JUNE 2011 - AudioFile
Fans of light mysteries are sure to enjoy this fairy-tale indulgence. Katherine Kellgren portrays Penny Nichols, a struggling American who receives an unexpected inheritance from her English great-aunt that makes her wealthy beyond her wildest dreams. A cast of English, French, Italian, and American characters gives Kellgren the opportunity to display her talent with accents as Penny finds herself in the middle of a family squabble over the inheritance. Kellgren’s enthusiastic narration sweeps listeners through the beautiful French countryside, the Riviera, and the busy streets of London while making details of vintage cars, clothing, and art history sound utterly enchanting. A little suspense and romance, complete with a happy ending, make for rather lovely listening indeed. M.M.G. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
Booklist
An entertaining yarn with family drama and intrigue aplenty.
Romantic Times Book Review
Belmond's debut novel combines suspense, romance and crafty wit. The protagonist is a character to cheer for, and the mystery subplot will keep readers turning the pages.
Publishers Weekly
Belmond gets her story off to an appealing start by tapping into the near-universal fantasy of a distant, elderly relative leaving behind a pile of loot. Penny Nichols (yes, she hates her silly name) is toiling as a low-paid historical researcher on film sets when she learns her Great-aunt Penelope-whom she met only once-has died and left her, well, something. Her parents dispatch her to London for the reading of the will, where she is reintroduced to her dashing cousin Jeremy. Penny gets left the contents of a garage adjoining her aunt's villa in the south of France and travels there with Jeremy to discover it contains a rare antique car. It doesn't take long for the family to split into factions competing for greater shares of the estate, which provides the narrative with an oversize share of twists and turns, especially concerning Jeremy's true parentage. It's evident from the moment of Penny and Jeremy's first encounter as adults that they will end up together, and the thin obstacles the author places between them quickly become tedious. Luckily, Belmond's spirited heroine is likable enough to guide readers through the wobbly plot. (Jan.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Plucky American tracks down an unexpected European inheritance in Belmond's debut. For most of her adult life, Penny Nichols has spent her days in a small New York apartment making ends meet on a freelancer's meager salary. As a researcher, Penny's job entails unearthing tiny facts and trivia about important female figures in history. While working on a film in France, Penny gets the news that her great-aunt has died. Penny is summoned by her relatives to London to be present at the reading of the will. Great-Aunt Penelope (Penny's parents smartly named their only child after the wealthy dowager) has bequeathed her fortune to Penny and her two British cousins, Jeremy and Rollo. The split of the inheritance stirs up jealousy and a bit of intrigue: Rollo contests the will. Jeremy and Penny haven't seen each other in more than a decade, but both harbor sentimental remembrances of past family gatherings. Based on her instincts, Penny forms an alliance with Jeremy to fend off Rollo's advances-Rollo will use any means necessary to secure the valuable assets (including a priceless 15th-century painting and a vintage automobile). As Jeremy and Penny battle Rollo's attacks, they discover family secrets that threaten to destroy their bond. The very reserved Jeremy and the rather spastic Penny must learn to trust each other and work as a team in order to solve the mysteries surrounding Penelope's life, and protect their rightful inheritance. Belmond throws in everything-mystery, romance, a whirlwind tour of Europe's hot spots-but the story fails to generate heat. A pleasant jaunt through Europe, ruined by a gimmicky plot. Agent: Jennifer Unter/RLR Associates
JUNE 2011 - AudioFile
Fans of light mysteries are sure to enjoy this fairy-tale indulgence. Katherine Kellgren portrays Penny Nichols, a struggling American who receives an unexpected inheritance from her English great-aunt that makes her wealthy beyond her wildest dreams. A cast of English, French, Italian, and American characters gives Kellgren the opportunity to display her talent with accents as Penny finds herself in the middle of a family squabble over the inheritance. Kellgren’s enthusiastic narration sweeps listeners through the beautiful French countryside, the Riviera, and the busy streets of London while making details of vintage cars, clothing, and art history sound utterly enchanting. A little suspense and romance, complete with a happy ending, make for rather lovely listening indeed. M.M.G. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
