Black Pearls — Jacqueline Morley

This is a lively and amusing tale of a country girl finding her way through the conventions and intrigues of eighteenth century Bath.Anna goes to stay with her aunt to widen her social experience and acquire a little polish. She is surprised to find the ways of middle class Bath society differ greatly from those of her Gloucester farm home. ('But what would I want with a maid?' she asked. 'I can look after myself.')Despite conflicting views Anna settles in becoming more involved with the lives of Benedict Ashhurst and his brother. Aunt Phoebe unwittingly causes problems for Anna when her penchant for thieving pearl jewellery is discovered hence the title Black Pearls. Overcoming this and other trials and tribulations along the way Anna eventually wins through to find happiness.The style takes the lightness of touch from Georgette Heyer and combines it with the pragmatic reality of Catherine Cookson. The result is a novel providing escapism with a down to earth approach which will appeal to the modern reader.