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A review by ksmarsden
Redeeming the Reclusive Earl by Virginia Heath
5.0
Effie is an odd spinster with a passion for digging. Her plans are disrupted by the scarred new Earl, who wants nothing to do with her or any snooping villagers.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Effie is a fantastic little character. She's very modern, and easy to relate to, as she struggles to fit into the patriarchal society of her time.
She is a realist, she knows that her brains, and her inability to think without speaking, has her pegged as odd. Her one chance at a normal life with a husband and children ended, when her fiance died in the war. Effie has come to terms that she has no option, but be a crazy spinster.
With no father or close family, Effie has a great amount of freedom, and has discovered a passion for digging up the local ruins, piecing together a forgotten era. She intends to enlighten the world, by having her research published in Archaeologia, but they constantly refuse because she is a woman.
Max's uncle has passed away, leaving him the Earl of a remote property. Unfortunately, not remote enough for his plans to hide from the world. His new neighbour insists on ignoring his threats, and continues to dig on his land.
I really enjoyed this book, and it was easy to get caught up in Effie's dreams, which are constantly hindered by a patriarchy that looks like it will never change. She's ready to stand up for her right to speak and be heard, she just needs a chance with the educational society.
Her clashes with Max are quite sweet, as she finds someone not intimidated by her mind; and he finds someone who doesn't seem to notice the scars on his face.
I loved the relationship both characters had with Max's sister Eleanor, who is fantastically meddlesome, but honestly does like Effie.
Overall, this was a fun story, that dissects the limited female roles we could aspire to at that time.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Effie is a fantastic little character. She's very modern, and easy to relate to, as she struggles to fit into the patriarchal society of her time.
She is a realist, she knows that her brains, and her inability to think without speaking, has her pegged as odd. Her one chance at a normal life with a husband and children ended, when her fiance died in the war. Effie has come to terms that she has no option, but be a crazy spinster.
With no father or close family, Effie has a great amount of freedom, and has discovered a passion for digging up the local ruins, piecing together a forgotten era. She intends to enlighten the world, by having her research published in Archaeologia, but they constantly refuse because she is a woman.
Max's uncle has passed away, leaving him the Earl of a remote property. Unfortunately, not remote enough for his plans to hide from the world. His new neighbour insists on ignoring his threats, and continues to dig on his land.
I really enjoyed this book, and it was easy to get caught up in Effie's dreams, which are constantly hindered by a patriarchy that looks like it will never change. She's ready to stand up for her right to speak and be heard, she just needs a chance with the educational society.
Her clashes with Max are quite sweet, as she finds someone not intimidated by her mind; and he finds someone who doesn't seem to notice the scars on his face.
I loved the relationship both characters had with Max's sister Eleanor, who is fantastically meddlesome, but honestly does like Effie.
Overall, this was a fun story, that dissects the limited female roles we could aspire to at that time.