The Secret Diary

Olivia Mallory, upon her cousin Jane's death, finds that Jane had secretly corresponded with an unknown gentleman for several years. The two had exchanged, not only letters, but poetry as well. Olivia decides to try to get some of the poetry published, in memory of her beloved cousin.Olivia and her sister, Esme, travel to London to speak with an interested publisher. But he will only publish Jane's poems on one condition: the unknown gentleman's poems and letters must be included in the volume. Olivia must find the man and get his permission to publish his work if she ever wants to have her dream of seeing her cousin's poems in print realized.During her search, Olivia meets a handsome gentleman who makes her heart pound and her knees weak...and all clues point to him as Jane's love. But he denies knowing Jane. Could Olivia ever give her heart to such a cad? Looks like it...I give it a 4 because Olivia was a spunky heroine and pretty witty. There were a number of "sparks" in this book, plus more than one romance (Esme meets her match as well). It was likeable and amusing, though far from Martha Kirkland's best. I expected a bit more from her. The big "mystery" was completely unmysterious and rather predictable, but the romance saved it.