Zeek's Reviews > Almost Heaven

I needed an escape read/ go-to the other week, so I went straight to Dame McNaught. I’m sad that she doesn’t write any more, but her oldies still do it for me. (although rumor has it… 2017?)

It’s been awhile since I read Ian and Elizabeth’s story, but the first sentence reeled me back in. There is something to be said about that.

Elizabeth, The Countess of Havenhurst, is practically destitute, despite her title. But she’s okay with that. She loves managing the estate, which she’s had to do since her half brother disappeared several years ago, even with a diminished staff and no money. She bargains like the shrewdest market trader, keeps the books and a budget, and loves her flower garden. She has no family left-just the staff who stayed behind. No family, but one- her uncle. And he wants her married and out of his hair.

So he does the unthinkable- he sends letters to any gentleman that previously offered their hand in marriage to Lady Cameron...even though they were summarily rejected. Because Elizabeth is quite the beauty, that number is pretty significant. One problem? The scandal that ruined all her prospects.

Now she must endure the shame of having her uncle practically selling her off to the lowest bidder. But this is why I love Elizabeth- she doesn’t let such things settle on her. Nope, she figures out a way to outsmart him- well him and the three gentleman who actually agreed to the ludicrous request.

Now she must spend time with each and make her choice. And she's determined to be her very worst with each except one. Mr. Ian Thornton. The source of the scandal. Why this man agreed to the arrangement she’ll never know, but she’s about to find out.

Ian has no idea what prankster got it in their head to play such a cruel joke on him in the guise of a marriage offer to the empty headed beautiful young woman who nearly derailed him 3 years ago. But he wants none of it. Thinking he dismissed the offer with a resounding no, imagine his surprise at having her show up at his family homestead in Scotland.

Due to a miscommunication on his part however, he’s unable to get rid of her and they settle in for the pre-requisite time. But it’s just enough time to fall in love once again.

Despite the fact they seemed to be destined for each other, lies and secrets lie between them and with two equally willful people, it’s bound to tear them apart.

I love these two. Ian because he’s uber intelligent and broody and very like the Mr. Thornton of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. ::dreamy sigh:: Elizabeth because she’s clever and so well read and mostly because she can hold her own with Ian while still remaining sweet and likeable. I want to be her friend.

There is more than one misunderstanding in this book. I know, I know- everyone hates the big misunderstanding plot twist, including me right about now, but McNaught is the reason everyone uses it- because when it’s done right, like she always manages... it just works. There’s many painful and beautiful moments in the this story, but for some reason, the one that remained with me through all these years since I first read Almost Heaven, was the epilogue. Ian Thorntan with his son. That little interaction never left me and I’m not sure why.

So 5 stars because… Judith McNaught.