Catherine has reached that coming-of-age period in her life, and she sets off for Girton College in Cambridge.  At college, Catherine finds herself admired by men for the very first time, but men are a new and exciting presence in her life.  She is not sure how to interact with them or exactly what constitutes love.

When one man, Lord Holt, catches Catherine’s eye, a relationship begins.  However, Lord Holt has made mistakes in his past, and many scorn him.  Can Catherine prove her love for him has made him a changed man?

As this was my introduction to this series, there were a lot of characters introduced all at once.  It was a little complicated figuring out who was who at first.  As Catherine leaves her family behind and heads off to college, the cast of characters narrows down some.  I found it much easier to understand what was going on as Catherine adjusted to her college life.  Because I found it hard to make sense of the characters’ relationships, I do wish I had read THE MAIDEN OF MAYFAIR first.

Ms. Blackwell has an impeccable knack for creating a vivid setting, characters with compassion, and a real feel for the times.  I have every intention on re-reading this story after reading the first story.  I am certain that if read in order, this series will be delightful.