The Bride Hunt (Matchmaker Duncan Sisters) (U)

Hailed for her captivating blend of romance and sensuality, New York Times bestselling author Jane Feather has enchanted readers and critics alike. In this second book in her dazzling new trilogy, Constance, Prudence, and Chastity Duncan, London s most charming young matchmakers, are faced with a ruinous lawsuit and it s up to the brainy, beautiful middle sister to extricate them.No sooner had the Duncan sisters Personals service turned a profit than their controversial newspaper, The Mayfair Lady, offended a powerful earl who is now determined to ruin them with a lawsuit. In dire need of counsel, the women turn to England s most-sought-after young barrister.Sir Gideon Malvern is notorious for his aggressive style and his love of a challenge. Spirited Prudence, with her beauty unsuccessfully hidden behind spectacles and frumpy clothes, provides him with exactly that. But how in the world will the Duncan sisters be able to afford Gideon s fee? Prudence proposes a barter Gideon defends their case; they find him a bride. It s an exchange of services even this most cynical, single barrister can t refuse.Publishers WeeklyThe second entry in Feather's Matchmaker trilogy (following The Bachelor List) is a charming romp through 19th-century London featuring the Duncan sisters, who are trying to hold their family together financially by running a matchmaking service and producing the suffragist scandal sheet The Mayfair Lady. When the paper is sued for libel, Prudence Duncan enlists the help of fierce barrister Sir Gideon Malvern. Gideon is convinced their case is hopeless, but he can't deny the attraction he feels for stubborn, strong-willed Prue. Because she can't afford his fees, Gideon agrees to argue the case if she finds him a suitable bride, but before long, Gideon finds himself as involved with Prue as he is with the Mayfair Lady case. Readers may be surprised by the setting, which is unusual for historical romances; here the automobile and the telephone have already been invented. One amusing scene centers on a drive to the country, which takes three hours in Gideon's car (moving at its top speed of 20 miles an hour). Though this is Prue's story, both Constance and Chastity ably carry their portions of the novel, which will ensure that readers snap up the other two books in the series (each focusing on a sister and conveniently appearing in consecutive months). (Mar.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.