An Intimate Arrangement

I won't repeat the story, for it has already been mentioned below. But I found this was a sweet and romantic love story. Everything was very subtle and gently displayed, from the serene of the country side to the kindness of the hero and heroin's hearts. The only criticism is that I found the heroin was a bit too naive and stubborn--I mean, I could understand the reason behind it, but it has dragged a bit too long for her to look sensible. I do recommend it as a light and fun reading.

Brothers Cecil and Arthur Madison have been angry with each other for decades. Always eager to try to outwit each other, they have individually disposed of Seven Hills Estate without communicating with the other. Authur has sold it to Ulrick Beauleigh, unaware that Cecil has bequeathed it to his great niece Marianna Madison. Marianna has moved her ten-year old brother Robin and their nanny Miss Blessington into Seven Hills because they had no where else to live. Since she has no funds and no where else to live, she refuses to vacate the residence. Once it is hers, she intends to turn it into an inn. However, Rick Beauleigh also refuses to leave. Although he is the most handsome man she has ever seen, he is impossible to live with! Ms. Lawrence just keeps getting better with this charming tale that begins with two ornery brothers and ends with two very stubborn hearts. Be sure to read this one, its sure to win over your heart as well!

Finally, a Regency with a cover that shows the artist read the book first! So many of them have the same old generic-type covers, sometimes with characters that don't begin to resemble those described in the book!Nineteen-year-old Marianna is responsible for her young brother and their old nurse. She has almost no money and only a small tenant cottage until her great uncle gives her house to live in. Not just any house, but a mansion! Marianna is ecstatic until she realizes that the house hasn't been lived in for some time and is in need of a great deal of maintenance. If that's not bad enough, she finds a strange man in her house in the middle of the night...a man who claims that he has purchased the house from her great uncle's brother!Not a terribly original plot, but still a very enjoyable afternoon's read. One of the better Regencies I've come across recently.