England, 1754

Violetta wants to help out the daughter of her godmother. Lady Perdita Garland broke both her legs when she fell from her horse and is now an invalid shut-in. Violetta is positive that Perdita is fine and could walk again if she wishes. Disguised as frumpy Charlotte Lambert, Violetta approaches Perdita’s brother, Orlando Garland, seventh Earl of Blyth, to apply for the position of Companion to Perdita. Orlando does not recognize her, but knows that there is more to this young woman than meets the eye. When Perdita, rather ungraciously, agrees to let Violetta stay, Orlando hires her.

Perdita sees only her doctor and her best friend, Lady Judith Wayland, and Violetta knows that things are not right. Dr. Sewell has an unhealthy interest in Perdita, and Judith’s affections are also questionable. Amazingly, Orlando listens to her warning about the doctor, but Violetta is reluctant to say anything about Judith without concrete proof.

The secret Violetta hides could mean social ruin for Orlando who has only recently restored his family’s fortune. Beaten and abused by her husband, Violetta’s father, Donata Palagio took three-year-old Violetta and ran back to England from Italy. With very little money and no friends who could help her, Donata took up the only profession she knew would earn money. When Violetta and Orlando fall for each other, she has to make the devastating choice to leave him when Perdita no longer needs her. However, given their deep love, how can either live without the other? But, secrets have a way of coming out, and gossip can flay a person alive…guilty or not.

A CHANCE TO DREAM is an extremely charming, sophisticated and intelligent, well-written story. It goes into detail about a society that condemns one person for circumstances beyond his or her control and the choices that have to be made to survive, and turns a blind eye in condoning the same type of behavior among the ‘nobility.’ Orlando’s mother, Lady Virginia Taverasall, has been married to three Earls and widowed twice. She has her own secrets and will not let Orlando and Violetta be hurt if she can help it. Lynne Connolly has done her homework and brings to life a time in history when women had few choices. It is witty, the dialogue is appropriate, and there are many players who move in and out of the games people play, even if that play harms others. A delightful read, I recommend A CHANCE TO DREAM.

Vi Janaway