ONCE UPON A MAIDEN LANE ( Maiden Lane 12.5) by Elizabeth Hoyt- a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2017

Miss Mary Whitsun is far too intelligent to fall for the rakish charms of a handsome aristocrat. But when the gentleman in question approaches her in a bookshop, mistaking her for his fiancée, Lady Johanna Albright, the flirtatious encounter only raises more questions. Could Mary, a servant raised in a St Giles orphanage, actually be Lady Joanna’s long-lost twin sister? If so, Mary has been betrothed since birth—to the rakishly handsome aristocrat himself.

Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is far too intrigued by Mary to let her go so easily. He’s drawn to her sharp mind, indomitable spirit, and the fiery way in which she dismisses him—ladies simply don’t dismiss Lord Blackwell. But as Mary makes her first hesitant steps into society, she can’t help but wonder if she truly has a place in Henry’s world—or in his heart.

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REVIEW: – Told from dual third person perspectives (Mary and Henry) ONCE UPON A MAIDEN LANE follows the building relationship between nursemaid Miss Mary Whitsun, and Henry Collins, aka Viscount Blackwell in the face of the discovery that our heroine might very well be the missing heiress, and Lady Joanna Albright’s twin sister Cecilia Albright-kidnapped as a child, and presumed dead for the past twenty one years. Promised at birth to the future Viscount Blackwell, Cecilia has been missing, and without proof of birthright Mary Whitsun struggles to accept the possibility that she is the formerly missing child Cecilia Albright-betrothed to the infamous rake Viscount Blackwell. Enter Henry Collins, aka Viscount Blackwell, and the man with whom Mary will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Mary and Henry, and the potential fall out when the truth is revealed.

ONCE UPON A MAIDEN LANE is a short story ala Cinderella where a beautiful young woman falls in love with the handsome prince only to realize under the pretty clothes and glamorous lifestyle, she will always be remembered as the nursemaid she was born to be. There are moments of intrigue and danger; mystery and suspense; romance and love. The premise is heart-warming; the romance is passionate. Several previous story line couples and characters make cameo appearances allowing for the familiarity of friendship and acquaintance. ONCE UPON A MAIDEN LANE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information form the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy