This is a book to be savoured. An absolutely priceless gem. I’d say easily my favourite from Madeline Hunter.
Each word is carefully placed, not an excess to be found. Each sentence captures the meaning and delivers the message powerfully. The writing is exquisite without being flowery.
Hints aren’t repeated or shouted, they’re small, secretive and delicious. The characters are so rich and fully formed, the reader can actually hear their different voices and see their unique gestures.
It is a book rich with amazing characters and I only want more. I want to know more about Lord Easterbrook, about Roselyn’s sister and about her friends. I want the book to continue.
The scenery and speech is exactly right for a historical yet it doesn’t take away from the dialogue. Instead in enriches it until I want to go back in time and say those expressions, have those discussions, take those walks down the countryside.
The heroine is caught and rescued by a gallant man but she’s no crying victim. She’s brutally honest with herself, determined and resourceful without being willful or nasty. He’s powerful and honourable, a perfect hero who still has his faults but rises above them.
There are issues that the couple needs to work out and they do, logically and slowly through the book. The story of how they go from acquaintances to lovers moved me. I not only believed it, I loved reading each and every word.
I could go on and on but I’ll leave you with this. Take your time with this one. Let the words drip across your tongue and enjoy. It’s like rich, dark chocolate, meant to be savoured. It’s historical romance at its finest.
(credit: madelinehunter.com)
Taylor Grace 