Night Of A Thousand Stars (Harlequin General Fiction)

A well written story with great character interaction and interesting and well developed plot. In fact the two main characters interacted in such an entertaining way I hoped that I would find Sebastian and Poppy appearing in additional adventures . Alas, this seems not to be the case. Their interaction was a major reason I found the book to be one of the best I have read in a very long time.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of the irrepressible Penelope who decides not to go through with her wedding and bolts in her wedding dress; she is ably assisted by a passing, affable clergyman who takes her to her estranged father and from there she rushes headlong into thrilling and dangerous treasure-seeking adventures. Damascus and the desert figure hugely, worlds that are conjured wonderfully by DR and there are fleeting appearances from some well known characters from the other DR novels set in this time and place. I loved it and I hope there will be more stories to come - especially since some tantalising teasers are included; I for one would like to know just exactly what did happen to Stephen!

I enjoyed the author's Lady Julia historic mysteries, and this one too was delightful until about a third in. But then the story became (for me) less enjoyable. The hiking around the area was much less interesting than the social interactions that the author does so well. Also, I did not much care for the male love interest, or find his backstory, motivations and actions entirely credible.BTW, the cover is hideous. The curved columns of the balcony railings and flared skirt make the model looked bow-legged.

Another rewarding read from Deanna Raybourn. It is interesting the way the plot is developing, and providing tie-ins to her other novels. I look forward to reading her next novel.

Loved how the author introduced us to the hero and heroine, one of whom is a March. Hopefully this will be the start of a new series of books