The Bridemaker

She's called "the Bridemaker", but Hester Poitevant prefers to think of herself as the gentle facilitator of marital union. Hester's popular Mayfair Academy has helped teach many the awkward society miss how to find her way to the altar with the eligible bachelor of her choice. But while her students flirt and mingle, Hester possesses as a prim widow--rather than reveal herself as the never-been married beauty she truly is...He made his fortune in America. Now the dashing, scandalously sired Adrian Hawke is in London, determined to fight off the season's most wily debutants. Adrian isn't fooled by Hester's thin disguise--for she possess the soft, womanly curves no somber gown can hide. The question is, why does she dress like a schoolmarm when she could easily make a better match than any of her student? Adrian vows to reveal Hester's most precious secrets. But what he discovers is a woman with a past more complicated than he could ever imagine--and whose beauty is not just skin-deep...From Publishers WeeklyWith this sparkling romance between a highly regarded widow and a thoroughly charming rake, Becnel (The Troublemaker, etc.) breathes life into the rigid Regency-era romance genre. Hester Poitevant, mistress of the popular Mayfair Academy, has developed a reputation for transforming shy, awkward girls into good marriage material. Known as the Bridemaker, she hides behind her widow's weeds and ugly spectacles in order to appear respectable without outshining her students and their paying mamas. The disguise also ensures that no man will look twice at her and threaten her hard-earned independence. But when her favorite student sets her sights on Adrian Hawke, a rich but untitled American, Hester confronts the unconventional rogue and, to her horror, begins to fall for him. Though Adrian is initially put off by Hester's standoffish demeanor, he senses the feisty widow is concealing more than just a fine body, and he's willing to use whatever means necessary, even seduction, to uncover her secrets. The protagonists' ideals are at times too modern for the period, but Hester's spirited personality and Adrian's devil-may-care attitude will appeal to a broad readership. Playful in tone and rich in character, this book is fun, breezy entertainment.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. From BooklistFrom a background that left her on her own and fearful of men, Hester Poitevant has created a career for herself at a time when a woman on her own had few choices. She runs the Mayfair Academy, dedicated to preparing young girls of the ton for their season. So far, every one has made a suitable match, but Hester herself remains an enigma. She hides her beauty behind the serviceable accoutrement of a governess or nanny, and pretends to be a widow. When one of her students becomes enamored with a newcomer to the social scene, Hester finds herself in the uncomfortable position of being attracted to this same man. Adrian Hawke has come to London from America, and at first associates Hester with all that he hates about the English aristocracy, but he soon sees beyond her plain facade and is intrigued enough to seek out her secrets. It is a real treat to see how Hester and Adrian overcome their flaws and insecurities to end up happily together. Maria HattonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved