Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas Review
Avon, August 2000.Paperback, 373 pages.
ISBN: 0380802317.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Being a highborn widow in 1830 London wasn't easy.
Lady Holly Taylor had to suffer through three years
of mourning, before it was considered acceptable for her
to go out in society again. Not that Holly had much
wish to go out; she truly loved her husband and
misses him dearly. Zachary Bronson is a self-made
tycoon, who is handsome and wealthy, but just a
bit rough around the edges when it comes to the
social graces that the ton values so highly. When
an accidental kiss at a party introduces the two,
Zachary cannot forget the beautiful but sad widow
who so aroused his passions. He arranges for
Holly and her daughter to come live with his family,
to teach them the social graces. (His sisters
really need some tutoring if they are to take their
places in the ton.) Holly agrees for the sake of her
daughter, and the benefits that the large salary will
make in her daughter's life. The tutoring proceeds as
planned, but neither Holly nor Zachary planned on
falling in love. There are many obstacles to their
union, however. Social class distinctions are not so
lightly disregarded in this time period, and to Zachary it
seems that Holly will never let go of her dead husband's memory
in order to find a new life and a new love. And there is also the
matter of the promise Holly made to her husband George
on his deathbed, one that would prevent her from
ever marrying Zachary.
Where Dreams Begin is another absolute gem from Lisa Kleypas. The widow, Holly, is a total departure from most widowed heroines: she actually loved her first husband and misses him dreadfully. Zachary, the self-made man determined to make it in society, is sure to make your heart flutter, and the child Rose is quite charming. Holly and Zachary are a passionate and loving couple, and their story is simply enchanting.
Return to the October 2000 issue of The IWJ.
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