The Return of the Earl

Botany Bay #1

by Edith Layton

The Earl of Egremont has returned...or has he?

It's been 15 years since Christian Sauvage has left England, but now he's returned to claim his title and his inheritance. Julianne knew Christian when they were children, and though there is a slight resemblance to the boy she once adored, can this ruggedly handsome man be the real earl? Or has she fallen in love with an impostor?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Fiction, Historical Fiction

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 31, 2004

About the author

Edith Layton wrote her first novel when she was ten. She bought a marbleized notebook and set out to write a story that would fit between its covers. Now, an award-winning author with more than thirty novels and numerous novellas to her credit, her criteria have changed. The story has to fit the reader as well as between the covers.

Graduating from Hunter College in New York City with a degree in creative writing and theater, Edith worked for various media, including a radio station and a major motion picture company. She married and went to suburbia, where she was fruitful and multiplied to the tune of three children. Her eldest, Michael, is a social worker and artist in NYC. Adam is a writer and performer on NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. Daughter Susie is a professional writer, comedian and performer who works in television.

Publishers Weekly called Edith Layton "one of romance's most gifted writers." Layton has enthralled readers and critics with books that capture the spirit of historically distant places and peoples. "What I've found," she says, "is that life was very different in every era, but that love and love of life is always the same."

Layton won an RT Book Reviews Career Achievement award for the Historical genre in 2003 and a Reviewers' Choice award for her book The Conquest in 2001. Amazon.com's top reviewer called Layton's Alas, My Love (April 2005, Avon Books), "a wonderful historical." And her recent release, Bride Enchanted, is a Romantic Times 2007 Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee.

Edith Layton lived on Long Island where she devoted time as a volunteer for the North Shore Animal League , the world's largest no-kill pet rescue and adoption organization. Her dog Daisy --adopted herself from a shelter-- is just one member of Layton's household menagerie.

Edith Layton passed away on June 1, 2009 from ovarian cancer.

Reviews

[gremlinkitten · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Return of the Earl was an enjoyable book, but I felt that the romance wasn't as developed as it should have been. The first half itself, was incredibly slow and a tad boring, so not until the halfway point was I hooked. I liked both the main characters, but even by the end, I didn't totally believe they were so much in love with each other. If some of the blather and other pointless moments in the first half had been condensed and in it's place some more time with Julianne and Christian, it would have much better. However, I did enjoy the story, even if I did figure out the whole 'scheme' ahead of time, and it was a nice way to pass some time.

3.5 stars

[penelopewanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in the Botany Bay series. I accidentally picked up the last in this series first but realized in time that there had to be books before it. I realize now that I've already read a later one (Gypsy Lover), but I am glad I then picked this one up.
The story of the heir who shows up and has to prove he's no imposter is interesting enough, but there are quite a few threads that need untangling. While the villain was pretty obvious from the outset, it was also clear that there were a number of things still not clear - and these didn't get clarified until right at the end. A very good read, I thought, with a sensible heroine which is always refreshing.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A difficult book to read with its references and descriptions to Newgate, the Hulks, and transportation. I kept in mind that it would end well, but getting there was torture. Ms. Layton does an excellent job of throwing out clues along the way, although you are never really sure until the end. Definitely not a restful book.

[Ana · Rating 1 out of 5]

The characters and the story aren't developed well. It lacks in originality and details that would make it more interesting and deep.

[BURMA · Rating 3 out of 5]

No lo recuerdo. Obviamente no debe ser tan bueno. Tampoco tan malo.

[vynnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was slow going, but the mystery kept me interested and I liked the characters. They all have unique personalities and are dimensional, especially Sophie. There were moments where I hated her and moments where I felt bad for her. he twist at the end was great and bumped up my rating to a solid 4. What I liked most about this book, was that the main man was not a womanizing asshat to the main woman. I would say that the ending and overall romance felt a little rushed at the end, like the mystery was drawn out and then wrapped up all of a sudden.
But overall, great book and I'm interested in reading the rest of the series.

[Lynne Tull · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Botany Bay #2, 'Alas My Love', out of order. In spite of it I found and read #1, 'The Return of the Earl'. Then, I read the other two in order. By far, 'The Return of the Earl' was the best of the series. It was more mystery than romance with some twists and turns that will surprise you. Just when you think you have the puzzle solved, you don't. I recommend this one and bet you will be surprised!

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very long read. I wouldn't have stuck with it, but I wanted to know if the guy really was the earl. It was a good twist at the end, but there was lots of stuff in the middle that could have been dealt with more speedily.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit slow in parts and it seemed like it took forever for the "twist" ending to come about. No ill feelings, but no feelings to recommend either.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful! :)

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book I've read by Edith Layton. I enjoyed the book and will read more of her books.