28th Jan
A Lady Would Know Better by Emma Theriault delivered a historical romance filled with mystery, family and Jane Austen vibes. Find out what happens when the Earl of Belhaven finds a woman in the snow, unconscious and nearly frozen, who whispers, “don’t let them get me.”
A Lady Would Know Better
by Emma Theriault
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Get ready to swoon for this dreamy, forget-me-not romance that’s filled with the delightful tartness of Jane Austen and the sweeping, unputdownable drama of Bridgerton.
There are many things an English lord might encounter on the grounds of his wintry estate. Trees. Birds. Perhaps a wandering gamekeeper. Instead, the Earl of Belhaven finds a woman in the snow, unconscious and nearly frozen to death. Then her luminous gray eyes open just long enough for her to plead, “Don’t let them get me.”
Now Jasper Maycott has his hands full with a woman who has absolutely no memory of who she is or where she came from—to say nothing of her name! Just a gold ring, some fine clothes, and a penchant for pert conversation. But while “Jane” dresses and speaks quite like a lady, Jasper can’t make any assumptions. After all, she could be a crafty fortune hunter…albeit a charming and unutterably beautiful one.
Only there’s no room for romantic love in the Earl of Belhaven’s world. There is just grim duty, a lingering sense of loss, and the knowledge that love—in any form—can only bring heartbreak in its wake.
But while a lady should know better, the heart heeds no rules…even if its every beat portends the danger she was running from.
I was in the mood for a light historical romance when A Lady Would Know Better came across my desk. I was intrigued by the thought of what would an Earl do when he finds a woman half-frozen, who suffers from amnesia?
Jasper, the Earl of Belhaven, has his hands full. A recent plague robbed him of his parents, his fiancée and his older brother. He now finds himself the Earl and responsible for his sisters and the lands they keep. It has only been a year and the holidays are upon them.
When Jasper finds the lady, for she appears to be a lady with delicate hands and dress, she is injured from what appears to be a fall from a horse. Before she loses consciousness, she says, “Don’t let them get me.” He fetches the local doctor, and his sisters fuss over the stranger. He’s unsure what to do and naturally his sisters want to keep her.
The tale that unfolds has us gathered in the Belhaven manor as the family faces their first holidays without the loved ones they lost. The young woman, while recovered, doesn’t even know her name and they call her Jane.
The story unfolds slowly, but I enjoyed getting to know the sisters and the interactions between Jane and Jasper. I loved the sisters, particularly the youngest. The family teasing and affection for one another felt genuine, and it was heartwarming to witness. These are good people who care for their tenants. The oldest sister invites Jasper’s friends for a small gathering, and they find themselves with a houseful. It pushes Jasper to face the death of his love, parents, and brother. The story is as much about healing as it is about the mystery of Jane and the slow burning romance.
Jasper is drawn to her, but also keeps putting his foot directly in his mouth. It was delightful to watch. Jane was demure yet spirited and I like her, even if both she and Jasper got in their own way.
A local ball gives Jane answers, but are the memories told to her truth? The author weaves in suspense, touches on some atrocities women faced and created the circumferences for Jasper to find himself and claim what he wants. Admittedly, I was mad at Jasper at this moment, but I believe his action where how gentlemen behaved.
Fans of Jane Austen, family sagas, romance, and a touch of mystery will enjoy A Lady Would Know Better.
About Emma Theriault
Emma Theriault was born and raised in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, and thus has a penchant for gothic revival architecture and a constant craving for Beavertails. She has been everything from an enthusiastic bookseller (who once sold a book to Prime Minister Trudeau) to a purveyor of whitewater rafting adventures in the Interior of British Columbia. When not writing books about curses and blood magic, she can be found eating burritos, hiking with her boyfriend or cuddling with her cats, Gatsby and Harriet.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat.
