Fortune’s Mistress has a cover reminiscent of the classics. Mary Chase Comstock tells a story of a high born girl who is forced to make the best of her circumstances. The book moves along at a good pace, and the story is predictable, though it is not your usual Regency romance.
Marianne Gardiner is a fallen woman. Headstrong and foolish, she made the worst mistake years ago when she had her debut. On a high of appreciation, and feeling invincible, Marianne compromises herself in the worst possible way and her reputation is in shreds. Her family are not too understanding and Marianne runs away choosing to live as a rich man’s mistress. As her protectors change over the years, she gets a surprise in the form of her soon to be born baby. Marianne packs up and leaves for Land’s End, as far away as she can get from London.
In a small village in Cornwall, Marianne lives as a widow. She encounters the village doctor who appears to be from a noble family himself. Love blooms between the two. After slaying the customary villain, the only thing holding them back is self doubt. There are many supporting characters that lend a hand to the story. The pastor and his wife, the cooks and maids, the local wise woman and a bunch of orphan children the doctor has taken under his wing. As they say, ‘from the mouth of babes’…The children convince the doctor that he needs to express his feelings and marry Marianne quickly before her child is born. All’s well that ends well.
Why do we read books like Fortune’s Mistress? Is there anything new happening, or anything unexpected here? No. I think it is the same reason everyone likes a Cinderella story even after their hair turns grey. Whatever walk of life we may be in, or wherever we may come from, the hope for new love and new beginnings is universal. It is the final ray of light even the most jaded can’t deny.
Read the Fortune’s Mistress for a feel good story. And settle into some sweet dreams.
Please Note: If you use this Buy button, I might earn a small commission from Amazon.