Before becoming the queen of teen romance, Meg Cabot began her writing career with adult novels, primarily historical fiction. But always with her trademark romance and humor, along with many contemporary references. Yes, even in period dramas, she manages to subjectively and playfully weave in current events in the pop world. In "Portrait of My Heart," she tells the story of Margarethe Herbert. As a girl, skinny, tall, and gangly, she was the target of jokes and teasing from other children, especially the future Duke of Rawlings. But time changes nothing, and Maggie is no exception. Five years later, Miss Herbert is no longer the same, and the dresses that once were loose now adorn her beautiful curves. But the funniest thing is that she doesn't realize it. Which isn't to say that everyone else, including the men, haven't noticed the transformation. Especially the conqueror Jeremy Rawlings, who, upon returning from university, discovers that his teasing childhood friend has become a beautiful woman. And what a surprise Maggie must have been when she realized that the boy she'd never lost a fight to had suddenly become such an attractive man. In A Portrait of My Heart, Meg "Patricia" Cabot meets Jane Austen and creates a captivating romance filled with intrigue, jealousy, and danger.
