Harriet Klausner's Review Archive
Life dramatically changes for Tamsin Harte and her mother following the death of her wealthy father because their shipping company goes bankrupt. The Hartes fall from grace, or at least the upper echelon of society, when Tamsin realizes she no longer has the pick of any eligible males in her Cornish village. To bring in income, the financially scrapped Hartes open up a boarding house, which further alienates their so-called society friends. Tamsin actually takes to their new business as if she was born to manage a boarding house and soon dreams of opening up a new hotel.
Still, in spite of their new status, Tamsin decides that fellow blue blood Victor Thorne would make a suitable spouse even if he is spoiled and a bit of a snob. Likewise, her brain finds hotel owner Standish Coverley as the ideal husband. However, her heart chooses fisherman David Peters, who she believes would be the worst choice for her. Will her heart, her brain, or her upbringing choose her husband for Tamsin?
TAMSIN HARTE is a warm historical fiction that makes 1900 Victorian England feel as if the reader is observing its' activities first hand. The exciting story line centers on Tamsin and her new status and relationships with people and business. The wealth of detail adds to the texture of the tale as Malcolm MacDonald discerningly interweaves tidbits in the plot. The secondary cast enlivens the novel and in some ways, though their appearances are brief, is much more interesting than Tamsin's retinue of followers. Mr. MacDonald paints a charming novel that shows a strong woman overcoming the rigid chains of society.