Hello, and welcome back! Still very cold here, and not any snow to go with it. I'm hoping that will change soon, and we get a bit more snow. In the meantime, though, I'm heading to the movies tomorrow with a friend to see the late, lovely Heath Ledger's last film now that it's finally in wide distribution. I can't wait. And before movie time, I'm hoping to finish up another of the January books I've been reading in preparation of sharing them with you.

This time out, I have the latest from Mary Balogh, A Matter of Class (Vanguard). Reginald Mason has spent his life listening to his father's complaints about not being accepted in Society because their money came from trade. But now Reginald must listen to his father complain about all the money Reggie has been spending on new attire, and now Bernard Mason has set his sights on Reggie marrying into a titled family: the daughter of the Earl of Havercroft has just set herself in scandal's way by running off with the coachman. Annabelle and Reginald are from two very different worlds, and in her world, one does not recognize anyone not of one's own ilk, which means Reggie's family has been snubbed for years. Yet now her father is desperate for a rich husband for her to pay off his debts, desperate enough even to recognize the son of his neighbor at last. And so Annabelle and Reginald are formally introduced and betrothed all in the same day. Yet this pair has a secret history that is slowly revealed as the story progresses. I'm just a huge fan of Ms. Balogh's work and this story was so much fun I read it in one afternoon, then was sad to have reached the end so quickly. Annabelle and Reginald are both terrific characters, complicated and intriguing, and each will surprise you sometimes. For Balogh fans, this one is a perfect addition to your Balogh shelf. My only complaint is it is such a quick read, now we have to wait for her next book. I'm giving this one five of Cupid's five arrows. It's absolutely perfect.

Until next time, happy reading!