Kissing Cousins

Before Cassandra Markham's father died, leaving his family destitute, he had told Cassandra to seek out his cousin, the Earl of Worthing, for help. It was hoped a husband could be found for Cassandra who would also take in her three siblings. They traveled to London and learned that her father's cousin was dead and the son, Simon, had become the Earl of Worthing. Simon had his life figured out, but it turned upside-down with the arrival of the Markhams. He agreed to help find Cassandra a husband and then he would be done with them! However, the more Simon saw and learned from his guests, the more he found himself changing. ***** A wonderful story! I only stopped reading once, when I had no other choice. I am honored to recommend this book to all! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch

If you're looking for an engaging and heartwarming read, than you can't go terribly wrong with Nadine Miller's "Kissing Cousins." The plot premise is a very familiar one: an about-to-be-married bachelor, who thinks that he has more or less mapped out every contingency in life -- right political moves and patronage, the right fiance, etc, finds his life taking an unexpected turn when a family of orphans lands on his doorstep and basically makes him question every assumption and decision he's ever made.When Cassandra Markham's father dies leaving the family destitute, she remembers his advice that she seek out his distant cousin for help. And so Cassandra packs up her family and makes for London. It is her hope that said cousin, the Earl of Worthing, will help her find a husband who would be willing to not only take on a penniless bride, but her three siblings as well. Once there however, Cassandra finds to her dismay that her father's cousin is dead, and that it is his son, Simon, who is now the new Earl of Worthing. However, Simon's mother seems determined to help the orphan Markhams and she manages to get that her son to agree to help Cassandra find a husband.To Lady Worthing's dismay, Simon has patterned himself after her stiff-rumped and ever correct dead husband; and it is her private hope that the Markham siblings, and Cassandra in particular, will shake up Simon's equilibrium before he becomes too stodgy and set in his ways. And indeed Lady Worthing hopes seem destined to be realised, for Simon finds that knowing Cassandra, with all her courage, integrity and unjaded ways, makes him question all his previously held assumptions. Cassandra's beauty, intelligence and sweetness of nature also begins to make Simon question his decision to marry for suitability rather than love, as to his horror he finds himself falling in love with one woman but honour bound to marry another..."Kissing Cousins" proved to be a really delightful and enjoyable read. Even though the plot was a really basic one with very little frills and fancies, the characters (both secondary and primary) were all so engaging and beguiling that I couldn't help but root for everyone to find the happiness that they deserved. I liked the manner in which Ms Miller fleshed out her characters, Simon's in particular. We got to see the gradual loosening of this character, and it was believable and wroth it. Some readers may find Simon's slowness to acknowledge his love for Cassandra a little irritating, but given that it took him a great many years to learn to be reserved and stiff and very, very conservative, I think we can forgive him his reluctance to own that he has fallen for a young lady who is the very antithesis of his idea of the ideal mate! All in all, "Kissing Cousins" is a terrifically engaging read not to be missed.