The Makings of a Lady
The Makings of a Lady
by Catherine Tinley
4 out of 5Synopsis
Be calm, she thought.
Be gracious. Be twenty-two.
Lady Olivia Fanton is eager to prove she’s no longer a child. However, just as she thinks she’s found a suitable match in the suave Mr Manning, charismatic Captain Jem Ford walks back into her life, bringing with him all the embarrassment of her infatuation four years before! She’s determined to appear mature, distant, friendly. But does she dare hope he’ll notice her as the lady she’s become?
Review
Lady Olivia has had four years to talk herself out of her silly crush of the handsome young soldier Jem. But when he returns, she realises her feelings have only gotten stronger.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I believe this is the third and final book in the Chadcombe marriages. Having read The Captain's Disgraced Lady, it helps give a deeper background of Jem, his connection with Olivia's brother, and their trials at Waterloo. That said, it's not entirely necessary, because this book supports itself as a standalone.
After Jem returned to her family's house to recuperate after being injured in the war, Olivia becomes very attached to him. They are close friends, and she hopes more. But when he recovered, instead of proposing, Jem announces that he has taken on a commission in the army, and will not return for years.
Olivia then spends the next four years trying to get over her silly little crush, telling herself that Jem saw her as nothing more than a friend. Until he returns, and her carefully constructed arguments fall apart.
Making things more interesting, is the timely arrival of Olivia's first real suitor, a very handsome and charming gentleman by the name of Mr Manning.
I enjoyed this book. It is a lot of fun. Olivia is a very kind and caring character, and quite shrewd in everything except her own feelings towards Jem.
Oh, and Jem is such a perfect match for her. When they first met, he was still young, naive, but very sweet. He's still very kind, but he has now grown into his own man, with confidence and strength when needed.
The story follows Olivia and her friends, as they are dazzled by the bright light that is the mysterious Mr Manning; and not one, but two kidnappings.
The pace drags in places, and there is a feeling of repetition, as Olivia and Jem continue to deny their feelings, and misread the others' intentions. But there is an air of mystery, and questions that need answering, that pulls you along to the very end.
This was an enjoyable book, and I look forward to reading more of Tinley's work.
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