Redeeming the Reclusive Earl

Redeeming the Reclusive Earl

by Virginia Heath

5 out of 5

Synopsis
His heart is a fortress.

And she’s trespassing!

After losing all he holds dear in a horrific fire, Max Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall, shuns the world – until he catches Effie Nithercott digging holes on his estate! He banishes the intrepid archaeologist and the unsettled feelings she rouses within him. But she returns even more determined and infuriatingly desirable than before! He wonders just how deep she is prepared to dig – so far she’ll reach the man beneath his scars…?



Review
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.


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