Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #268089 in Books
• Published on: 2002-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 370 pages

Synopsis
Secretly drawn to her best friend's brother for years, Penelope Featherington believes that she knows everything about Colin Bridgerton, until she stumbles upon his deepest secrets.

Customer Reviews

The Mystery Of Lady Whistledown Intensifies...
For those following the Bridgerton series by Ms Quinn, this tale is the fourth story about the seven Bridgerton series, but sibling number three, Mr Colin Bridgerton third child after Anthony, Benedict and before Daphne (The children have been named according to the alphabet from A to H). Penelope Featherington has been in love with the rather charming Colin for what seems like forever. Not that he noticed, having skipped out the country whenever he felt like it to get away from the label of third son of a viscount and his only chance of recognition is being mentioned in the notorious gossip column written by the mysterious Lady Whistledown as the most charming man in town - an opinion she often publishes! When Colin returns home to London after one of his many trips around Europe, he finds that nothing much has changed. Everything is still the same, society are still preocupied with the Whistledown papers, he is still metioned in them as the charming gentleman, but he begins to see Penelope in a new light. Then Penelope discovers Colin deepest secret and fear of being a nobody, but then Penelope harbours huge secrets of her own as Colin soon finds out! There is more to her than just the wall flower spinster and best friend of his sister, Eloise (subject of the next Bridgerton book). Then, just as Colin and Penelope's relationship begins to tenetatively blossom, Society is in an uproar as an influential society matron decides to offer one thousand pounds to the person who can unmask the mysterious Lady Whistledown to end the ennuii that has been fashionable of late and everything else is overshadowed by the frenzy of suspicions and rumours flying about who is Lady Whistledown. Can Colin and Penelope find their feet and feelings for each other admidst all the chaos? And just who is Lady Whistledown? Well you will just have to read the book to find out. This is a a refreshing and light historical romance and extremely entertaining. Its full of subtle wit and charm and for once the story is not overshadowed by murders or kidnappings or other dastardly dealings subplots that litter many recent romances published. Highly enjoyable and highly recommended, especially if you have read the previous Bridgerton novels.

In my opinion, the best Julia Quinn yet!
It's very rare that I read a book and enjoy it so much that I read it again straight away, but I found this novel engaging from the very start. Firstly, it was lovely to have a heroine who isn't beautiful and gifted and the toast of the town, but can still be loved by a man who could have his pick of the ton. Secondly, if you've read the other books you've really got to know Penelope - she's been there in the background throughout the series - and it's great to find out more about her. Thirdly, I loved the fact that Julia Quinn brought in characters from Regency novels by Stephanie Laurens and Lisa Kleypas. It makes the world of the Regency seem more real somehow and almost makes you feel as if the Bridgertons, the Cynsters and other characters in this imaginary world could actual exist in one society.
This novel follows the underdog - the intelligent, but undervalued Penelope, who you can't help sympathising with and pitying in the other novels. I've always suspected she had more depth than the others and this novel proves it. She's much more than a spoilt,two-dimensional debutante and it is the diversity of the character that makes her seem so human. It's no surprise that Penelope gets her man - it wouldn't be a romance if she didn't - but what I liked is that she also gets her revenge on those who've treated her dismissively and cruelly in the past, which is - I am sure - something all of us would love to do!
It's witty and intelligent - like the heroine herself - and doesn't overindulge in the excessive bodice-ripping which often gets in the way of a good story.
If you've enjoyed novels by Stephanie Laurens, Marion Chesney etc. you'll love this, but if you haven't read any other Julia Quinn novels, read about the other Bridgertons first so that you can truly appreciate and understand Penelope and why it's so important that she gets her man.

Sweet and touching yet breathtakingly passionate
I bought this book a few weeks ago and it has already been worn out as I have re-read it numerous times.
The romance between Colin and Penelope is so well developed and extremely believeable. The characters are so down to earth that I felt like I was right there with them.
This is a story of true love and passion. It is also of story of discovering oneself with the hel of your loved one. Colin discovered himself and what he wanted to do in his life with the loving help of Penelope.
I always feel so moved when reading this book regardless of the fact I have read more time that I could possibly remember.
It is one of the best Julia Quinn books and also one of the best romance novels I have ever read.