An Enthusiastic Review of L.M. Romano's' Debut Novel, Forgotten Betrothal + Giveaway

 

It is my pleasure to introduce and offer a review of L.M. Romano's debut novel, Forgotten Proposal. In recent months, I've been preoccupied by and rather busy with various summer amusements. As a result, my reading has been rather hit and miss. In some cases, it has taken me weeks to finish a single book. Slow reading also tends to be the case when I am not particularly drawn into the story. Sadly, I've also encountered quite a few less than riveting variations this year.

Luckily, neither of these issues were of concern with my most recent read. From the minute I opened Forgotten Betrothal, however, I was drawn in and ultimately finished it more quickly than any book I've read in some time. More than once I even read well into the night (a perk of summer vacation)!

Forgotten Proposal includes a lot of the elements I love to find in works of Austenesque fiction--including (but not limited to): a determinedly charming Mr Darcy, compelling new characters, a dash of mystery, angst*, and an Elizabeth who is on more equal terms with Darcy.

*By angst, I refer to a bumpy/challenging road leading to a hard fought (and satisfying) happily ever after for Darcy and Elizabeth. When it comes to angst, aspects of this book are on par with the works of some my favorite angst queens (e.g., Joana Starnes, Amy D'Orazio, Nicole Clarkston, Abigail Reynolds, etc). 

Based on this strong debut, I will definitely look forward to future releases by this author. This book has also been assigned to my reread list!

If my review and unreserved endorsement make you want to learn more, check out the book blurb:

Enlightenment dawned, sharp and painful in its glaring exactitude. He knew. From the moment she had uttered her true name, he had known that she was not free. So why was he here? Why did he still look at her in that way? Why could she see the adoration in his eyes and the torment in his features? Had he come to say goodbye? To leave her to this fate?

How can an innocent stroll through Hyde Park change the course of so many lives? Confused and chastened following her cruel rejection of Mr Darcy's proposal, Elizabeth Bennet returns to her aunt's house in Gracechurch Street. Unable to find solace while pondering her terrible misjudgment of his character, she is overwhelmed with guilt for how she treated the puzzling gentleman in Derbyshire. 

Fitzwilliam Darcy has retreated to his London home after being spurned by the lady he loves, and after serious reflection has come to the realization that he never deserved Elizabeth's good opinion.

A chance encounter brings the opportunity to seek forgiveness, and possibly, a new start to their budding romance. But the introduction of a stranger into Elizabeth's life threatens to reveal old family secrets that have the potential to truly unravel her world and all that she holds dear.

About the author: L.M. Romano is as Miss Bingley would say, 'a great reader,' though she still owns to taking delight in many things. As an inveterate bookworm and an longtime lover of historical fiction, she is delighted to present her debut novel, Forgotten Betrothal, as a tribute to the works and characters  created by Jane Austen. As a history professor, she eagerly embraced the opportunity to delve into Regency England and the many facets of London's high society, which provides endless evenings of entertainment for both herself and any unfortunate family members who happen to be nearby. A Northern California native, L.M. Romano currently lives with her husband in Ontario, California. She plans to continue writing, teaching, and reading countless books to her heart's content

This post on the Jane Austen State of Mind blog is the last stop on the Forgotten Proposal blog tour. If my review tempts you to read this book, and you have not already done so, please consider visiting the other stops along the blog tour. In addition to my review, the stops include various excerpts and personal remarks from the author.

As with the other stops on the blog tour, leaving a comment on this post will earn you a chance to win an eBook copy of Forgotten Bethrothal. It's too good not to give it a shot! I'm curious, what element of my review or the book blurb most piqued your interest? For those who have already ready read or plan to soon read the book, I would love for you to return to this blog post to share your thoughts!