A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.Nell Caldicott awaits the return of her violent sailor husband with trepidation, but for once her fears are not realised. Her husband’s ship, the Brig Minerva, has sunk off the Cornish coast. Nell is free, but her husband has left her with little money and many questions about his past. Gradually, as his secrets are laid bare, she … laid bare, she realises she didn’t know her husband at all. Can she uncover the truth? And can she ever learn to trust a man with her heart again?
Nathan Harbottle is on a quest to find his missing cousin, but the tragic wife of the Minerva’s captain attracts him more than he cares to admit. He wants to help, but he’s powerless to intervene. However, their lives are destined to collide in unexpected ways, and his resolve to be nothing more than a friend to the beautiful widow is sorely tested. Can he set aside his own past and convince her to take a chance on love?
This is a complete story with a HEA.
more
Enjoyable read. The characters were fully-formed, and the story lies were woven smoothly. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series by this author.
I really enjoyed this book and the surprising twists and turns; very well written and kept me guessing!
Even if you figure out the mystery regarding the captain, enjoy the juxtaposition of first love, betrayal and loss, with mature love and the leap of faith required to trust the heart again. The characters have depth; h/H are likeable and conflicted and genuine. A lovely read!
Mary’s novels are never a quick and easy read. Traditional, this one was harder with the domestic abuse. But the outcome was worth the time involved. After you read one of her books you know you are going to have to THINK during the course of he books. I enjoy them greatly.
Silver Linings Indeed
Wow I found The Widow to be a great read It took a few pages to get my full attention but once it did I devoured it in about three and a half hours. I always enjoy having vivid descriptions and Mary Kingswood does a wonderful job. From the beginning I figured out where things where going but the journey there was the real story for me. Every time I thought the pieces we falling into place another piece would show up. I did feel the end was tied up quickly. I would have liked to know precisely what happened with Lord Tolly and how he ended up in Italy. Italy ! of all places sounds a little too lenient for my taste considering all the evil he did. But I have found that with many epilogues this is the case. A rush to tied loose ends. Also who was the benefactor? Loved the book but for these two reasons I’m giving it four stars.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
And this is my honest opinion and I do recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book, but then I have really liked all of Mary Kingswoods books.
Nell Caldicott is finally free of her violent husband after his ship, the Brig Minerva, sinks off the Cornish coast, but he has left her with little money and many questions about his past. Gradually, as his secrets are laid bare, she realises she didn’t know her husband at all. Nathan Harbottle is on a quest to find his missing cousin, but the tragic wife of the Minerva’s captain attracts him more than he cares to admit.
This is the first book in a new series, there is a prequel The Clerk which is available to newsletter subscribers which I would highly recommend as it beautifully sets the scene for this enthralling series. The main thing I love about the author’s books is that we are taken away from the glittering life of society & the ton to the lives of ordinary people, which makes for a darker more gritty read. The characters have plenty of depth, they are not always lovable but they are believable. The pace is good, it is the descriptions which are very vivid & raise the book above the parapet. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read