The Shamrock and the Rose by Regan Walker
Description:
Set in London in 1818, it’s the story of Rose Collingwood, daughter of a baron, who wanted to play Portia in The Merchant of Venice. To accept the part at the Theatre-Royal at Haymarket, the very proper young lady assumes the disguise of Miss Lily Underwood, the actress. Who knew all of London would soon be at her feet sending her love notes? One such Valentine goes awry only to be found by the dashing Irish barrister, Morgan O’Connell. Though he would have seduced the actress, Morgan must court the lady. Given three choices much like Portia’s suitors, can she resist the handsome Irish rogue? And who is it who is following her.
Review:
The Shamrock and the Rose by Regan Walker, begins with Morgan O’Connell attending a production of The Merchant of Venice, and he’s immediately drawn to the actress playing the part of Portia. He seems to have grown tired of the women he’s been keeping company with while in London……….
Seems Miss Lily Underwood, the actress, is actually Rose Collingwood, and is fulfilling a dream of being an actress and getting out and seeing the world a bit. However, no one can know that she is actually Lily Underwood, as actresses of the time were deemed somewhat lower in social circles. She is bombarded with tokens of affection and love notes from prospective suitors. While staying in London, she has been entrusted by her family into the keep of the dowager countess.
Morgan finds a note meant for Miss Underwood and takes it upon himself to find out where she is staying. He approaches the countess’ home and once the countess meets Morgan, she immediately invites him to dinner so that he can deliver the note himself. Once he meets Miss Underwood and discovers that she is actually Rose Collingwood, they are immediately drawn to each other. However, the countess had invited a couple of other possible suitors to dinner as well…….. The countess ALWAYS has something up her sleeve, it seems. And, with St. Valentine’s Day just around the corner, things could get a little steamy.
Rose has been receiving more and more notes from one person in particular, unsigned and the notes are becoming more desperate sounding. Seems he will stop at nothing to have “Miss Underwood”. Fortunately for Rose, Morgan has other ideas.
The Shamrock and the Rose is a wonderfully written story. I love how Regan Walker weaves history into her storytelling. With Morgan being Irish, we get to find out a little about the Catholic Emancipation goings on in Ireland and their desire to receive the benefits of being a part of Britain.. She always places real historical places into the story as well, so I always feel a little bit more educated after reading her stories. This is a sweet, romantic short story and, oh, how I love getting to see other characters from previous books. And, I think every circle needs a dowager countess playing cupid! I literally can’t wait for her next novel, Against the Wind, set to release in March. If you love Regency Romance, Regan Walker is definitely the author for you!!
Reviewed by Vickie
Copy provided by Author
Regan has graciously offered a Giveaway to help celebrate The Reading Cafe’s Anniversary Celebration. Check tonight’s Giveaway!
