Tamara Tilley

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning: A Novel by Olivia Newport
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

THE PURSUIT OF LUCY BANNING was an enjoyable read that traveled at a steady pace.

Lucy Banning is not the usual upper crust socialite her mother would want her to be. Though she is engaged to be married to a long time family friend–who himself is a fledgling banker with his foot firmly planted in society–she longs for her independence. She already is testing the patience of her mother by volunteering at a local orphanage, but if her parents were to find out she’s enrolled at the local university, Lucy is sure they would put a stop to it.

Soon, her academics are not the only things Lucy is hiding. With the arrival of Charlotte–a new house maid–Lucy discovers Charlotte is hiding her newborn son. Instead of exposing Charlotte, Lucy helps her to find a place to board her son while she works. When Will Edwards-a college chum of her brother’s arrives-Lucy is immediately smitten with the young architect who seems to understand her need for living outside the walls of society’s elite.

When Lucy breaks off her engagement, with Daniel Jules, his behavior becomes disturbingly odd. Though he knows about the secret classes she is taking, Lucy and Daniel strike a bargain. But, Daniel’s behavior continues to be less than normal. When Will disappears and things go missing from her father’s den, Lucy decides Daniel is to blame and goes in search of some concrete evidence.

THE PURSUIT OF LUCY BANNING was enjoyable enough to read, but I wouldn’t call the story a standout. I enjoyed the characters, especially those of Lucy, Charlotte, and Will, but some of the storyline was a little underwritten. Daniel’s bizarre behavior seemed to be building to a climax, but in the end I was underwhelmed with its conclusion. I would’ve also liked to see the Banning matriarchs find out about Charlotte’s son and give their characters a chance to show more compassionate and depth than portrayed. Overall, I enjoyed the book and the casual cadence in which it traveled. I just would’ve preferred a little more action.

Book provided for review purposes.

“Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”


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