Fans of historical romance will be fascinated by the broad saga of The Guardian’s Plan by author Barbara Dexter Moore, whose passion for these genres is clearly evident in this 300-plus-page first novel.
In addition to the many twists and turns within its pages, perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of The Guardian’s Plan is that Moore wrote about half of the novel and unfortunately passed away from complications from breast cancer before it could be completed. But now, 9 years after her death in 2006, her husband, Richard Moore, author of ‘Tribes of the Nahrain’, ‘Past’ and ‘Present’, decided to take her half-finished manuscript and complete her dream.
Beautifully set in Regency England in 1835, Richard, the book’s executive editor, has done his wife good in the opinion of this critic.
Readers have known from the beginning the Duke of Hersford, Derek Eden, a handsome longtime bachelor, well known in English society and regarded as a true attraction by all the ladies of the “Bon Ton”. Derek and we quickly learned that he has been appointed as the legal guardian of six American children between the ages of 3 and 20. Not just ordinary children, but also those of his childhood best friend, Edward Ashton-Croft. The Duke has not seen Ashton-Croft in 14 years because he died under rather mysterious circumstances.
The duke meets the first of the brood, his eldest daughter, Meghan, in the dark, literally. Their reunion sets the tone for what will be a constant battle of “should we or shouldn’t we” woven through the pages between her and Derek.
He rose from his cavernous, throne-like leather chair, kicked off his slippers, and reached for a heavy wrought-iron fire poker. At the library door he silently prayed that it would open without creaking; Stealth, the poker, and a steady heart would be Her only weapons. Meghan slowly turned the latch on the door and opened it silently to eye-width. Through the dim light of the quivering candles placed on the struts in the long hallway. , he could make out the shape of this invader. He’s a big one … ‘, he thought with a little nervousness gnawing at his resolve. He seemed to be dressed all in black,’ … it will probably help him melt into the darkness … ‘, he deduced, and he was wrapped in a cape that almost reached the ground, his head was wrapped in a baggy hat that sported the widest brim she had ever seen. “Without a doubt he is afraid of the light …”, concluded.
When she crawled to the first landing of the staircase and moved her hand to the railing, Meghan’s resolve turned into action. Moving silently but quickly, she leaped into the hallway, catching up with the intruder just as he was about to climb the stairs. the first step and pressed the poker firmly against his unsuspecting back. “Stop … stay where you are or I’ll shoot!” he yelled firmly. He blinked once, quickly realized how big it really was and pressed the poker with a firmer turn. “Brigade! Invasive! Raise your arms now and retrace your steps to get out of this house before a bullet hits you! “‘Steadfast … resolute … great or not, that should put some fear in him,’ he thought, believing the advantage was full. With her …”
Of course, the Duke has no idea how to be a tutor, but thanks to his business acumen, he sets out to make a plan. He focuses on marrying the fighter Meghan, at first, so that he can remain the most coveted award among the English outfit.
Although Derek had never spent time with young children, it was apparent where this growing conversation was headed. The throb in his head returned with a vengeance and seemed to increase with each shrill word uttered by these pliers; It rose again when Derek’s eyes turned. find others running down the hall to your room. Leading his pack was a very different Miss Meghan Ashton-Croft … “
Of course, Miss Meghan has other ideas. She has no interest in marrying a stiff upper lip guy from high society, especially if it’s just to appease the Duke. But she knows she must meet “Your Excellency” if she wants to return to her native Charleston, South Carolina, a place she considers her true home with her brothers and sister. Meghan wants to be as far away from England and The Duke and as quickly as possible.
Sadly, however, never in her wildest dreams did she believe that she would become the center of attention during the social season of 1835. From balls to larger-than-life dresses, Meghan must figure out how to juggle it all. As the season progresses, a romantic tension develops between the duke and his ward, but neither will give up … yet.
Towards the end of the novel, there are more mysteries, mayhem, pistols drawn, injuries, and shootings taking place, as well as a twist that readers won’t see coming. Readers will also have fun and quickly fall in love with supporting characters like Katie, Meghan’s little sister, The Duke’s mother, Contessa, and others who play key roles in Meghan and Derek’s journey to happiness.
If you are a first time reader of historical romance novels, or you just haven’t read one in a while, you may want to brush up on the English story and phrases to help you understand some of the references. In the end, The Guardian’s Plan delivers on its promises to readers of this wonderful love story between two unlikely characters, as well as paying tribute to its late author.