It’s splitting hairs to choose which of Mary Kingswood’s books best reflect the attributes of a Georgette Heyer-style traditional Regency romance. Most are serious contenders, and A Summer Game is no exception. Book 3 in the delightful Mercer’s House series, it’s an opposites-attract romance bringing together sunny, outgoing 18-year-old Angela ‘Angie’ Fletcher and grim, judgmental Mr. B Appleby, who at only 28 has already packed away any youthful verve and good humor he ever possessed.

One of the pleasures in Ms. Kingswood’s deftly constructed plot is how this unlikely pair are gradually transformed as their attraction and regard for each other grows and challenges them. It’s a compelling dance, perfectly paced and nuanced, moving the reader from one milestone to the next in a believable romance that develops during a month, but never feels rushed or contrived. I started out not loving either character, but ended up investing in their happiness and smiling over the journey that takes them to their HEA.

Ms. Kingswood is an accomplished author who does not need to lean on contrived misunderstandings to create tension, or on pointless padding to fill pages.  At a time when many authors are churning out very short generic Regency and Austenesque romances; it’s a treat to read a substantial, well-crafted story with an authentic setting, and supporting characters who don’t just pop up conveniently out of nowhere, but have a role in the plot. Angie’s father Harry Fletcher, a wealthy merchant, is especially well-drawn.

The family has taken a house in Bath to prepare for her brother Will’s wedding to Eloise Audley, who is related to Mr. Appleby.  The Season is over at that beloved Regency destination, and without the balls and routs she thrives on, Angie is at a loose end. Perceiving Mr. Appleby as a man in need of cheering up, she decides in the high-handed, mischievous manner of an Emma (Jane Austen) or (Georgette Heyer) to rock his world by writing, most inappropriately, letters from an anonymous admirer.

Mr. Appleby’s predictable, mapped-out life leaves little room for surprise, adventure, or entertainment. Thrown into the company of the Fletchers, he is out of his comfort zone, especially around Angie. When he receives the first letter, he takes it seriously and is both unsettled and intrigued. As Angie comes to know him better, and starts to care for him, she realizes her trick was unthinking and unkind.

Ms. Kingswood adeptly reveals her characters without leaning on the usual clichés. The rapport between Angie and Mr. Appleby feels real and often deeply toughing.  As usual, she brings something fresh and unexpected to the mix, which is one of the reasons this story scored highly. It’s not melodramatic, but is an engrossing read with many highlights, especially in setting elements like the mill at the Grand Pump Room.

Mary Kingswood is one of a very small handful of Regency romance authors who writes with a voice of her own. Her mix of witty dialogue, clever and kind satire, and appropriate ( but not stiff) period vernacular makes every page a pleasure to read. Her novels are consistently excellent and I highly recommend this one. It’s a standalone, but I suggest you treat yourself to the whole series!

A Summer Game was purchased by the reviewer. Cover image courtesy of Amazon.com. © Sutors Publishing 2022.  Review by Meredith Thompson © 2023 The Regency Chronicle.