A Scandalous Secret
By Beth Andrews

Attractive young widow Elizabeth, Countess of Dansmere, is not sorry that her boorish husband is dead, and the last thing she wants is another man. But she is staying with her happily married sister Dorinda, and she keeps trying to marry her off! First to tiresome houseguest Oswald Gulbridge who she cannot stand, and then to her wealthy new neighbor Dominick Markham. But unknown to Dorinda Elizabeth does know Dominick, and they both share a secret that must never be told.

This is an entertaining romance, as two men vie for the same woman and Elizabeth has to get to know Dominick properly. Some of the rustic pleasures of a country house party are here; I would have loved a more detailed description of Regency Salisbury. Elizabeth is a gentle lady and it is enjoyable to see her coaxed out of her shell, and after some initial misunderstandings (not too many so as to become tiresome) Dominick reveals himself as a good man, which makes it essentially an uplifting tale. If you want passion and lots of sex you won’t find either in here, but this is a pleasantly placid tale of country pursuits and a second chance at love.