The Other Countess by Eve Edwards

Title:  The Other Countess 
Author:  Eve Edwards
Genre:  Young Adult
Publisher:  Penguin Group (Imprint: Razorbill) 
Publication Date:  28 June 2010 (Australia
ISBN: 978-0-14-132730-3
Stand alone or series:  Series
Pages:  332
Book Received from:  Penguin 
First Lines:  The first time Ellie met William Lacey, she thought him terrifying.
Synopsis:
England, 1582
ELLIE – Lady Eleanor Rodriguez of San Jaime – is in possession of a gold-seeking father, a worthless title and a feisty spirit that captivates the elite of the Queen's court, and none other than the handsome new Earl of Dorset . . .
WILLIAM LACEY has inherited his father's title and his financial ruin. Now the Earl must seek a wealthy heiress and restore his family's fortune.
But Will's head has been turned by the gorgeous Ellie, yet their union can never be. Will is destined to marry a worthy Lady so the only question is – which one . . . ?

My Thoughts
I wasn't sure whether I was going to like The Other Countess.  The synopsis sounded interesting but I'm usually not one to read  historical fiction.  I was definitely surprised though once I started reading.

The main character Ellie aka Lady Eleanor Rodriguez of San Jaime is the daughter of an Alchemist who is set in his ways trying to turn metals into gold.  Over the years, his obsession has cost both him and his daughter every cent they have and have to resort to sleeping in barns or staying with friends.  The only thing Ellie has left is her empty title and a very small collection of dresses.

I liked Ellie from the beginning and found her to be quite gentle and kind yet feisty when needed.  Surprisingly, though it seems that her and her father have switched roles in the responsibility department.  She stands by him in whatever decision he makes learning to help him lean towards certain choices when she feels they are the better option.  William Lacey was a character I completely despised at the beginning.  Quick to judge and quite cruel towards Ellie, it's not until around a third of the novel through that I begin warming up to him. 

I did find that sometimes the story was a bit slow at points but apart from that it was quite an interesting and enjoyable love story. There are maybe one or two things that weren't really tied up at the end but when I found out there was a second novel The Queen's Lady it is understandable why.