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.
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As another reviewer mentioned, Mary Kingswood is excellent at taking the reader back to the Regency period and allowing us to know both the good and the bad side of the lives of men and women, rich and poor, during that time period. Her attention to detail in every facet of her writing brings the past alive as nothing else can, and we, too, feel the terrible cold and the awful hunger that so many children, women, and the elderly without means of support had to suffer during this time.
The characters in this novel are finely drawn and stay true to form throughout the book, and we come to cheer for those who make it their purpose to ease the burdens of those less fortunate than themselves, no matter their station in life. The romance in the novel is portrayed in the most exquisite way, and the mystery is one that I still question–was Jude himself lied to about that night?
I would definitely recommend this novel and look forward to reading the next in Ms. Kingswood’s Regency series.
A fun book with likable characters. A page turner.
An enjoyable read by a talented author.
Good story with twists and turns. And no sleezy sex!
I love books that transport me to another time.
Good book, a bit dragged out but very interesting. Loved the characters
Really enjoyed this book.
I have been very delighted with this book and will be reading more from this author Thank you
Exciting with the twists and turns. Good bool
As an amateur genealogist, if the word “genealogy” is in the title, I’ll read it! It was a good book, and I really enjoyed it.
Predictable Story
It held my interest throughout the entire book. Enjoy reading books by this author.
A good read. Different than her other books.
Enjoyed this romantic mystery involving two diverse and complex protagonists. Mary Kingwood created a riveting character-driven plot line as they are plunged into depths to battle their inner-most demons. The story action is fast paced and keeps the readers attention. You can’t help but root for these two and wonder what else Fate will drop at their doorstep.
I loved this book. Great characters and unusual plot.
3 stars
Characters impart wise wisdom on relationships
Love the series cannot wait for The Painter to come out
Loved this story and I plan on getting the whole series. I love that there is no steamy sex yet it’s still so romantic; and the mystery was intriguing and fun to try to figure out. Just enough excitement and danger. Realistic social and emotional responses to domestic battery, too. Great characters. The ending was satisfying with no loose ends. Very enjoyable story!
This is an entertaining Regency romance, more in the style of Georgette Heyer than the bodice rippers that are generally billed as Regency romances. A pleasant cast of characters and an interesting story help the book along. The mystery is easily guessed, but all in all a very nice way to while away a few hours.
Not your average Regency romance, lots of turns and twists