False Steps

Began in 1813, Weymouth. Miss Winifred Smith was known as Freddie to her mother (Louisa) and her friends. Nothing spectacular ever happened to her before. Freddie and her mother ran a lodging house. It had an advantage since it was close to the royal residence and the Esplanade. Cassian Stratford, Marquess of Lansdale, spied Winifred at the quay and became fascinated by her actions. Thus, he followed her for awhile. Though she ware fashion from a year before, he believed her to be a lady of quality who was trying to disguise herself for some reason. Upon learning this, Freddie did not attempt to change his idea of her. In fact, she did her best to embellish the opinion. Heiress Lavinia Thorogood was Freddie's new close friend. She was smitten by a young poet named Andrew Beaumont. Freddie believed the man to be a fortune hunter, as did Lavinia's father, who wished to match Lavinia to another. However, Freddie could not make Lavinia see this. Then there was Lady Heathcote, described as a false friend and rival of Lavinia's mother. Freddie, for the second time, was mistaken for someone (or something) else. This time as Miss Frederica Durham. Lavinia began to use the mix-up to prove (to her father) that his choice for her was not worthy of her hand. **** There is much more going on that I state, as I am sure you could tell. Author Sandra Heath never writes shallow Regency novels, so it is usually impossible for me to give a good synopsis unless I turned it into an essay. I hope I managed to at least familiarize you with the main characters. If you are looking for a simple romance with no mystery or sub-plots, look elsewhere. This novel targets readers who wish for more in their romances. **** Reviewed by Detra Fitch.

Oh, yes! YES! There is a waltz on nearly every page of this swirling novel. Not a Viennese waltz, to be sure, but the rhythm, the pacing, the twists and turns, the notes-both sweet and not-so-sweet, abound throughout. You'll love it! From the rather inauspicious beginning near the fish-market in Weymouth to the final glittering moments of Lady Holland's Golden Ball, the waltz is a constant factor in this delightful book. Its first notes are in the mind of Miss Freddie Smith (Winifred to her mother) as she dons a disguise to barter for better prices from the local fish-monger. More than anything in the world, Freddie longs for a night or two in London, where she might indulge in the scandalous dance craze--the waltz--newly imported from Austria. She is quite certain that after a very few nights of such participation in the social whirl of the *ton*, she could and would willingly return to her normal life. If, that is, she hasn't managed to capture the heart and hand of a handsome fellow who would take her for his wife. Quite unbeknownst to her, a dashing young lord, Cassian Stratford, the Marquess of Lansdale, who has been banished to Weymouth by the Queen-no less-has observed her mission to the fish-market, and also been amused by the antics of the young woman's companion. Thomas Tomcat by name, he of the shiny black furcoat with a white bib, is determined to have his share of the mackerel that respose in the market basket. Of course, there's more. There's the young heiress Lavinia Thorogood, whose father was injured in a carriage accident very near the front door of the boarding house run by Freddie's mother, and while Father recuperates, the two young ladies become fast friends. Lavinia is to journey to London to share a come-out with two cousins at the home of their aunt, Lady Bellamy. However, a match is in train for Lavinia with Magnus, the earl of Kerswell. Of course, Lavinia has, in the meantime, fallen for a young Byron clone, Andrew Beaumont by name. Lavinia decides she needs Freddie's company on the trip to London, along with that of a chaperone hired by Mr. Thorogood. Judith Shaw is a military widow, who seems to be more aware of the surroundings than her charges. When Cassian and Magnus spend a night in the same town on their way to London, the scene is set for a multi-faceted showdown. These are the main themes of this waltz, from which the entertaining variations ensue. And entertaining they are. Crisply written, lavishly adorned with humor, and a soupçon each of romance and intrigue and adventure, FALSE STEPS is one joyful measure after another. Indulge! You'll be happy that you did.