book store. You can also find more reviews on Goodreads.
You can find out more about the author on her blog.
