DELICIOUS

Virginia Leishman lends her precise British accent to this historical romance. The unexpected death of his older brother brings Stuart Somerset back in touch with Verity Durant, the woman who got away 10 years earlier. Mistaken identity and romantic tribulations ensue, helped along by Leishman’s steady, even tones throughout. While she provides little variation in pace or accent, Leishman gives Stuart’s voice a slightly lower pitch, which helps keep the characters easily differentiated—although some of the flashes back to Stuart and Verity’s pasts can be difficult to follow. Leishman shines in her portrayal of Verity, who supposedly is French, adding a touch of intrigue to the otherwise-straitlaced story. A particular delight is the contrast between the restrained emotion of the upper classes and the steamy interludes between Verity and Stuart. E.N. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2010]