The Civil War is over, allowing Nathan Fairchild to finally return home to the family ranch and his waiting wife. Theirs was never a love match, but he is resigned to resuming the life he once knew. He spent his months on the trail preparing himself for his homecoming, expecting anything except to find that he’s been declared dead and his wife has turned to another man for comfort. Second chances … chances can be found in Wynne Roman’s newest series Men of Wicked Sorrow and her debut novel, A Husband Returned. Mariah Fairchild tried to go on after losing Nathan. His miraculous return jumbles her world and reignites the unrequited love she has always felt for him. Still, she has changed and so has life in Texas. Sorting through the complications-threats to the ranch, secrets from their time apart, and learning a new intimacy-tries the very fabric of their marriage until one final blow nearly destroys everything.
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Wynne Roman gives readers a touching and quality historical romance in A Husband Returned, book one in her Men of Wicked Sorrow series, that hit all the marks for a great story!
This author can be applauded for how she constructed her initial less than flattering introduction of her lead Nathan and how she was able to turn him around into an outstanding hero. With very clear examples Ms. Roman demonstrated why both her heroine and her audience could not only accept but embrace Nathan in this role. Nathan went from questionable hero standing to being firmly footed in heroic territory as this writer seamlessly guided her readers in discovering who he really was. Mariah was a heroine whose traits of strength, kindness and devotion kept her from being inconsequential as her inner beauty constantly surpassed her outer beauty. She was truly admirable in her ability to see beyond others often less exemplary behaviors, always reaching for the best in people without coming off as a doormat or unattainable and saintly. A fine job was done by this writer in showing the pain this couple experienced together and apart as she grew their love to a well deserved happily ever after.
Ms. Roman excelled in depicting, in subtle yet impactful ways, the devastation of one America’s most difficult times as her characters gathered up the pieces of their lives and reconstructed them just like the name of the period her story took place in. This writer was able to relay the anguish and ambiguity of the aftermath of the Civil War in war ravaged Texas with kindness and sensitivity even while not shying away from the harshness of the times and the lives it left in shambles. This story moved quickly with lots of revelations and well placed confrontations. What stood out in this work is that other than her hero’s return nothing was miraculous. Lots of effort was put into deciphering feelings and recognizing missteps in a past riddled with them and it was done honestly and believably. Wynne Roman’s A Husband Returned took command of the pages from the start and brought insight, passion and excellent storytelling together for a poignant and memorable read.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
Simply amazing….
What a great start to a great series. Husband Returned is a wonderfully written historical romance, the first in the Men of Wicked Sorrow series. Wynne Roman did it again. And I talk from the bottom of my heart, since I must admit that historical romances are not my cup of tea. However, Ms Roman managed to totally turn the tables on me in this one.
If you are looking for a strong, resilient heroine, a calm force, full of love and determination, then you are going to love Mariah. Of course, you have to accept the fact that she lives in a time when women didn’t have a lot of liberties, but that doesn’t change the fact that she comes out as a strong person, even when she struggles with her insecurities (which are really justified through her experiences). Through it all, she doesn’t give up and always tries her best for herself and the ones she loves. And Nathan is who she loves the most, even when he doesn’t seem to feel the same.
Nathan, I had a lot of trouble to like at first, but I knew he would do something to redeem himself somehow. Otherwise, he would have never been worthy of such an amazing woman as Mariah. His inner struggles and being inside his head helped me in this direction, but he did some things that tested my patience and I wanted to smack him on the head from time to time. In the end, however, he managed to worm himself into my heart.
Now, there are some sensitive themes in the book, but are given in such a way that not only help with the plot, but actually make the hero and heroine more real to me. And the hot scenes are really…scandalously hot (don’t forget the time frame, guys!). Also, I can’t not mention Gabriel – the man Mariah came close to when she thought she lost Nathan forever. He seems so amazing and I can’t wait to learn more about him in the next book.
All in all, it was a great read that really made me rethink my view on historicals. That itself speaks volumes to me. So, 5 well-worthy stars from me and congratulations to Wynne Roman for managing once again to…rock my world (even if it wasn’t through her amazing Wycked Obsession rockstar series).
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I read books. Period. I’ll read anything. Any subject. Any author. Anything that even remotely peaks my interest. So imagine my surprise to hear that one of my favorite “rock star author’s” was writing a historical romance book. As you might expect ,it peaked my interest. She didn’t disappoint .
Now I didn’t start out liking Nathan, at alllll! Matter of fact I thought he was an a$$hole! Grade A #1 ahole. I think he earned that title. But,he grew on me. Mostly because of the writing style of Ms. Roman. She has the ability to take a character,who you will NOT like and turn him/or her, into a character you wouldn’t mind chatting with . She makes you wait for that moment though lol. I was halfway through before I stopped yelling at him. And when Mariah finally found her voice, I may have yelled “About Time Woman”! Lol.
If your old enough or smart enough to have found the early EARLY romance books,the ones with Fabio on the covers,(yes those. Google him) then you’ll enjoy this one. It’s reminiscent of those lifetime ago books.
I absolutely adored this story! Mariah and Nathan made me feel a myriad of emotions… their journey, while ending happily, started out a bit rocky. Mariah is a strong Texas woman who handles everything thrown her way and Nathan is the lucky guy who gets to do life with her. There’s conflict that is met with maturity and emotions that are handled appropriately – nothing about this book is annoying. Oh, and I can’t forget, Wynne can write a love scene like no other!! HOT. I cannot wait to read the rest of the Men of Wicked Sorrow! 5 stars!