Although I question the idea of reworking the Bard's TAMING OF THE SHREW, this is a charming tale by Claudia Stone. Oddly enough, I recently picked up two books by different authors -- both of whom reworked TAMING OF THE SHREW. Why? I cannot imagine the impulse to use the Master of English Literature's work. What is wrong with creating one's own tales? Oh, never mind.
Charlotte must get a duke's attention before her father will allow his younger daughter, Bianca, to come out to society. Charlotte is horrified until she hits upon the plan to entice a duke but then refuse to marry him. Because Bianca and Charlotte are so close, Charlotte cannot stand in her sister's way of happiness. However, Charlotte must tone down her opinions and causes until she can find a duke to entice.
Readers get an inkling that there is something more to Charlotte's rabble-rousing when Hugh asks his mother about Charlotte and is told she is interested in dresses, balls, and fun. Hugh realizes this is not his Charlotte at all. Thus, he starts to snoop to find out why Charlotte changed over the three years she had been out in society.
That story adds gravitas to Charlotte and Hugh through their responses to the issue. Although I deplore the idea of an author reworking someone else's idea, this author used wit, lots of humor (a couple of laugh-out-loud moments), and clever dialogue to propel the story. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
Charlotte must get a duke's attention before her father will allow his younger daughter, Bianca, to come out to society. Charlotte is horrified until she hits upon the plan to entice a duke but then refuse to marry him. Because Bianca and Charlotte are so close, Charlotte cannot stand in her sister's way of happiness. However, Charlotte must tone down her opinions and causes until she can find a duke to entice.
Readers get an inkling that there is something more to Charlotte's rabble-rousing when Hugh asks his mother about Charlotte and is told she is interested in dresses, balls, and fun. Hugh realizes this is not his Charlotte at all. Thus, he starts to snoop to find out why Charlotte changed over the three years she had been out in society.
That story adds gravitas to Charlotte and Hugh through their responses to the issue. Although I deplore the idea of an author reworking someone else's idea, this author used wit, lots of humor (a couple of laugh-out-loud moments), and clever dialogue to propel the story. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
