"Ransome's Honor" by Kaye Dacus

Stories set in England's Regency period are a special favorite of mine, thanks to a love for all things related to Jane Austen. As mentioned when reviewing Kaye Dacus's contemporary novel, my interest in her books was sparked by the fact that she is also a huge Austen fan and British drama nut. She'd fit right in with my circle of friends!

"Ransome's Honor" opens on the night Julia Witherington believes William Ransome is going to ask her to be his wife. When the charming Lieutenant Ransome decides he cannot propose without first making his fortune in the navy, Julia is left devastated. Fast-forward twelve years, and Julia is now nearing 30 and has returned to England after spending most of the intervening years on her father's sugar plantation in Jamaica. Integrating back into Portsmouth society as a spinster is difficult enough, but when William Ransome comes back into the picture, now a wealthy Captain, it makes life all the more challenging.

Julia's aunt is a scheming woman whose estate has nearly been lost to the gambling debts her dissolute son has garnered. Determined that Julia's forthcoming fortune will save her home and redeem her son's reputation, she begins pushing her son to pursue his cousin. Luckily for Julia, Sir Drake is a weasily fellow not able to fool her with his obliging airs. Unfortunately, she doesn't see the depth of her aunt's wiley purpose in seeing that the marriage does indeed take place.

When William Ransome turned his back on Julia Witherington twelve years ago, he also set his sights on remaining single for the rest of his life. But when Julia is in desperate need of a friend and even protection, he finds he is willing to do whatever it takes to assure her safety, even at personal cost to himself.

Mixed in with the main storyline are themes which will no doubt be continued in the following two books of this trilogy, such as the mystery hinted about with William's sister. This book held a steady pace throughout and I had a hard time putting it down. I look forward to reading more in this series when I have the chance!