Becky Lower has a gift with words and thankfully she decided to share her gift with us. The latest entry in the mid-19c historical romance Cotillion Ball Series features Jasmine Fitzpatrick and her effort to find a husband before the newest round of debutants steal her thunder. Angry at being denied a proper debutant season the previous year, and because her father refused her a new wardrobe, she is determined to win the hand of the English Lord Alistair before the season begins. Alistair, an older widower, has come to America to begin a horse race track, but he can't imagine doing so without his horse-handling equal partner, former stable boy Parr O'Shaughennesy. Parr helps Jasmine not only pursue Alistair, but also develop her latent talent for fashion and design. As she experiences career success she must decide between passion and duty.

Lower's vivid descriptions make this book come alive. I could practically smell the barn and see the fashions. I also loved the story arc. There are plenty of books out there with self-indulgent, whiney heroines. If you only read the first ten pages or were tempted to skip this book because of previous encounters with Jasmine, please read the whole book, enjoy the transformation and how Lower brings humanity to Jasmine's character. It is a treat, as is this book.

I received an ARC in exchange for review and I'm glad I did. ( )

Becky Lower has a gift with words and thankfully she decided to share her gift with us. The latest entry in the mid-19c historical romance Cotillion Ball Series features Jasmine Fitzpatrick and her effort to find a husband before the newest round of debutants steal her thunder. Angry at being denied a proper debutant season the previous year, and because her father refused her a new wardrobe, she is determined to win the hand of the English Lord Alistair before the season begins. Alistair, an older widower, has come to America to begin a horse race track, but he can't imagine doing so without his horse-handling equal partner, former stable boy Parr O'Shaughennesy. Parr helps Jasmine not only pursue Alistair, but also develop her latent talent for fashion and design. As she experiences career success she must decide between passion and duty.

Lower's vivid descriptions make this book come alive. I could practically smell the barn and see the fashions. I also loved the story arc. There are plenty of books out there with self-indulgent, whiney heroines. If you only read the first ten pages or were tempted to skip this book because of previous encounters with Jasmine, please read the whole book, enjoy the transformation and how Lower brings humanity to Jasmine's character. It is a treat, as is this book.

I received an ARC in exchange for review and I'm glad I did. ( )