‘Can Rebecca find the love and passion she craves within a Victorian world that seems to be conspiring against her?’
It is 1887 and Queen Victoria is on the throne. Businessman and meteorologist Geoffrey de Roussier is passionate about his weather station and railways, yet little of his passion seems to filter through to his shy, naïve young wife, Rebecca.
Following his tragic demise, Rebecca … Rebecca discovers that Geoffrey’s railroad investments have failed, leaving her penniless. As the past threatens to engulf her, Rebecca realises she has to make a choice. Gwilym Llewellyn, Geoffrey’s trusted friend and advisor, has an emotional debt to repay to Geoffrey and meets Rebecca to offer her a solution. Meanwhile Rebecca has found passion in another direction …
One man will save her from destitution, the other will offer her the love and excitement that she aches for. Whom will she choose?
The book has a wonderful setting in Cardiff, South Wales. If you like a good mix of a charming, evocative depiction of the Victorian era and a modern-thinking heroine then Rebecca’s Choice is the novel for you.
This is Heidi Gallacher’s debut novel, a historical Victorian romance of 62,000 words. Pick up ‘Rebecca’s Choice’ today to lose yourself in this wonderful story!
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Heidi Gallacher’s debut novel, Rebecca’s Choice is very well written. The language and the depictions of Cardiff and the surrounding area made it come alive and the characters were realistic.
My heart ached for Rebecca as more details came out about her lonely marriage. While Gregory was smart and kind, he was aloof and selfish. And then, when she was faced with being a widow with failed investments and a choice between caring for her family or finally experiencing love – I was torn along with her!
Many historical tidbits were integrated into the story in a very natural manner. It was interesting to learn about the Mumbles Railway & Pier Company. And about the competition between the steam engines and those pulled by horses. Who would have thought!!
Some everyday life were mentioned as well, ones of a more personal nature. If you have ever wondered about childbirth in the Victorian age, you can read little bits about it here.
Another fascinating albeit tragic episode was the Morgan, the doctor who treated cholera around the world. The impact the death and dying had on him was profound.
The prevailing mood of Rebecca’s Choice is melancholy – Rebecca was so resigned to each new challenge in her life. The narrative dragged in the first part while the scene was set for the events that followed. This did pick up in the second half.
I do prefer my stories to be a bit more upbeat with a little faster pace and with more glimmers of hope and yet readers who enjoy stories with a more pensive bent will love this one!
Rebecca’s Choice by Heidi Gallacher
Love matches were not expected long ago but they were often wished for anyway. Rebecca was realistic in her expectations hoping that Geoffrey, her older husband, would provide more than just a comfortable marriage. They did rub along together fairly well and had a decent life, but the sizzle seemed to be missing. After Rebecca’s husband dies, she has more than one man interested in marrying her, but the question is which man she will choose, and will she opt for the sizzle or will security trump sizzle?
What I liked:
* The writing felt of the era – although told in first person and that might not have been common of writing in that time period, Rebecca’s voice felt real.
* The insights into life just before the 20th century
* Rebecca’s strength and ability to still dream of and hope for more
* The three friends pregnant together and the glimpse into what childbirth might have been like back then.
* The way I cared about Rebecca and hoped she and her family would come out alright
* Thinking about what it would have been like to be in the shoes of any of the characters in the book…some shoes I would have wanted to have avoided, if at all possible!
* That hard times were not glossed over
* The way the story concluded on an upbeat note
What I didn’t like:
* Being reminded of how little women were given power over their own lives long ago
* Thinking about how many women did not have control and were dependent on men for everything
* The times I wanted to reach out and smack someone or give another a wakeup call.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this debut author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
What a great book. This took me no time at all to read. It was an interesting book, and worth the read all the way. I am not a fan of romance novels. But this is such a historical romance that made it very interesting for me. Such an addicting book that it took me no time at all to read. I highly recommend this book for sure.
A historical romance. It delivered a powerful narrative with intriguing and believable characters. A story that captures your imagination and delivers in an honest and endearing style. I would definitely recommend.