The City of Flames series (3 as of 2007) involves the adventures of three cousins, all grandchildren of the Earl of Swiftbourne, from whom they are all alienated. Each involves the love story of a different cousin, but characters repeat and the stories overlap in time. They are best read in order.

Althea Fairchild is living under an assumed named in an effort to avoid an unwanted suitor. On the eve of her marriage, she is found and forced into marriage. Fleeing to the continent, she lives in a convent for some years until her happy widowing. She accidentally meets her unwillingly jilted fiancee, who has inherited a title and become a man of substance, and is out for vengeance. Meanwhile, her cousin, John Beaufleur, Duke of Kilverdale, chases her from England to Italy and back attmepting to bring her home to her family.

A great story and a superior historical novel. The interlocking of the three books adds considerable depth to the characters. ( )

1. Il Fuoco della Vendetta 2. Il Giardino Segreto 3. La Duchessa Vagabonda ( )