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Cover of An Affair of the Heart

An Affair of the Heart

First published 1978 · 456 pages

A vintage Regency tale where bruised pride and a stark contrast between sisters pave the way for an unexpected romance.

What it feels like

Stepping into this vintage Regency romance feels like settling into a cozy drawing room filled with society gossip and bruised egos. The narrative moves at a brisk, entertaining clip, driven by the classic tropes of a proud lord seeking a hasty marriage and the stark contrast between twin sisters—one celebrated for her beauty, the other entirely overlooked. It carries a nostalgic, lighthearted tone, focusing on the social maneuvering and superficial intentions that inevitably give way to genuine feeling. The prose is straightforward and breezy, prioritizing witty exchanges and emotional shifts over heavy historical detail. It is a delightful, comforting read for anyone who loves old-school traditional romances where unexpected affection triumphs over wounded pride and societal expectations.

Mood
  • cozy
  • gossipy
  • nostalgic
  • romantic
Tone
  • lighthearted
  • wry
  • romantic
  • traditional
Pace
brisk
Themes
wounded pride · sibling contrasts · unexpected affection · social maneuvering
The writing
Straightforward and dialogue-driven, capturing the classic, breezy cadence of vintage Regency romance.
The arc
Begins with bruised egos and superficial schemes, gradually softening into genuine, unexpected affection.
Who it's for
Readers who delight in old-school, traditional Regency romances featuring proud lords and overlooked sisters.

About the book

The Marquis of Claymore had been rejected by the Beauty of the Season and he was determined to marry the first beautiful woman he could find to assuage his pride. There were the Wanderley twins, with Wanda as gorgeous as could be, and there was her twin, Ellie, who was obviously not in the same class. But Wanda was almost engaged... Regency Romance by Joan Smith; originally published by Fawcett

Description from Open Library.

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