Gallant Waif (Harlequin Historical)
by Anne Gracie

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Book Reviews of Gallant Waif (Harlequin Historical)

Book Review: Oh, yes, indeedy ---
Summary: 5 Stars

Newcomer Anne Gracie of Australia made a smashing debut with this book (which was actually published in the UK before Tallie's Knight, which rather gives the appearance of being first. Not so.) Gallant Waif was a finalist in the RWA RITA competition in 2000 for books first released in 1999. That news will come as no surprise to the reader.

Kate Farleigh was the only daughter, following two sons, of a small-town vicar. Her mother died in childbed, and of course, her father always thereafter resented the child, especially for her likeness to his wife. Until, during the war on the Peninsula, he decided to go visit his sons. There was no other choice than for Kate to go along, as well. It was here that she finally came into her own, and during the final two years of her life with her father they made a sort of peace with each other. Before the war ended, though, all three of the men in Kate's life became casualties. And then, so did Kate, herself, even though her emotional self was undaunted. She returned to England, determined to forge a life for herself as best she could.

Mad Jack Carstairs, on the other hand, came back from the war a somewhat broken man, unable to (as he thought) resume the life he'd always anticipated living. His fiancé cries off at sight of his scars and lame leg, although she blames her defection on his having been almost completely disinherited. There is one property left to him; a run-down, isolated place hardly worth having, however, it does at least get him away from society.

But Jack doesn't reckon on the strong will of his Grandmother--one of those miniature gorgons who rules with a fist of lead. She's a wonderful, full-blooded creature whose god-daughter was Kate's mother. One day, for no good reason, Lady Cahill takes it in her head to find out whatever happened to Maria's only living child. Unable to convince Kate of her sincerity, she simply kidnaps the chit, and the adventure starts.

Kate agrees to be housekeeper for Jack, as his disheveled house is badly in need of one. Eventually, her common sense begins to see past his brusqueness, and she convinces him to accept her help. In secret. But that's certainly better than nothing, and her joy in his triumph is heart-warming.

But the Dowager Countess hasn't given up yet, either. After arranging for Kate's long-lost inheritance, she then arranges for Kate to come to London to have a Season, in spite of Kate's reluctance to do so. If you can read Chapter Seventeen (the main ball in London) without a tear or two, why are you reading a romance novel? This is the essence of a romantic novel, and you'll feel refreshed and renewed by the vicarious experience of this extraordinary book. I'm eagerly awaiting more from Ms. Gracie. But hurry! Please!

Summary of Gallant Waif (Harlequin Historical)

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