EARL TO THE RESCUE – Jane Ashford
Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: -10: 149267432X
ISBN:-13: 978-1492674320
November 2018
Historical Fiction

England during the Regency Period

Gwendeline Gregory has spent her eighteen years rusticating in the country while her absent parents partied through life in London. Now that they have both been killed in a coach accident, Gwendeline finds herself penniless, and soon to be homeless. She knows little of the world, had a marginal education, and has no idea what her future holds. Then, shockingly, all is taken care of when Alex St. Audley, the Earl of Merryn, arrives. Although he is clearly surprised not to find a child, but a young woman, he assures her that all has been taken care of by friends of her father. Gwendeline is to be set up in a small house in London, but first will be presented to Society by the earl's mother.

London is a new experience for Gwendeline, but she settles into Lady Merryn's house, enjoys shopping for a new wardrobe and attending functions with her hostess. She meets new friends, including Lillian Everly, with whom she forms a close friendship. But all along Gwendeline wonders what the earl knows of her parents, and why he won't tell her of the others who are sponsoring her? Unfortunately, there are some people who do know of her parents' history, of their reputation, and their secrets.

EARL TO THE RESCUE was first published in 1980, but it is every bit as exciting today. Gwendeline must grow up fast, and sometimes her naivety gets her into trouble. Confusion over the earl is her biggest stumbling block. His mother, a novelist, is an enjoyable side story, and Gwendeline's friendship with Lillian helps her fit into London society easier. The earl is an enigma, and readers won't find out what's truly going on until very near the end of the story. But it's very satisfying.

EARL TO THE RESCUE is a fun read with exceptional characters.

Jani Brooks