Shattered Princess

This is a very good example of a young adult version of a historical romance. It was easy to follow, I will admit I didn't see the reveal of the killer until the end, and had enough twists and turns to keep it interesting.  

Poppy and Mary are complete opposites, in every way, but somehow they're best friends.... or are they? Poppy had been in love with Tom for as long as she could remember, and then one summer Mary comes to Hertfordshire and everything changes, all at once Tom only has eyes for Mary.

The day of the town assembly Tom tells Poppy of his plans to propose to Mary and she's shattered, but being the good niece of the pastor that she is she still goes, and plans on trying to be happy for her two best friends, but what happens, well let's just say it's the opposite of what a proper lady should have done.

With Mary presumed dead and Poppy the main suspect we meet Constable  Dyngley, at first he isn't sure what to make of the whole situation but his instincts tell him Poppy is no cold blooded murderer so he starts a formal investigation, and what he finds is nothing less than shocking.

As Dyngley gathers information more and more pieces fall into place and a sinister scene unravels, obviously someone is trying to frame Poppy, her walking stick is proof of that, but who and why are the questions.

From fake names, and false pasts, to unplanned pregnancy in 1806, this book has a little bit of everything and is a fun read.  I will say I wish there had been a tad more romance, the one kiss.... well it left me wanting more for our characters but maybe it's the beginning of something amazing between these two as the series goes on, only time will tell.