An Englishwoman falls for a handsome intruder in this “emotional, compelling and atmospheric” historical romance by the author of The Thief’s Daughter (Chicks, Rogues and Scoundrels). Cornwall, 1861. Beth Jago is an independent seamstress living in her own remote cottage in Cornwall’s River Valley. She has what appears to be an idyllic life–but appearances can be deceiving. Lately, Beth has been … can be deceiving. Lately, Beth has been receiving mysterious threats from an unknown outsider. So when she finds a strange man in her home, she acts swiftly to protect herself. One frying pan to the head knocks the intruder out cold–and nearly kills him. Worst of all, the blow seems to have robbed the handsome stranger of his memory.
Afraid he might die, Beth reluctantly nurses him back to health. Yet can she trust the man with no name who has entered her life? Or is he as dangerous as his nightmares suggest? As they grow closer, the threats become more severe. Perhaps they are somehow linked to the man with no past. Or perhaps the real danger is still outside waiting . . . and watching them both.
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The Daughter of River Valley is a true romantic historical novel. Written with descriptive prose, Victoria Cornwall imbues her characters with the language of Cornwall and the proper spoken language of that historical period. It has been awhile since I have read a true historical novel and once I got used to the flow of her words, I enjoyed the moving story of these two characters.
Beth Jago was an independent woman before independence was allowed for women. The fact that she wanted to work and survive alone without leaning on a man gave her character a modernity that enabled me to identify with her. When she finds an intruder in her home and knocks him over the head she definitely creates a rocky start to their relationship. His lost memory means that he doesn’t know who he is, but his feelings for Beth grow and they soon create a partnership that goes beyond the bounds of border and caretaker. With Beth, he finally finds a happiness he hasn’t felt in a long time, a happiness that he wants to continue.
This novel is not just a sweeping historical drama, there is also a bit of a mystery. It becomes apparent that someone is watching Beth’s cabin and Beth isn’t sure if it has to do with her secret she’s been keeping or if it is someone from the village. This small bit of tension escalates and helps move the plot forward quickly reaching a satisfactory conclusion to both the mystery and their relationship. If you enjoy true historical’s then you should pick up The Daughter of River Valley. It’s sweeping tale will take your imagination on an adventurous journey to the Cornwall countryside. I received a copy of this book for my honest review and it was honest.
I knew this book was going to be a good book from the very beginning. The author knew how to grab my attention from the start. Beth has injured a man, Joss, whom she thought of as an intruder on her doorstep who now has no memory. As she nurses him back to health, the two have an electric chemistry. When he begins regaining his memory, Beth realizes he isn’t who she thought he was. Can she reconcile who he is with the feelings she has for him?
Beth is very likeable character. She is independent, fiesty, and definitely is a match for Joss. Joss is also a very likeable character, and he shares some of the same traits she does…determination and strength. I just kept hoping she would really see him for who he really was…a good man who was desperately in love with her.
Anyone who has read my reviews know I love reading the author’s note at the end of the book. It always helps me learn something new about the book, the author, and sometimes, the real events that are used in the book. This one was no exception….I was fascinated to learn the Crimean War was the first war to be covered by reporters. I was amazed to also learn that because of this reporting, a new medal, the Victoria Cross, was established and remains the highest military award for gallantry in England. Victoria Cornwall is a new writer to me, and again, I’m thrilled to find another author to read!!! Looking forward to future novels by her.