Historical romances hold a special place in my heart since they were the first type of romance my mother let me read as a young girl. I remember fondly the descriptions of the beautiful gowns and the dazzling parties that the young women attended. How amazing it must have been to be one of the ton.

When I began to read Fortune's Kiss by Lisa Manuel, I was taken back to those days when my most favorite of stories were about young women who found themselves impoverished and somehow rose to fortune through their wits and strength.

Indeed Moira Hughes was having a bad stretch of luck. Following the death of her stepfather and fiance, she and her mother were made to move out of her childhood home and into a most unlivable cottage by the new Lord Monteith, the former Sir Graham Foster.

Moira's stepfather had told her on his deathbed that he had made arrangements for his family that would provide for them outside of the estate. When the will was opened and no mention of such monies was made, Moira promised herself she would head to London to discover the truth and rescue herself, and her beloved mother, from the retched little cottage.

What Moira did not count on was the apparent cover-up being made concerning her father's will. How on earth would she, a nearly penniless woman, find out the truth in a man's world? She'd have to start with the number one suspect, the new Lord Monteith.

Graham Foster wasn't too keen on being the Lord Monteith and he definitely was not happy that his family had moved into his new estate before he even returned to London. Wasn't it amazing how his mother could forget that small matter of disowning him as a young man in favor of basking in the luxury his new Lordship afforded him?

Pulled away from pressing business in Egypt to handle the affairs of his new position, Graham couldn't help but wonder what the very attractive Moira Hughes was doing back in London after supposedly moving to a beautiful country cottage with her mother upon leaving their former home following the death of her stepfather and fiance.

He could even less imagine for what reason Moira was masquerading in his household as a maid! Found by his sister while searching through his personal study, Graham was determined to find out just what the beautiful Moira was up to. Perhaps it would give him the excuse he needed to spend some time with her since he found he couldn't get the image of her out of his mind.

Ms. Manuel has crafted a cunning story of love and treachery in Fortune's Kiss. While having all the elements of an enjoyable historical romance, plus some events not often seen outside of a daytime soap opera, the reader will be swept away in this tale of suspense and passion. Oh, and did I mention the spider?

Well, you'll have to read Fortune's Kiss for yourself to learn just what I mean by that. Settle down with some tea and cakes and put up your feet. Fortune's Kiss is an excellent Sunday afternoon read. 
 
Reviewed By Sabine Maurier
© January 2008