Disappointed

Barbara Metzger writes romances, mostly Regency (or Historical Regencies). At her best she is witty and sweet, with a may pole of couples and intertwining phrases that amuse while telling an amiable story of true love, often with cute animals. At her worst, the puns and word play lie soggily between the enforced antics of her lurching, wooden characters.

I'd say Hourglass was her worst. But she has written many better, so I'll still try her next book.