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Frost Fair Fiance

by Mona Gedney

reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz

May 2003, Publisher: Zebra, ISBN: 0821773534

Here is a gentle, semi-snowed in house-party comedy-of-manners that grows on you in the most insidious way! By time you're 50 or so pages in, you'll find it nearly impossible to put down.

Elise MacGregor has accepted the marriage proposal of John Westbrook, whose land marches with that of her father, and which one day her son will inherit. John is not quite as advanced in age as her father, but not far away from it either. This notion totally irritates Olivia, Elise's younger sister, who is not at all shy about expressing her opinion on this topic.

To the delight of both young ladies, their father accepts an invitation from his sister Ravinia Longfellow for a visit to London, during which time Elise will purchase her bride clothes, etc.

After a sumptuous Christmas Day dinner, Mr. MacGregor sets out for home once again, and snow begins to fall in London. Ravinia and her charges attend a party or two, where Elise meets both James Gray and Walter Belvedere. The former is the sort of man she has dreamed of for years, while the latter is without question the most exasperating person she's ever encountered! Unhappily, Mr. Gray has a friend, Arthur Townsend, who attaches himself to Livy, causing that young lady much distress. Elise soon realizes that she's made a major mistake in agreeing to the rather rushed betrothal, especially now that she's met Mr. Gray. Well-behaved as she is, she promptly sends off letter to her father and Mr. Westbrook, advising them of her change of heart.

And still, the snow continues to fall. This is, after all, the winter of 1813-14, the coldest and snowiest in several decades, and before much time has elapsed, the Longfellow home is completely snowbound. Aunt Ravinia invites all three gentlemen to visit one evening, and by evening's end, it has become very clear that everyone will have to stay put, as the drifts are too high for man or beast to withstand.

Thus begins the fun part of the book- the house-party. The affections of the young people swirl and sway much as their physical persons do during the dance, as personalities become ever more clear, if a bit confusing at the same time. When Elise finds herself embroiled in yet another romantic difficulty, Aunt Ravinia has the perfect solution, a Frost Fair Fiance a relationship calculated to last no longer than the Fair itself. She proposes that Walter become Elise's temporary betrothed, thrusting the two young people into even more confusing situations.

This is a perfectly charming book, with a most unusual plot, and even though the ending is a bit rushed, it's still a very pleasant encounter. Those readers who prefer to be shown more than told the story may complain a bit, but they shouldn't. They should, instead, be happy they're not really stuck in the notorious blizzard of January, 1814, and enjoy reading about the adventures of Ravinia's children and grandchildren, spouses, nieces and house guests. The romance, itself, might also provoke a quibble or two, but I found it entirely believable. Sometimes one's heart seems disconnected from one's brain, and becomes attracted to the most incomprehensible person. But there is, indeed a happy ending, one that should bring a smile to the coldest heart.