A TARNISHED HEART is the story of Evan Fielding, the ninth Earl of Markham and the rector’s daughter Lizzie Parker. Fear of illegitimacy, an unwilling attraction to Lizzie, her father’s blackmailing, his former mistress’ demands, his stepbrother’s recklessness, not to mention Lizzie’s infatuation with her father’s curate are but a few things keeping Markham from Lizzie. For Lizzie, past tragedy, her old disillusionment when Markham repudiated her childish adoration, his inability to love again after loosing his wife in child birth, his aloofness in public all add to her mistrust of her love for him that’s renewed in her London sojourn.  

But when she accidentally tries on the legendary Earl of Markham’s ring, the magic of the ring that ensures that “the first woman to try on the Earl of Markham’s ring is his ideal match. His true love” helps remove the various excuses that both the protagonists make to hide from facing their love for each other. 

The story’s minor subplot, their interaction with poor children from London’s docks, helps highlight the characters of Markham and Lizzie, and in Markham’s case, his dealings with the poor children shows his evolution from a self-centered nobleman to a caring and thoughtful individual over the course of the book. 

My favorite thing about A TARNISHED HEART is the strength of the heroine, despite repeatedly facing tragedy and heartbreak in her young life. Lizzie comes across as determined, loving, and strong. Her willingness to go out of the way to help the less fortunate and her determination to do the right thing make her unforgettable. This story will keep you hooked from the first page and keep you rooting for love to win despite the many obstacles.  

My opinion of this story in a word is “unforgettable”! So don’t miss reading it!!

December 13, 2008