Title: Arabella’s Assistant
Author: Judy Lynn Ichkhanian
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Copyright: July 11, 2022
ISBN: 978-1509242337
ASIN: B09X3S99KP
Format: E-Book, 340 Pages
Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance
Summary
Lady Arabella Warwick possesses a passion for cuneiform, a wish to never marry, and an empty reticule. Unfortunately, she also has an ailing mother who needs expensive care. In Victorian England, there is only one way for a lady to raise much needed funds: marriage.
Gabriel, Baron Brynley, knows his nefarious cousin, the Viscount Justin Manning, would never court an impoverished bluestocking like Lady Arabella, no matter how lovely. She must figure into the lawsuit Gabriel has brought to claim his relative’s titles. But how? He’s determined to find out.
Soon Arabella and Gabriel bond over an obsession with the Epic of Gilgamesh. As their attraction to each other grows, so does the danger from those who oppose them. With so much at stake, do they dare risk love?
Review
Lady Arabella Warwick dreams of being more than a wife and mother, but in Victorian society, the cards are stacked against the 27-year-old spinster with a passion for Assyriology. Living in genteel poverty with an invalid mother, Arabella’s only option to improve her situation is through marriage to a wealthy young man. When Gabriel Darkwood, Baron Brynley, comes onto the scene, Arabella meets someone as interested in the Epic of Gilgamesh as she is. As a bond forms between the two aristocrats, romance is sure to blossom sooner or later.
Arabella is an intriguing figure, a unique young woman who doesn’t fit into the time in which she lives. While the other young ladies focus on romance, this erudite protagonist is far too busy pursuing her intellectual interests. It took me quite a while to get into the story and connect with the characters, especially Arabella; the book starts off slow, and there is stilted dialogue in certain scenes. Once the plot started to unfold, I was hooked. My favorite aspect of this book, aside from the romance, was the building suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed not knowing what would happen next.
Originally featured on the History Novel Society website.
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