Edenbrooke by Julie Donaldson

 Marianne Daventry is a younger twin who has always lived in her sister Cecily's shadow. When her mother dies, she is sent to live with her grandmother at Bath, while her socialite sister has her first season in London.  Marianne dislikes the hustle and bustle of Bath and is therefore grateful when her mother's friend invites both Marianne and Cecily to their large estate for a visit.  As soon as she arrives, Marianne strikes up a friendship with her hostess' son,  Philip, without realizing it is the same man Cecily has vowed to capture and marry.  Marianne gives up hope of winning a competition for Philip's attention with her sister, but, after some encouragement from unexpected sources, decides that Philip is worth the fight. Here is another book recommended to me by the helpful librarian in the grown-up section of the library.  It is written by a Utah author and published by a Utah publisher, Shadow Mountain, as part of their "Proper Romances" series.  It is a period romance, after the manner of Jane Austin, complete with ballroom scenes, inheritance, sibling rivalry and a dashing hero. If "The Help" is a four course meal, this book is a cupcake with sprinkles.  There wasn't a lot of substance there, but it sure was fun to eat. I have to admit, I did get a little exasperated when after the 4th or 5th time that Philip declares his undying love to Marianne, she still doubts if he is serious and really likes her, or is just flirting. Still there is much here to like and I would be totally open to reading another in the series. (264 p)