Gallant Waif

1812 England GALLANT WAIF is absolutely delightful! Dauntless but poised, Kate Farleigh is now all alone in the world wondering where her next meal will come from and where she might seek employment and shelter. Tormented war hero Jack Carstairs wants nothing in his life but to be left alone to wallow in his own despair. Lucky for both Kate and Jack, there is Jack's grandmother, the high and mighty and haughty Lady Cahill. Against Kate and Jack's wishes, Lady Cahill conspires to bring these two forlorn souls together, but will she be successful? Don't pass up this very enjoyable, quick and easy tale!

This is one terrific book. However, as it's from Harlequin, it's slightly mis-labelled, which seems to be normal for them lately. This book, although a bit longer than the usual, is a true Regency romance. It isn't really a Historical Romance, except for the length. There is nothing even remotely resembling a love scene anywhere; just the right amount of sexual tension, an abundance of humor, strong writing and wonderful characters. Add all these in with a sensible plot that does not rely on the Big Misunderstanding in any way, and you'll easily see why I gave it 5 stars. I'd give it more if I could. Newcomer Anne Gracie of Australia made a smashing debut with this book (which was actually published in the UK before Tallie's Knight, which rather gives the appearance of being first. Not so.) Gallant Waif was a finalist in the RWA RITA competition in 2000 for books first released in 1999. That news will come as no surprise to the reader. Kate Farleigh was the only daughter, following two sons, of a small-town vicar. Her mother died in childbed, and of course, her father always thereafter resented the child, especially for her likeness to his wife. Until, during the war on the Peninsula, he decided to go visit his sons. There was no other choice than for Kate to go along, as well. It was here that she finally came into her own, and during the final two years of her life with her father they made a sort of peace with each other. Before the war ended, though, all three of the men in Kate's life became casualties. And then, so did Kate, herself, even though her emotional self was undaunted. She returned to England, determined to forge a life for herself as best she could. Mad Jack Carstairs, on the other hand, came back from the war a somewhat broken man, unable to (as he thought) resume the life he'd always anticipated living. His fiancé cries off at sight of his scars and lame leg, although she blames her defection on his having been almost completely disinherited. There is one property left to him; a run-down, isolated place hardly worth having, however, it does at least get him away from society. But Jack doesn't reckon on the strong will of his Grandmother--one of those miniature gorgons who rules with a fist of lead. She's a wonderful, full-blooded creature whose god-daughter was Kate's mother. One day, for no good reason, Lady Cahill takes it in her head to find out whatever happened to Maria's only living child. Unable to convince Kate of her sincerity, she simply kidnaps the chit, and the adventure starts. Kate agrees to be housekeeper for Jack, as his disheveled house is badly in need of one. Eventually, her common sense begins to see past his brusqueness, and she convinces him to accept her help. In secret. But that's certainly better than nothing, and her joy in his triumph is heart-warming. But the Dowager Countess hasn't given up yet, either. After arranging for Kate's long-lost inheritance, she then arranges for Kate to come to London to

A fabulous and funny debut novel by Anne Gracie. Its a regency historical - or something like that. Although its set during the Regency this is not a comedy of manners - nor is it an adventuresome historical. Rather it is quite a poignant story set with lively characters and some very clever twists.Basically the story goes that Kate Farleigh needs to work to support herself - when along comes her deceased mother's supposed Godmother, Lady Cahill. It seems Lady Cahill has designs of her own, although they are not horribly machiavellian. Kate finds herself working in the country with Jack Carstairs, Lady Cahill's grandson. He has been living in quiet and bitter retirement thanks to injuries he received while fighting in the Peninsular War. Together they find common ground and they start to heal one another and Jack finds out some very surprising things about Kate.This is definitely a must read author (and I'm pleased to see that she is publishing more books).

Kate Farleigh is on the brink of selling herself into service when Lady Cahill arrives only to kidnap her in an attempt to save her from herself. She claims to be the godmother of Kate's long deceased mother. Not given the chance to question this claim, she finds herself spirited to Leicestershire, which is next on Lady Cahill's itinerary. There, she finds herself being confronted by Jack Carstairs, Lady Cahill's grandson, who has consigned himself to a reclusive existence due to war-related injuries he suffered on the Peninsula. Despite their inauspicious beginning, Jack finds himself frequently surprised by the half-starved urchin who persistently defies him and will not be cowed by his vile temper and black moods. He slowly discovers that Kate is no stranger to war and that her own experiences on the Peninsula have forged an indelible mark that does not allow her to tolerate his constant self-pity. Anne Gracie has spun a beautiful and poignant story about two people who have been marked by war and how they have learned to deal with it in England where it seems to have had far more tragic repercussions. Kate Farleigh is a spirited and charming heroine despite the negligence of her father and the defection of her betrothed. Despite having been kidnapped and put into an unfamiliar situation, Kate makes the most of her existence. Once a concerned Lady Cahill installs Kate as Jack's housekeeper and to see to his well being, Kate truly does what she can to clean the place and comes to care for Jack despite the fact that he defies her at every turn and argues with her about her unsuitability when it comes to housework. Jack firmly believes that Kate deserves far more than what life has bestowed upon her. As he comes to understand her negligent childhood and to love the challenging girl who does all she can to help him, he begins to wonder whether she can ever love him despite his wounds. Gracie's skillful use of cunning and clever secondary characters only serves to emphasize the appeal of her protagonists as they struggle with their own insecurities and the scorn of society in order to find their happiness.