Maggie Robinson again spins her storytelling magic in "Mistress by Mistake", offering one of the most delightfully imperfect heroes you'll ever meet! Desmond Ryland, Marquess of Conover, has always loved Laurette Vincent. Childhood friendship budded into adolescent infatuation, later becoming adult desire and devotion in full bloom. When Con is forced to marry a wealthy older woman to fulfill the social and financial obligations of his family, Laurette is devastated. She and Con continue to meet even after he is married, risking much and desiring even more. Con's wife bears him a son, but Laurette keeps secret from him the fact that she also bore his child, a daughter. Con's marriage is one of convenience, and his unhappiness with his forced separation from Laurette leads him to escape by traveling abroad. He remains gone for many years, writing to his son, and never forgetting his "Laurie". When his wife dies, Con at last returns home to become a father to his son. He also wants to marry Laurette, and he is stunned when she turns down his proposal. He is also shocked, but delighted to learn that he and Laurette have a daughter, and he determines to set all his mistakes to right. He often goes about things the wrong way, acting on his heart's desire without thinking things through. Laurette is a very strong-minded woman, fierce in her lifelong love for Con, but afraid to believe that they could find true happiness. Despite his unconventional ways, Con is so very appealing! He never wavers in his love for his "Laurie", often telling her how much he cares. He was manipulated as a young man into a situation that solved some issues just as it created a world of complications and heartache. Con is not a perfect man, but he is a worthy man, and love at last comes home to his heart. ( )

This book by Maggie Robinson is a quick read. The events are improbably but they are interesting to read.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'" ( )