With three series, I have been one busy writer going from one deadline to the next. Time has been a luxury item and I haven’t seen much of it. When I do get a free moment, I tend to guard it like the gold in Fort Knox. So, on those rare moments when I do get a chance to sit down to read for pleasure, I tend to focus on the huge number of cozy mysteries that are in my To-Be-Read pile. I love other genres and used to read a lot of other things, but now I rarely have the time to indulge. However, this is the second Gothic Christian Romance that I’ve had the pleasure of reading by Susan Karsten. Just like the first book, this was another pleasant read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
In Charlotte’s Dilemma, readers are introduced to Charlotte Broughton, a young woman who has just fled society to the country to start life as a country school teacher. The school is on the estate of the young, handsome Lord Hipwith. From the book’s opening, we know there is a scandal in Charlotte’s past which caused her parents to banish her to a lonely life bereft of friends, family and love. Charlotte’s past is so bad, she is compelled to use an alias, lest anyone learn her secret. However, Charlotte is determined to make the best of it. She finds that she enjoys teaching and Lord Hipwith and his mother are extremely generous and welcoming. The Hipwith’s provide friendship and welcome her into their home for tea and allow her access to their vast library of books. With congenial company and access to poetry and the latest fiction books, Charlotte begins to think she may actually not only survive her exile, but she might even enjoy it. However, things change when a couple of strangers arrive who are privy to Charlotte’s secret. Once her past is known, will everything change? Will Lord and Lady Hipwith continue their kindness and generosity when they learn her secret?
Charlotte’s Dilemma is a novella and a quick, pleasant read. Karsten creates interesting characters who are believable and likeable. The plot flows well and keeps the story moving. I enjoyed the time I spent reading Charlotte’s Dilemma and hope you will too.