The Marriage
Campaign -- Reviews
Robert Symington, the Marquess of Elston, must
marry within a year or suffer the unknown consequences set forth by his
father's will. Unwilling to marry to suit his deceased father, Robert is
persuaded to at least get to know the ladies on the marriage list. His
brief acquaintance with one, Karolina Land, leads him to seek her out,
and he discovers that she is being mistreated by her stepmother. Attempting
to help her get the respect she deserves, he finds himself falling in love
with her. It creates realistic and sympathetic characters who touch our
hearts. The continuing story of American Beth Castleton and Elston's best
friend, the Earl of Weymouth, lends added appeal to this sensitive tale,
which shines a dark spotlight on the restrictions and rigidity of the English
ton.
-- Teresa Roebuck, Romantic Times, 4 1/2 stars,
Top Pick
Ms. Carleton writes with affection for her characters
and a feel for the era and social mores in which they live. While recognizing
the prevalence of gossip and reputation shredding, she creates a group of
kind, thoroughly nice people, who flourish in spite of their milieu. . . . The
characters, their follies and virtues, and their relationships drive the
plot.
THE MARRIAGE CAMPAIGN is an excellent read in itself,
but, because it is connected to the earlier novel, I strongly suggest starting
with A SCANDALOUS JOURNEY, if you haven't yet had the pleasure. In fact,
I suspect that the author will return again to the same storyworld. After
all, there are four charming young ladies and several attractive gentlemen
yet to pair up in books of their own. (As you can see, I've succumbed to
the belief that they are real.)
Begin now to collect all of these entertaining
Regencies; you'll find them altogether satisfying.
-- Jane Bowers, Romance Reviews Today
THE MARRIAGE CAMPAIGN has all the ingredients of
a Regency era Cinderella story. Ms. Carleton develops a traditional cast
of Regency characters from Elston, the epitome of a true gentleman, who
will do everything in his power to help Karla escape the clutches of her
evil stepmother, to the delightful Jane, Lady Blackburn, who champions Karla
at every turn.
A continuation from Ms. Carleton's excellent debut
novel, A SCANDALOUS JOURNEY, THE MARRIAGE CAMPAIGN is set more amidst London
during the season, whereas ASJ was an action/adventure road trip story.
I highly recommend both novels as exceptional examples of traditional Regency
romance. Ms. Carleton's research is impeccable, her voice distinct.
I look forward to the next offering, A TWIST OF FATE, being released in
September of 2003.
-- LDRS RL Scorpio, AOL's Romance Fiction Forum
Elston's campaign to find his bride is a difficult
one for him, but quite enjoyable for the reader. Some familiar elements
are here--the archetypal Cinderella story, for example--but the author’s
creative pen provides enough entertaining twists to keep the story fresh
and absorbing. . . . I consider The Marriage Campaign to
be an excellent Regency romance. You will find yourself cheering for the
hero and heroine as they travel the bumpy road to love.
-- Barbara R. Hume, ReaderToReader.com
***** I believe this book to be worth the whole five stars! Everyone
loves tales like that of Cinderella and this one has all the ingredients
of one. We have the wicked step-mother who cares only for her own daughter,
the prince (or marquess in this case) who searches for the perfect lady
to be his bride, and the heroine, who is treated like dirt since the father
died. See? Perfect!
Author Susannah Carleton has only written
one other Regency that I am aware of (see "A Scandalous Journey" ISBN 0451207122).
Yet even after only two stories she has won me over as a fan! I can hardly
wait for her next release. Readers, keep your eyes on this author. I have
no doubt that the name of Susannah Carleton will become very well known
to all readers of Regencies! *****
-- Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews
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