This second novel by Kolosov stars Miranda Molyneux, a 16 year old noble who has recently lost her father in Ireland which leaves her family heavily in debt, and ending her engagement to fellow impoverished noble Henry Raleigh. Hoping to make a better life for her, Miranda's mother sends her to live with her father's cousin John Hardwood, Earl of Turbury and his wife. The move proves a bit of a shock to Miranda, as she goes from a home full of affection, love, gentleness, and laughter to one of strictness, rigidness, coldness, and severe piety. The day comes when the Countess takes Miranda to court to be a lady in waiting to Queen Elizabeth who has a bitter past with her mother (and is also her cousin). It isn't long before Miranda discovers how perilous and shifty court life is, and her natural way with stitchery and embroidery soon garners a clique of enemies among her fellow ladies, even one who was supposed to be her friend. Adding to this is the Earl and Countess trying to match her with the loathsome Lord Seagrave for their benefit and the return into her life of Henry, her former betrothed. After an impromptu fixing of a dress borrowed after hers goes missing on the day she's to meet with the queen, Miranda gets the opportunity to free herself from the announcement of her betrothal to Lord Seagrave...but will it work out the way she hoped? Though written for young adults, the writing is good, despite the slightly predicting ending. The story is good too, and makes for a light, fun read. I give "A Sweet Disorder" 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
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