I was one of those little girls who dreamed of being the Lady of the Manor. The idea of finding that one true love who would lift me off my feet and sweep me up the winding steps of an English castle held great appeal. As I got older, I became one of those girls who knew how to pick up a hammer and build that manor, which I still love to do (even though I don’t do it anymore - dang desk job…). But I still continue to dream about being swept away.
Reading Cornerstone of Love was a treat. Not only does this story feature that incredible manor and a Lord. But it also features a girl who could put on her fuchsia hard hat, grab a hammer, and bring that manor back from ruins. This story whisked the woman I had become right into the fairy tale dreams of that little girl.
Allison Moore is a structural engineer for Historic Restorations and Designs, a company she co-owns with her two best friends. Ian Chalmers is Earl of Hartley, also known as Lord Hartley. Ms. Carlisle opens the story with Ian immediately sweeping Allison off her feet when he fears for her life after he finds her standing at the top of the stone battlement of his castle. Even as romantic as this sounds, Allison is not impressed. Especially when Lord Hartley begins their ill-fated first meeting by undermining the fact that she was already hired to do the restorations for his castle. Now he was acting like he was going to back out of the deal because she didn’t fit the stereotypical contractor he had in mind for the job.
This story was a battle of wills from the minute the couple meets, right up till the very end. I loved that Ian was continuously impressed with the spunk and depth of this woman who knows her way around a construction site but is also just as comfortable baking incredible things in the kitchen. And it was just as fun seeing Allison’s view of Lord Hartley change as he interacted with people around him. But is Allison Lady Hartley material? That is the biggest question.
Susan Carlisle has a knack for creating memorable characters. I’ve read quite a few of her medical romance stories and LOVED THEM! I can’t wait to read the rest of her Modern Masters of their Castle series and see how Allison’s friends end up with their own Prince Charming.
If you are looking for a modern-day castle story, definitely check out Cornerstone of Love. You won’t be disappointed.
Two Thumbs Up for sure!
Cheers!
Tami