Title: In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster
Author: Stephanie Laurens
First published September 27, 2011
424 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780062068613 (ISBN10: 006206861X)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
Join Miss Eliza Cynster on her wedding day, but not before she is whisked away from her sister’s engagement party by a daring abductor. Her journey takes her to the city of Edinburgh, where she meets her unlikely hero, scholar Jeremy Carling.
Despite his lack of experience in rescues and villains, he is determined to help Eliza escape. As they face danger and obstacles at every turn, they soon realize the depth of their unexpected love for each other.
Will they be brave enough to capture and own this newfound love? Find out in Stephanie Laurens’ thrilling novel, In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster.
About the Author
Stephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka when it was under British rule. She spent her early childhood there before her family moved to Melbourne, Australia.
She went to school and earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia. After that, she and her husband embarked on an epic journey from Katmandu to London, where they both started working as research scientists in Kent.
They lived in an area steeped in history, with their cottage dating back to the 16th century, ruins of an early Roman villa next door, and a 14th century castle nearby. After four years in England, they returned to Australia, where Stephanie continued to work in cancer research and eventually headed her own research laboratory.
One evening, Stephanie realized she had run out of her favorite romance novels to read. She had been considering writing her own novel for years and decided to give it a try.
Tangled Reins, her first published book, was written during nights and weekends for several months. After finding success with her novels, Stephanie retired from scientific research to become a full-time novelist.
Her books are primarily historical romances set in the Regency era.
Stephanie and her husband now live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. When not writing, Stephanie enjoys reading and tending her garden.
Editoral Review
In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster by Stephanie Laurens is a historical romance novel that was first published on September 27, 2011. The author is well-known for her captivating love stories that are set in the 19th century, and this book is no exception.
The novel takes place in Regency England and follows Eliza Cynster, a young and beautiful woman who is fiercely independent. Despite her desire to remain single and free of any attachment, she finds herself drawn to a dashing and mysterious man, who manages to capture her heart.
The novel also features Eliza’s close circle of friends, all of whom are involved in various romantic entanglements. The strength of In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster lies in its vivid portrayal of life in Regency England.
Stephanie Laurens has a keen eye for detail, and her descriptions of the settings, clothing, and customs of the time are superb. The plot is well-crafted and paced, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.
The central characters, Eliza and her love interest, are fleshed out and three-dimensional. Their relationship is complex and layered, with Laurens deftly exploring the various barriers that stand in their way.
The supporting cast of characters is equally fascinating, with their own intricate love stories woven throughout the novel. However, there are some weaknesses in the novel.
The dialogue can be stilted and overly formal, no doubt intended to reflect the language of the time, but it can sometimes feel forced. Additionally, Laurens can be heavy-handed in her exposition, spelling out the finer details of the plot in tedious detail.
Overall, In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster is a solid historical romance novel that will delight fans of the genre. The richly detailed setting and engaging characters make for a compelling read, and although the writing can be a bit heavy-handed, Laurens’ storytelling skills are undeniable.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic historical fiction, particularly those interested in the Regency era. The novel provides an intriguing glimpse into the customs and values of the time, and Laurens’ depictions of love and passion are sure to resonate with readers.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I would give this book a solid 4.
