As the eldest, Isabella Worth guides her younger sisters into an uncertain future living with their half-brother in Northumberland. When they encounter a charismatic stranger called the ‘Count’ of Northumberland Abbey, Isabella is skeptical of both his origins and intentions. How will Isabella ever learn to trust and rely upon such a man…one that she has grown to love?
I have been thinking long and hard about this one. First things first, the writing is beautiful for this traditional Reg Rom. There is a lot to like in the way Gibson turns a phrase. The hero is very clever and swarthy, not to mention wealthy and wise.
Here is my issue. Its more Eyre than Austen. And being a fan of the latter Jane, I had a hard time swallowing the enormous amount of time spent on mood.
Yes, I get that Northumberland is way north and has the climes of Scotland. And although I appreciated that after contracting a serious fever, the heroine wans in health and depressed acceptance of her spinsterhood. But beleaguring the point was too gothic by half.
After a lot of thought, I think my biggest problem is that the heroine almost has a reverse character arc. Against the foils of her robust and flirtatious sisters, its almost stifling to commiserate with her poor me passages.
That being said, I actually really liked the book. I think it was an admirable effort and demonstrated real potential for an author unknown to me. The period details and the way she is able to bring to life the era was spot on, and the romance was mostly believable.
Its not a book of panting and pawing, or romping and rolicking–more of a strange windswept character study on the pressures experienced by orphaned young women.
The supporting characters are interesting and, if not always likable, at least recognizable and entertaining. I liked that we had a nefarious gentleman featured who wasn’t overly villanious to the point of silliness. I also liked the realism of tone.
The book was clean, with some mature subject matter and minimal intimacy. If not for a darker exploration of the Regency era, it would be a recommended read for all. However, the gothic tendencies–or at least the long ruminations on depression and oppression do not make this a one-size-fits all Reg Rom.
4 out of 6, authentic details and lovable hero balance a dark mood and serious tone.
| Content Rating/Heat Index | |
|---|---|
| Mature Content |   |
| Moderate adult subject matter | |
| Intimacy | |
| Brief kissing | |
| Violence | |
| Mention of attempted rape, hunting | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Recommended for readers mature enough to handle serious subject matter. | |
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*A copy was provided by the publisher for review. No other compensation was provided.
