Feeling like an outsider now that her brother in law had come back from the war, Clarissa Wyckenham and her maid traveled to London to stay with her step-mother Lady Wyckenham.  Suddenly while traveling, one of the horses loses its shoe and the entire carriage is forced to stop. Wanting some fresh air, Clarissa wanders off into the woods only to suddenly tumble upon a body on the ground. 

Upon wakening, Lord Alresford finds a beautiful young woman gazing at him. None to pleased about his situation he scowls, gets up and proceeds to explain to her in a most impatient manner that he had taken a fall from his horse.  Much later finding himself in the same social circles and in attendance at a ball, Lord Alredsford allows himself to be presented to the young lady known now to him as Miss Clarissa Wyckenham. 

Rumors start circulating regarding a racy secret group held by none other than Lady Wyckenham, Clarissa’s step mother. Now widowed from Clarissa’s father Lady Wyckenham establishes a ladies only club born out of sheer boredom. Surprisingly it becomes a hit and membership flourishes. Secretly called the Belle Dames Club, the ladies conspire to go on many adventures and plots that intertwine with all the romantic relationships that are developed within their society. 

THE BELLES DAMES CLUB, by Melinda Hammond was an easy read. The book was overloaded with characters which could cause a reader to become confused and a bit overwhelmed. The personality of Clarissa was warm and lighthearted compared to Lord Alredsford who was far too distant and cold. This in effect did not prompt me to root for the two characters coming together in a romantic manner. There was no connection like it was with Lady Wyckenham and her romantic interest. The adventures of the ladies were pretty dull and could have stood either to expand on the adventures a bit more or to include a little more raciness within their adventure.

Reviewed by Maisha Walker from The Road to Romance

January 6, 2008