Review - Mable Riley by Marthe Jocelyn

Mable Riley and her sister Viola have travelled from home so Viola can help support the family with her first teaching job in early 20th century Ontario. Eager for excitement and inspiration for her writing, Mable keenly anticipates the adventure and starts a journal to record all that happens. And plenty does. Not everyone is thrilled with the young female teacher, questioning her methods of instruction, while Mable herself makes friends with a scandalous young widow, who cycles and wears split skirts.

Marthe Jocelyn has written a charming story, replete with details of everyday life woven into a well-paced narrative. Her appealing heroine pulls the reader in with her mix of romantic notions and rebellious spirit as she learns about life, love and loyalty. Further strengthening the tale are a cast of well-rounded secondary characters involved in historically relevant subplots. What appealed most was the use of the diary format. When done well, as it is here, it gives the reader a real sense of immediacy and verisimilitude.

Those who have preteen girls to buy books for should add this lovely volume to their list. I know I'm keeping mine for my nieces. Very higly recommmended.

© Teresa Eckford, 2004

---

This review first appeared in the February 2005 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - The Secret Shelter by Sandi LeFaucheur

This time travel adventure story sees three children and their teacher journey from present day to World War II Britain, September 1940 to be precise. There they must cope with the terror of nightly bombing raids and the danger that lurks in the form of suspicion of anyone different.

Sophie Pinkerton tells the tale. Young and impressionable, she finds life in 1940 both terrifying and exhilarating as she and her friends live history rather than just read about it. Taken in by a young mother whose husband flies with the RAF, the four time travellers must adapt to their new circumstances while trying to find a way home. The hardest part is knowing what the future holds for their hostess. Dare they try to change the past?

The author does a good job of recreating war-time England taking her readers back to an era of terror and privation. Unfortunately the prose is awkward at times, especially the dialogue which features long speeches that don't ring true. However, the fast pace and well-plotted story do much to make up for this deficiency. Youngsters with an interest in history will likely enjoy this intriguing read.

© Teresa Eckford, 2004

---

This review first appeared in the February 2005 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - The Snow Pit by Reuben Bercovitch

Set during World War II, The Snow Pit follows the lives of a graduating class of 1941 in rural Nebraska, while concentrating on the troubled romance between Ethan and Evelyn. The war touches each of the characters in different ways as they struggle to come to terms with the unexpected changes the world conflict brings. Themes such as racism, poverty and guilt are explored through the course of the story.

This is a hard book for me to review because, though I recognize a skillfully plotted narrative and well-drawn characters, the manner in which the story was told did not appeal to me. Not only was there at least one scene of, in my opinion, completely unnecessary violence, but the author included very detailed accounts of various battles that had me skipping pages at a time.

Nor did I find the main characters particularly sympathetic. Evelyn especially made some questionable choices in her relationship with Ethan that seemed selfish and went against the character development illustrated throughout the story. What really hurt the book for me, however, was the ending, but that is a matter of personal taste.

This being said, there is no doubt that Mr. Berkovitch is a skilled writer, one who creates interesting secondary characters who move in a completely believable and tangible world. Never did I doubt any of the period details or settings. Indeed there are times his prose is breathtakingly beautiful such as when he describes a new location or shows the impact of the war on those left behind.

My feeling is that men will find this book far more to their taste than most women, focussing as it does on the nitty-gritty details of military life and strategy. Recommended only for those who enjoy novels about the grim realities of war.

© Teresa Eckford, 2004

---

This review first appeared in the February 2005 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - A Century of November by W. D. Wetherell

Evocative. Haunting. Engrossing. These are the words that echoed through my mind as I read this wonderful novel. Set in the closing weeks of WWI, it traces the journey of a recently widowed apple-grower who, after learning his only son was killed in Flanders, sets out to find him. It's a journey that takes him across Canada by train as the Spanish flu epidemic is starting, then across the Atlantic by ship to England. There he discovers his son had a girlfriend, Elaine Reed, who is likely carrying their baby, a young woman determined to discover the last resting place of her lover. Following on her heels, Charles Marden finds himself in a place worse than hell, the very recently abandoned battlefields of Europe, a place of pilgrimage and death.

Told in a combination of first and third person, this tale of love, loss and hope plunges the reader into a chaotic and heart-wrenching period. From its opening on Vancouver Island to its closing on the battlefield of Ypres, it takes the reader along with Marden through richly detailed prose, powerful imagery and a rivetting narrative.

Marden himself is a highly sympathetic protagonist. We want him to find Elaine. Even more, we want him to find some kind of peace. Losing his wife and son in such quick succession has cast him adrift and in his search for Elaine we sense a quiet desperation for some return to normalcy, once he has seen where his son died and met the woman who carries his grandchild. The secondary characters are many and while few of them occupy more than a few paragraphs or a few pages each, they all come alive and serve a purpose, especially the battle-scarred veterans who refuse to leave the trenches in which they'd fought for so long. Very highly recommended.

© Teresa Eckford, 2004

---

This review first appeared in the November 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Death in the Age of Steam: A Mystery, Mel Bradshaw

This literary mystery, set in 1856 Ontario and Quebec, focusses on a banker's quest to find his missing former love, the daughter of a prominent politician who died suddenly. Isaac Harris always regretted not declaring himself to Theresa Sheridan before she married business man Henry Crane three years earlier. Now he sees a way to make things right when it appears her husband is willing to give her up for dead when she disappears before her father's funeral. Certain she is in trouble, Isaac devotes himself to tracking her down.

This convincing portrait of life in pre-Confederation Canada holds many charms, from its snapshots of Victorian-era Toronto and various towns along the St. Lawrence River to its well-crafted mystery. Isaac is an appealing hero and detective, often falling into his discoveries, yet realistically portrayed. Theresa is a little more troubling and not entirely convincing, while the secondary characters range from stereotypical to bizarre.

Though the story moves along quite well, the pace lags at times as the author sometimes immerses the reader in too many details. Still, as mysteries go, this one held my interest and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about mid-18th century Kingston. It's clear the author did his research and those interested in this period of history should enjoy this fascinating combination of detective story and historical novel.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2004
-------
This review first appeared in the November 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - The Vanishing Point by Louise Hawes

This fictionalized biography recounts a year in the life of Renaissance painter Lavinia Fontana. Teenager Vini is an only child, her mother having suffered multiple miscarriages. Desperate to fulfil her desire to paint, Vini conspires with her friend, Paolo, to bring her work to her father's notice. Prospero Fontana is thrilled to find his daughter has both the soul and the talent of an artist and welcomes her to his studio. But all is not well in the Fontana household. Lavinia falls victim to a childhood disease and must live with the possibility she will never see again while her mother's latest pregnancy leads to tragedy.

With careful research and a deft hand, Ms. Hawes convincingly recreates the Renaissance period, full of colour, noise and politics. Similarly her characters, especially Vini and her father, leap from the page and grab our attention. The story starts slowly, but picks up speed about half-way through as the various plot threads, including a romance between Vini and Paolo, come together. My one real quibble was the author's use of present tense, which I found rather distracting. Still, as an introduction to art and history, few parents could go wrong buying this for their teens.

© Teresa Eckford, 2004

---

This review first appeared in the November 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Lady Allerton's Wager, Nicola Cornick

Ms. Cornick's seventh book, Lady Allerton's Wager is an enjoyable romp through Regency-era England. A romp with a touch of mystery and a pair of star-crossed lovers, whose families have been feuding for half a century.

By disguising herself at the Cyprian's Ball, the widowed Elizabeth, Lady Allerton tricks her family's enemy, Marcus, Lord Trevithick into wagering with her for the island his family stole from hers many years ago. She wins and he agrees to honour their wager, until he finds out who she is. They race to reach the island first, but during their encounters along the way, they find themselves drawn to each other.

While Beth is a heroine with spirit and intelligence, she also is a little too impulsive. Marcus, on the other hand, is a hero through and through, honourable and caring.

The plot skips along at an enjoyable rate and it's clear Ms. Cornick is comfortable recreating Regency England. Only a Big Misunderstanding towards the end of the book detracted a tad from my enjoyment.

Fans of the Regency period will want to pick this book up. I intend to seek out Ms. Cornick's backlist and the books that followed this one.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2004
-------
This review first appeared in the May 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Right as Rain, Bev Marshall

Mississippi born Bev Marshall has crafted a memorable and evocative tale, revolving around three families. Set in the mid/late 20th century American South, Right as Rain tells the story of Tee Wee, a woman determined to hold her family together and make a better life. She works as cook for the Parsons, renting a house on their land with her husband Luther and is less than enthusiastic when they hire a new housekeeper, with whom she feels an instant rivalry. Still, she and Icey form a thorny friendship that endures through the years that follow, punctuated by both tragedy and success.

It is also the story of the Parsons' daughter Ruthie, who longs to be loved for herself, but chooses unwisely. Her story is both heartbreaking and uplifting as she learns about loyalty and friendship. Her brother Browder and Tee Wee's daughter Crow also figure prominently.

In many ways the setting is the most impressive aspect of this thoroughly engrossing tale, coming to life on every page, the heat and humidity palpable. I could hear the thunder, taste the dust and smell the animals on the farm. Especially impressive was how well Ms Marshall wove the political and social history of the period into the narrative. I learned a lot without realizing it, which speaks volumes for her skill as a writer.

Her dialogue also stands out. Each of the characters has a distinctive voice and she reflects time and place without resorting to cliché.

The many threads of the plot came together in a gripping court trial, the outcome of which sees the climax of the story and kept me reading with the proverbial bated breath. A fine ending to this compelling and very readable family saga, whose characters will stay with your long after you close the book.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2004
-------
This review first appeared in the August 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Slightly Wicked, Mary Balogh

Another entry in the Bedwyn series, Slightly Wicked is the story of Rannulf and his lady love, Judith, who has been sent to live with her wealthy relatives to help ease the burden on her impoverished father. When Judith's coach overturns an attractive young man offers to help. Convinced she will never marry (her parents have told her she is ugly and on the shelf), she seizes the opportunity to have a little adventure.

Rannulf is faced with the prospect of his grandmother marrying him off, a fact about which he is less than enthusiastic. Encountering a sultry actress in peril provides a pleasant diversion. Imagine his surprise when she turns out to be his intended's poor relation. Not only must their love overcome a wide social chasm, it must also defeat a vengeful spurned suitor.

Though the story is fairly standard, the quality of Ms. Balogh's writing sets it apart. She breathes fresh life into typical lead characters and surrounds them with an outstanding supporting cast (especially Judith's grandmother). Her setting is realistic, full of period detail without seeming like a catalogue of facts, while the plot contains some unique twists. A fast-paced, well-written enjoyable read.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2003
-------
This review first appeared in the May 2003 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Murder on Grammercy Park, Victoria Thompson

Victoria Thompson's third Gaslight Mystery, Murder on Grammercy Park, once again plunges the reader into life in turn-of-the-century New York City. Midwife Sarah Brandt and Police Detective Frank Malloy team up once more to solve a murder. The victim is a healer, Edmund Blackwell, whose clients number many of the city's elite. But who wanted him dead and why?

Ms. Thompson weaves a credible plot, replete with interesting characters, assorted motives and the requisite red herring. The historical background is both rich and accurate, yet never takes away from the mystery. Sarah and Malloy share the detective duties equally, combining their particular talents to piece together the puzzle of Blackwell's death. Their romance continues to blossom amid all the skullduggery.

This reviewer will admit, however, that she did strongly suspect the murderer's identity by the midpoint of the story. Overall, though, this novel is a highly entertaining and well-executed piece of historical detective fiction.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2001
-------
This review first appeared in the August 2001 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Catherine's Heart, Lawana Blackwell

Set in the late Victorian period (1880-1884), this novel recounts the academic and romantic adventures of Catherine Rayborn, a sheltered young woman revelling in her first taste of independence at Girton College, Cambridge.

Catherine's first year passes relatively quietly, broken only by a brief flirtation with a young man from Lincoln College. After returning from visiting her family in India, where she encounters another young man, she meets Lord Holt, a rake and sworn enemy of her cousin Sarah's husband. Soon she is deeply involved with him, despite warnings from her family and friends. Heartbreak follows and she must look within herself before moving on to find true love and academic success.

Ms. Blackwell's research blends seamless into the narrative, effectively recreating the period. I enjoyed the details of life at a women's college and the bustle of Victorian London. While her secondary characters shone, I found Catherine to be somewhat problematic. She gave her heart too easily and appeared fickle and more than a little too naive, even for a young lady of her time. The author's explanation at the end was not convincing. The leading male characters were a little more successful, especially in the area of motivation, notably Lord Holt. However, I would have liked to have seen more interaction between the hero and heroine.

While the author's writing style did not engage me, her pacing and plotting more than compensated, allowing me to finish the book in only a couple of sittings. The incorporation of the spiritual aspects seemed a little heavy-handed in spots, but as I have no other experience reading inspirational fiction, I do not know if it was excessive.

Overall a pleasant read for fans of Victoriana and light romance.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2002
-------
This review first appeared in the February 2002 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Slightly Tempted, Mary Balogh

Lady Morgan Bedwyn is visiting Brussels in June 1815, just prior to Waterloo. There she is seen by Gervase Ashford, a man who hates her oldest brother, Wulf. Though revenge is his initial motive, Gervase discovers Morgan is a charming, caring woman. Friendship and romance blossom, only to be threatened by past injustices and betrayal.

Set in Belgium and England, Slightly Tempted is the fifth entry in Mary Balogh's Bedwyn series and a well-paced, exciting and heart-warming story of love and redemption. Ms. Balogh chronicles the after-effects of the great battle in all their grit, blood and horror. Morgan shines through as a worthy heroine, believable in her role of debutante turned nurse - not something easily achieved. Though we are told Gervase is a rake, I found this hard to believe as his nobility and strength shine through almost from the beginning. Their developing romance is totally believable.

The rest of the setting is equally well portrayed, from London to the countryside, while the supporting cast of the Bedwyn and Ashford clans bring added warmth to the story. Though I enjoyed Slightly Wicked 'slightly' more, I do not hesitate to recommend this book.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2004
-------
This review first appeared in the February 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - There is a River, Charlotte Miller

There is a River brings to a close Charlotte Miller's trilogy of Southern life spanning the 20th century. This book, however, stands on its own, relating the story of Janson Sandors and his rivalry with the town's powerful bigot, Buddy Eason. A supporting cast of interesting characters adds depth as we follow Janson from the local mill, to the battlefields of Europe and later the recession-bleak 1980s.

Following a weak opening, from which I could not glean in what period the story was set, the story proved a rivetting one. The author soon made up for the lack of historical detail in the early chapters, lavishly depicting life in a small Southern town during the late 30s and early 40s. The bonds of family and friendship stood out in stark contrast to the prejudice and hatred of Buddy Eason. The harsh division between the factory workers and their employers, the Eason family, rang true.

Janson and Elise struggled to support their family, but their devotion carried them through. The agony they endured while he is at war recreates the experience of so many from that era, as did Elise's resourcefulness in coping with the loss of Janson's income. Their son Henry and granddaughter Joanna, who falls in love with Buddy's grandson, followed in the same tradition.

The story follows a leisurely pace to its satisfying conclusion, marred at times by over-written narrative and awkward prose. Had the characters not been so genuine, it might have suffered more as a result. For it was Ms. Miller's rich portrayal of Janson, Elise, Henry, Joanna and Buddy that made this book unique.

Anyone yearning for a quiet yet powerful tale of love, revenge and redemption would do well to seek this one out.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2003
-------
This review first appeared in the February 2003 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - The Midwife's Secret, Kate Bridges

Independent midwife Amanda Ryan arrives in Banff, Canada, determined to help the women there deliver their babies safely. She actually has two secrets, and considering the time period, 1888, it is hardly a surprise she is keeping them. Life does not get any easier when she discovers the piece of land she bought actually belongs to local mill owner Tom Murdock. It seems his partner has fleeced him and sold his land to Amanda. Together Tom and Amanda must track down the miscreant to sort things out while overcoming ghosts from their past. Along the way they fall in love.

This engaging historical romance is well-written, with an unusual and beautifully depicted setting, well-rounded characters and a heart-touching, satisfying romance. The reader readily believes that Tom and Amanda are meant for each other and will go the distance.

Those looking for a Western romance with a twist will enjoy this book.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2003
-------
This review first appeared in the November 2003 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - My Dearest Cecelia, Diana Haeger

Built around a Civil War legend about William T. Sherman and a young southern belle, Ms. Haegar's latest novel recounts their passionate affair. While fans of romance will find it three-hankie read, serious historians will dismiss it as mere fantasy.

In May 1837, Cecelia Stovall visits her brother at West Point. There she meets William Sherman, her brother's roommate. They dance, spar verbally, and meet secretly. When they are found out, her brother whisks her away. Eventually she is married off to a family benefactor. On three or four occasions she and Sherman meet, most significantly when Cecelia works as a spy for the North. In the end, Sherman spares her home, invoking a vow he made when they first met to "ever shield and protect" her. The note is extant, though the author's version differs from the text of the real one.

Ms. Haegar's prose is not overly inspiring at first, most notably her weak grasp of point-of-view, with male characters expressing themselves in distinctly female voices and an over-use of southern dialect. This improved over the course of the novel, but made the first few chapters a tough slog.

The plot itself, while good and well-paced, is, from what I have learned, based very little in historical fact. For instance, I have found no mention of Cecelia Stovall being a Union spy. On a more positive note, Ms. Haegar is skilled at creating a believable setting, evoking strong images of the heat of the South and plantation life, while her characters are generally well-drawn. An author's note detailing what was real and what was fictional might have helped.

Civil War buffs not overly worried about accuracy will likely enjoy this book. I found it a pleasant enough read after the first few chapters, but do not consider it a "keeper".

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2003
-------
This review first appeared in the August 2003 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - My Enchanted Enemy, Tracy Fobes

Juliana St. Germaine, born and raised beneath the sea, must break an ancient family curse by seducing the one man who fears her most. In order to protect his family and keep the bloodline pure, Cole Strangford must marry a gypsy. He is far more interested in finding the Sea Opal stolen by Juliana's ancestor that will free the Strangfords from their bad luck. Yet something about Juliana appeals to him, and when she passes the seawater test, he reconsiders his initial rejection of the match.

Thus the stage is set for Tracy Fobes' sixth novel of paranormal romance. And an enjoyable one it is, if you prefer more romance than history. Set in 1810 England, My Enchanted Enemy features engaging characters, a believable romance and a satisfying conclusion. An interesting subplot revolves around Cole's efforts to invent an underwater diving suit and his rivalry with William James, who introduced an early scuba suit in 1825.

The pace lags in a couple of spots and the history is for the most part a decorative background. Fans of the genre, however, will find it a charming way to while away a summer afternoon.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2002
-------
This review first appeared in the May 2002 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Wilderness Run, Maria Hummel

This coming-of-age story, set just before and during the American Civil War, is historical fiction at its best. Bel and Lawrence are cousins, raised in a rich family in Vermont. But their wealth cannot protect them from the realities of slavery and the war. Lawrence enlists and discovers that war really is hell, but learns to cope. Bel remains at home, living a pampered life, one she grows to resent after meeting Louis, a handsome young Canadian who joins up to fight for the North.

Soon she begins to rebel against her mother. When her aunt and uncle give her a chance for freedom, she takes it, even if it means nursing in Washington. There she too learns the realities of war, made worse when she must nurse her cousin after he is badly injured. Louis' presence does mitigate the circumstances somewhat and they begin to snatch moments of privacy.

As in so many historical novels, romance does have a role in this one. Bel is a worthy heroine, attractive and intelligent, yet also impulsive and far from perfect. Louis is a little more perfect, yet still so engaging that it is difficult to fault the author for creating him thus. Their developing relationship adds a hopeful touch to a novel so centred on war.

Ms. Hummel has crafted a heart-wrenching tale of love, friendship, family secrets and war. Her carefully chosen words draw images in the mind of the reader, effectively bringing the era to life, while her characters are both appealing and true to the period. The complicated family relationships add an extra touch of realism. My only quibble was that the sections detailing life in the trenches sometimes dominated the action for a little too long.

Highly recommended for both its historical atmosphere and rivetting storyline.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2003
-------
This review first appeared in the August 2003 issue of The Historical Novels Review.

Book Review - The Measure of the World, Denis Guedj (Arthur Goldhammer, translator)

In June, 1792, two astronomers set off from Paris on what proves to be a six year long mission to survey the meridian running through France from Dunkirk to Barcelona and thus establish a standard measure of length, the meter. Pierre Méchain and Jean-Baptiste Delambre face adversity, suspicion, danger and hardship as they struggle to complete their assignment, compounded by the turbulent politics of the French Revolution.

Denis Guedj does an admirable job bringing the era of the Revolution to life through the eyes of his two very different protagonists. Each has a distinct voice and deals with the hardships of their assignment in very different ways. Méchain has an especially hard time after enduring an almost fatal injury. Their relationship is one of mutual respect and it grows stronger, despite their separation, through semi-regular correspondence. No-one else truly understands the challenges they face and they draw on each other for strength, though Méchain is at times jealous of Delambre's early successes.

The social history and politics of the time are interwoven naturally so as not to interrupt the narrative of the main storyline. At times, however, the science is a little overwhelming for those less versed in that discipline. Overall, though, the story rattles along at a good pace, never boring and always intriguing. The various characters encountered by Méchain and Delambre add to the novel's charm, while the glimpses of such historical personages as Lavoisier, Condorcet and Borda further ground it in the period.

I also feel it necessary to praise the translator of this work, Arthur Goldhammer. His English prose is flawless and had I not been told, I'd never have guessed this work was a translation.

Reading this engrossing book was pure pleasure and I recommend it to all.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2002
-------
This review first appeared in the May 2002 issue of The Historical Novels Review.

Book Review - The Colony of Unrequited Dreams, Wayne Johnson

This is a difficult book to review. A fictionalized life of Joey Smallwood, the last Father of Confederation in Canada, it has many merits, but some significant weaknesses too. I certainly enjoyed reading it, but a number of things niggled at me as I did so.

The story is told mostly in the first person, from either Smallwood's point-of-view (the main narrative) or that of his friend and rival Sheilagh Fielding (her journal entries.) It follows Joey's life from his boyhood in St. John's, Newfoundland to the aftermath of Confederation in the 1950s and beyond.

The writing itself is very good. Johnston knows how to hook and involve the reader and I admit to being pulled in from page one. His descriptions are wonderful. Though I've never been to St. Johns I could taste the salt air and feel the damp chill of an Atlantic fog. Despite the use of the first person, I felt I knew the secondary characters as well, so skillfully were they depicted by the chief protagonists. Smallwood's father stands out in particular.

A mystery is thrown into the mix early on, one that is not solved until close to the end of the book - it adds an interesting dimension to the story. Each time the reader thinks it has been resolved, Johnston throws in another twist.

The plot progresses nicely for the first half of the book, then bogs down in the middle before building steam towards the end.

Smallwood is a fascinating character, but not an entirely likeable one. Sometimes his stubborn pride comes across more as stupidity. Some readers may find that the interruption of the main narrative by Fielding's journal entries, newspaper columns, letters and excerpts from her fictional history of Newfoundland to be more and more annoying. Though some of these devices add depth to the story, others merely slow the pace.

The ending, however, is the biggest disappointment of all. Rather than tying up loose ends, it left me wondering if I was missing a chapter. An Author's Note explaining that Fielding was fictional would have been a good idea - I only learned this by cruising the Internet for background information.

Lest you think I either disliked this book or would not recommend it, this is untrue. Despite the structural problems and the less than stellar ending, it is well worth picking up. The 500 odd pages passed quickly for the most part and proved an enjoyable way to brush up on an oft overlooked area of Canadian and Newfoundland history.

-----
This review first appeared in the December 2000 issue of The Historical Novels Review.
© Teresa Eckford, 2002

Book Review - The Dragon's Bride, Jo Beverley

When Susan Kerslake and Con Somerford meet again after eleven long years apart, much has changed. She is now sister to the chief smuggler and Con's housekeeper, while he is the battle-hardened new Earl of Wyvern. Determined to find the smugglers' gold stolen by Con's predecessor, Susan reluctantly remains at Crag Wyvern, despite the rising tension between her and Con. He suspects she is up to more than tending house and sets out to discover her secret.

The Dragon's Bride is classic Jo Beverley, a skillful mix of romance, history and adventure. As always, Ms Beverley's engaging characters and strong plot make the story sparkle with an energy all its own. The historical details blend naturally into the narrative, creating a rich and authentic backdrop. Con and Susan's romance, fraught with guilt and doubt, blossoms slowly as they rediscover each other and learn to put the past behind them. The smuggling subplot provides added depth and excitement as the local riding officer is determined to identify and capture the area's lead smuggler.

All in all, The Dragon's Bride is an enjoyable, well-paced and satisfying read. Very highly recommended for fans of the genre.

-----

This review first appeared in the August 2001 issue of The Historical Novels Review.

© Teresa Eckford, 2002