The Golden Feather

Amanda McCabe has penned another of her atmosphericRegency romances -- this time with the unusual twist thatthe heroine runs a gaming house! Definitely check outthis rising star.

After reading "A Loving Spirit," I was inspired to find another work by this relatively new author. And I wasn't disappointed.As a young girl, Caroline Aldritch had fancied herself in love. But the man she married turned out to be a gambler and a wastrel. When he dies, she is left without a penny to her name... until someone tells her about her husband's last legacy: a gaming hell called "The Golden Feather." If she could just maintain it for a few years, she would have enough money to keep her younger sister in school--and perhaps give her the come-out she deserves. Justin, the younger son of an earl, is a bit of a troublemaker. He fought 2 duels in the last month, and has become quite the hellion in his father's eyes. Perhaps a commission in India would straighten him out?4 years later, Justin is Lord Lyndon, and Caroline Aldritch is "Miss Archer." But she won't have to pose as the masked gaming house keeper for much longer, because she's set to sell the place. Before she sells, Lord Lyndon and his younger brother, Harry, visit the Golden Feather. After two brief meetings, Justin (now a straight-arrow) is intrigued by the masked woman. ...But he won't see her again, of course.Oh, but they DO meet again. Justin has no idea that the beautiful widow Mrs. Aldritch and Miss Archer are one and the same. If the truth ever DID come out, Caroline and Phoebe (her young sister) would be ruined. So why does she find herself increasingly attracted to the handsome earl?There are many parts of the book that kept me smiling. There was even a part of the book when I said "oh my God!" out loud. It's very entertaining, sweet, and easy to read. A real delight! Bravo, Amanda McCabe!

Of the four Amanda McCabe books I have read, this is easily the best. The first two books - A Scandal in Venice and The Spanish Bride - - had interesting premises but fizzled half way through. The third book - Lady Rogue - was simply awful (I picked it up mistaking it for the Errant Earl, her fourth work). I say that because there was a non-plot with absolutely no tension between the characters, and it made me hesitate before picking up this one. But do try The Golden Feather, McCabe's fifth book. The heroine is a gaming house owner - a Mrs Archer. [Those who know a bit about the late Georgian era will have a good laugh here]. She meets, in unexpected circumstances, a man who she had seen only once before in her gaming house. Since "Mrs Archer" is trying to return to respectable life to give her young sister a chance at a good marriage eventually, she is naturally afraid that the man in question - Lord Lyndon - will find out her past and condemn both her and her sister for it.This was a delightful character-driven book with an unusual heroine (a widow, who turns gaming house owner, turns respectable widow) and an almost equally unusual hero (a Black Sheep sent off to India by an irate father, who learns sobriety and maturity out there). Add in a dissolute younger brother of the hero and a matchmaking and somewhat reckless younger sister - both lacking in fashion sense, or possessed of an unique fashion sense. If Ms. McCabe can write like this in the future, I will definitely be writing more positive reviews.

When her wastrel husband dies leaving her destitute except for the deed to a gaming establishment, Caroline Aldritch makes a decision that will change her life. She disguises herself with a red wig and mask and takes over the management of the Golden Feather gaming house. She hopes to earn enough money to keep her sister in school and give her a chance for a Season, then she will retire. But just weeks before she meets her goal, she has a chance encounter with Lord Lyndon, who has come to the Golden Feather to keep an eye on his reckless younger brother. The couple meet again at a seaside resort, and while Lord Lyndon does not recognize Caroline he feels the same powerful attraction toward her that he felt for the mysterious gaming house proprietor. He is determined to find out more about Caroline, while she is determined to keep her secret at all costs.Caroline is a strong, independent heroine who does what she must in order to survive. Though she despises the world that ruined her husband and, consequently, her own life, she takes pride in being a successful businesswoman. She has managed to separate her two identities until Lord Lyndon comes along and intrudes into both worlds. Lyndon is also an interesting character. He was once a reckless young man who was part of the same gambling and carousing set as Caroline's husband. Several years in India have sobered him and now that he is head of the family he feels a responsibility to behave with propriety and set a good example for his brother. The brother and sister provide some comic moments without becoming annoying; I especially enjoyed their flamboyant fashion sense! Caroline's secret is revealed in a clever way that thankfully does not involve a cliche villain who threatens to Reveal All. The story is relatively simple, keeping the focus on the couple's growing attraction. This is a powerful, character-driven story.