The Earl Most Likely

Book excerpt: An independent young woman with an eye for detail helps restore a castle and solve a murder in this Victorian romance by the author of The Bad Luck Bride. It’s not every day a young woman is offered ten thousand pounds for a few months’ work—especially the plain, shy daughter of a tin mine owner. The only thing special about Harriet Anderson is her extraordinary memory for even the smallest, most obscure detail. So when she’s asked by a gentleman to help restore his once magnificent ancestral home, she simply can’t refuse, no matter how scandalous the position. The money will mean freedom from her callous parents, and a life of independence. Harriet doesn’t imagine dreaming of anything more . . . Augustus Lawton, Lord Berkley, cares about only one thing: restoring his beloved Costille House to its former, historically correct, glory. His late wife had taken great vindictive delight in transforming the old castle into a modern Victorian nightmare. Harriet’s remarkable memory will be invaluable in repairing it—and in helping him solve his wife’s murder. Yet as they work together, Augustus finds that besides her uncanny gift, Harriet possesses other priceless qualities. And as the castle’s beauty is gradually revealed, he can’t help noticing, so is hers . . . Praise for the novels of Jane Goodger “Fun, delightfully romantic—and sexy.” —Sally MacKenzie on The Spinster Bride “A touching, compassionate, passion-filled romance.” —RT Book Reviews on A Christmas Waltz