Set in Sydney, New South Wales, beginning in 1790, this is the story of Georgiana who is being transportedHistorical Romance set in Sydney, Australia.
Set in Sydney, New South Wales, beginning in 1790, this is the story of Georgiana who is being transported to the penal colony with other prisoners. She accepted guilt for a theft she didn’t commit to protect her mother.
Aboard the transport ship, the Lady Amelia, she meets Lieutenant Francis Brooks, the government agent who was asked by her uncle to protect her. As Francis has a past he wants to overcome, he is eager to accommodate his “sea-wife”, which gains her better quarters and the disdain of the other women. But her kindness earns her the nickname “Duchess”.
Despite their mutual distrust, the attraction between Georgiana and Francis grows. When they decide they are in love (which I confess came rather suddenly), they discover they are related and cannot marry.
The writing is very good and the story moves along at a good clip. The author does a good job of presenting the hardships the convicts faced in the new land. Many, like Georgiana, went on to make good citizens and build meaningful lives. In the end, the author gives us hope.
Set in the mid 19th century, this is the story of Miss Caroline Huntington who goes to Crete with her friend to engage in charity work. Injured, she iSet in the mid 19th century, this is the story of Miss Caroline Huntington who goes to Crete with her friend to engage in charity work. Injured, she is taken to the island’s British doctor, Alex Trentham, who really isn’t practicing medicine but he agrees to help. Put off by his gruff manner, she soon realizes there is far more to this man than meets the eye.
Dr. Alex Trentham fled England, vowing not to return, but he never bargained for the beautiful Caroline to enter his life. As she recovers, the carefully constructed walls around his heart start to crumble under the force of emotions he cannot allow himself to feel.
When danger threatens, Caroline returns to England, leaving Alex behind, for he refuses to go with her—until he hears she is in trouble. Villains aplenty abound, including a cocaine addict suitor. This is a well-written story, and I especially loved the scenes on Crete. I can recommend it but just so you know, there are several graphic love scenes. ...more
A Romance for Wine Lovers, Especially Lovers of Port
Set in Portugal in the Victorian era, this is the story of Julia Costa, a widow and a winemaker inA Romance for Wine Lovers, Especially Lovers of Port
Set in Portugal in the Victorian era, this is the story of Julia Costa, a widow and a winemaker in the Douro region in northern Portugal. There she harbors a secret valley where she grows new vines unlike any other. Her business partner who has loaned her funds wants to know if his investment will pay off so he sends the Englishman, Griffin Maxwell, to check on things. Griffen, an expert in accounting and trusted by Costa, is willing to do it because he wants a partnership with Oport’s largest trading firm. And Costa, the owner, wants Griffen to marry his daughter.
Opposites attract, and the independent widow, who is knowledgeable in all things to do with vines, and the Englishman, who knows the financial side of the business, are soon a pair. When a mysterious plague decimates the vineyards, Griffin and Julia race to find a cure. As attraction leads to passion, Griffen fails to tell Julia he is engaged to another. Lurking in the background is an aristocratic Portuguese who is bent on having Julia as his wife and a politician who knows much about vines who also has her in his sites.
This book is well-written and full of information about growing grapes for wine, port wine to be exact. It’s cleverly done weaving together the story of the vines and wine and the growing love between the two lead characters. Some exciting scenes add spice. There are explicit love scenes should that be an issue.
This one began rather sadly for me. I have become rather fond of Nicholas (our intelligent and cunning hero) and want to see him happy. Here he is in This one began rather sadly for me. I have become rather fond of Nicholas (our intelligent and cunning hero) and want to see him happy. Here he is in snow-covered Danzig, Poland in the winter of 1474 in a self-imposed exile, sharing quarters with the ruthless pirate Benecke. But Nicholas will not stay with him for long.
Nicholas’ actions in the last book (To Lie with Lions), set in Scotland, France and Cyprus, cost him friends and family--not to mention much of his wealth. But he won the game with his estranged wife, Gelis, who thought she could outsmart him (not a chance). She was, for the most part, clueless as to all he was doing. In my opinion, she deserved what she got. She partnered with his enemies who tried to, and nearly did, kill him. She invited all he did. How can she criticize him? Yet her deserting him (that’s what I call it) has cost him his young son, Jodi, who he loves.
After some persuasion and the need to build back wealth for the accountant Julius and his beautiful wife, Anna, Nicholas decides to assist the Muslim Prince Uzum Hasan in his fight against the Turks. And that’s just the beginning. Anna is hiding secrets that involve Nicholas’ past.
This is another complex, well-told, action-packed story from a master of historical fiction, one of my very favorite authors. I highly recommend it.
The House of Niccolo Series:
Niccolò Rising Spring of the Ram Race of Scorpions Scales of Gold The Unicorn Hunt To Lie with Lions Caprice and Rondo Gemini...more
From Scotland to Egypt to Venice, Nicholas seeks revenge and the truth—a fast-paced read!
Another wild ride from Dorothy Dunnett. This one begins in ScFrom Scotland to Egypt to Venice, Nicholas seeks revenge and the truth—a fast-paced read!
Another wild ride from Dorothy Dunnett. This one begins in Scotland in 1468 where our hero Nicholas de Fleury (aka Nicholas van der Poele), is still burning from the horrible truth his bride revealed on their wedding night. (Gelis van Borselen, Nicholas’ wife, may be the most despicable female villain ever. What woman would go whoring to her husband’s worst enemy just to spite him?) To me, Gellis appears cold, twisted and loathsome, and, like her sister, deceived.
Nicholas seeks revenge on Simon St. Pol, the man who was her partner in crime. While about that effort, Nicholas endears himself to the court of King James III and gains yet another knighthood. Granting the dying request of Nicholas’ priest, Godscalc, he agrees to stay away from Scotland for two years. So, he puts on hold his plans for Scotland and dedicates himself to a hunt for Gelis’ son who, like the fabled unicorn, might not exist. The chase takes him to Bruges, the Tyrol, Cairo, Mt Sinai, Cyprus and eventually Venice where a dramatic but wonderful ending awaits.
Some wonderful characters emerge, including Katelijne, the niece of Anselm Adorne, who in my opinion would make Nicholas a perfect mate, as well as the regulars who come at Nicholas’ call.
Dunnett weaves an intricate story only she could hold together. So many threads, you’ll lose track. But the story will keep you turning pages, I promise. I do recommend reading the series in order. All the books are closely linked.
The House of Niccolo Series:
Niccolò Rising (1986) Spring of the Ram (1987) Race of Scorpions (1989) Scales of Gold (1991) The Unicorn Hunt (1993) To Lie with Lions (1995) Caprice and Rondo (1997) Gemini (2000)
From Venice to Africa for Gold and then to Timbuktu, Nicholas is off on another adventure
You can’t get more exotic that Portugal, Madeira and African From Venice to Africa for Gold and then to Timbuktu, Nicholas is off on another adventure
You can’t get more exotic that Portugal, Madeira and African deserts with their endless caravans. Nicholas begins on a ship but ends on a camel.
This is the 4th book in the House of Niccolo series. The year 1464 finds Nicholas in Venice, plagued by enemies bent on dissolving his assets and smearing his character. Needing to restore his fortune, he sets sail for Africa, where gold can be found in such abundance that men prefer to barter in shells. There, he will manage to outsmart his enemies and redeem his bank but who can save him from Gelis van Borselen, who seems conflicted in her feelings for him. She comes along, ostensibly to prove all the bad that is said about him regarding her dead sister. She knows little of the real facts and ends up as his lover with less than a pure motive.
Dunnett captures the stunning scenery of Africa, the treachery and lust for gold some men embrace, which ends in death in the wretched desert. And the exotic Muslim center of learning that is Timbuktu. It’s the Renaissance for all to see. Poor Nicholas. As usual, everyone thinks the worst of him (including Gelis) when his motives are noble. Some of the characters from the earlier books play a role in this complex story, including Father Godscalc, Umar (formerly Loppe) and Nicholas’ nemesis, Simon, who is his father but not recognized as such.
In the end, Nicholas gains inner peace only to lose it when bad news comes from Timbuktu and Gelis delivers a gut punch.
One cannot give Dunnett less than 5 stars for such an effort, which held my attention throughout, but I am looking forward to the next one and a different setting, one where they don’t have to eat camels to stay alive.
The House of Niccolo Series:
Niccolò Rising (1986) Spring of the Ram (1987) Race of Scorpions (1989) Scales of Gold (1991) The Unicorn Hunt (1993) To Lie with Lions (1995) Caprice and Rondo (1997) Gemini (2000)
House of Niccolo, book 3, Another Worthy 15th Century Adventure!
Reading this series is like watching a juggler with 20 balls in the air, hoping he doeHouse of Niccolo, book 3, Another Worthy 15th Century Adventure!
Reading this series is like watching a juggler with 20 balls in the air, hoping he doesn’t drop one. You can’t possibly remember all the characters or historical figures as you are swept along but, captivated, you don’t mind.
Set in 1462, this one finds Nicholas at 21, wealthy and looking for his next adventure. Marian, his beloved wife has died and his two stepdaughters have locked him out of the family business. So he pursues his future elsewhere. He and his private army are wanted by both factions seeking to control Cyprus. Both contenders for the throne, Queen Carlotta and her bastard brother, James, are vying Nicholas’ support.
As always, Nicholas must deal with adversaries and allies, from the courtesan Primaflora, who becomes his mistress and then something more, to the Mameluke commander, Tzani-Bey al Ablak, an evil man who has cruelly used Nicholas and Nicholas vows revenge.
Several things were unclear to me at the beginning, left over from the last book. Why does everyone always think the worst of our hero? Why does Katerina van Borselen hate him when it was she who came to his bed—twice? Why do his friends often assume his motives are bad? Well, this time we get answers to many of those questions as Nicholas and his merchant team confront dangers and treachery in Cyprus. A worthy story and I’m on to the next one.
The House of Niccolo Series:
Niccolò Rising (1986) Spring of the Ram (1987) Race of Scorpions (1989) Scales of Gold (1991) The Unicorn Hunt (1993) To Lie with Lions (1995) Caprice and Rondo (1997) Gemini (2000)
Francis Lymond goes to Malta for a Worthy Adventure!
This is the third in Dunnett’s The Lymond Chronicles, the wonderful adventure series of historicalFrancis Lymond goes to Malta for a Worthy Adventure!
This is the third in Dunnett’s The Lymond Chronicles, the wonderful adventure series of historical novels featuring the wonderful Scottish hero Francis Crawford of Lymond.
Disorderly Knights is set in 1551 in the Middle East and North Africa where Francis is dispatched to embattled Malta to assist the Knights of Hospitallers in defending the island against the Turks. Factions within the Order work to defeat their cause; Francis will try to rescue the beautiful Irish lass he made love to in book 2; and, notwithstanding Francis’ efforts, Tripoli falls to Islam.
This is adventure of the best kind set in an exotic locale with some intriguing romance sprinkled in. The characters, particularly Gabriel, are well drawn and compelling even if he turns out to have a secret agenda. We are never in the head of Francis but we know him by his words and deeds. And our hero triumphs, as always.
A well-written series with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your sear. I am devouring the books like chocolate truffles. Highly recommended.
This story shifts from William Marshall (“The Greatest Knight”) as a knight in the Holy Land and his pilgrimage Jerusalem in the time of the Templars!
This story shifts from William Marshall (“The Greatest Knight”) as a knight in the Holy Land and his pilgrimage to Jerusalem to lay the young King Henry’s cloak on the sepulcher to his dying days in England. In the way, in Constantinople, William and his brother, Ancel, encounter evil men who believe them to be spies for Rome. In Jerusalem, they become embroiled in the politics of the ancient city while helping King Baldwin who is suffering from leprosy.
It is there William encounters the dangerous Pascia de Riveri, the concubine of the highest churchman in the land. William pursues an affair with Pascia, hoping to keep it secret. Once discovered, their lives are in danger. Their only chance to see home again will depend upon the Templars who protect them and the two silk shrouds William has purchased for his eventual death.
As with all Chadwick’s books, she takes you into the time and place with vivid descriptions, her meticulous research and gift for painting a scene. Having read all her William Marshall stories save this one, I was surprised that he was so weak in the face of rejection by a woman who was already compromised. But Chadwick did a good job bringing their emotions to the fore. Still, I didn’t picture him that way.
The story will draw you in. The flashbacks to the Holy Land are what make it enjoyable. To realize he is seeing it again in his mind as he lay on his deathbed made it a bit sad. Still, a good one to add to the collection....more
4 and 1/2 stars! Modern Woman on a Medical Mission in 19th century Egypt Resists Love
Set in Cairo in 1839, this is the story of Richard Mallet, who c4 and 1/2 stars! Modern Woman on a Medical Mission in 19th century Egypt Resists Love
Set in Cairo in 1839, this is the story of Richard Mallet, who comes to Egypt hoping to unravel the secrets of the ancient Kushite language. Having obtained a license to dig, he sets out for Meroë, where the Blue Nile and White Nile meet. Analiese Cloutier, daughter of a medical minister, also comes to Cairo. She’s on a medical mission to vaccinate the people of Khartoum against smallpox, especially the women and children. Caught up in a hostile culture where life is cheap, she and her women healers are soon in danger.
Neither Ana nor Richard expects to be drawn into a romance but they are. Ana is a very modern woman, headstrong and independent who will have her way in all things. She has no intention of marrying which will destroy her healer career. Frankly, for nearly all of the book, she appears to have little interest in Richard Mallet. She has manipulated her father and an evil bey, who covets her, into allowing her to go on this dangerous mission. All will soon blow up in her face with treachery, poisoning and violence. Richard, too, is in danger and must claim Ana as his if they are to defeat the evil bey’s plans and survive.
The author has done considerable research to bring many historical details of the period to life as well as the lot of a woman who wants a medical career. There are foreign terms and place names that may throw you at first as the story is slow to develop but, half way through, it becomes exciting as the region explodes with anti-European violence and Ana and Richard must use their wits to escape. While Richard appears to care for Ana, any feelings on her part come late. I loved his uncle the duke whose character came through on the page. Richard’s guide and Ana’s maid also add richness to the story.
Historically accurate, with a great Author’s Note at the end, this brings the reader into Egypt at time of great upheaval which makes for some exciting scenes. Readers looking for a new adventure will relish diving in. ...more
A Keeper of a Medieval Romance set in 13th-century Wales
Gryff was a Welshman raised as a noble hostage in the Norman court. Now he hides his true idenA Keeper of a Medieval Romance set in 13th-century Wales
Gryff was a Welshman raised as a noble hostage in the Norman court. Now he hides his true identity, saying only that he is a falconer, while he flees from one danger to another, longing to return to his homeland. (The word “Hiraeth” comes up repeatedly, meaning the Welsh concept of longing for home.) Meanwhile, a beautiful woman, who is very good with knives, saves him from a pack of villains.
Nan has no doubt the ragged Welshman she has saved was born to better things, far different from the servant’s life she has led. For one thing, his speech is more proper. Nan has suffered much and was always saved by women. That part of the story is intriguing, I must say, and so well done.
Nan’s first priority is to find her younger sister, who was lost to her long ago. Alas, that will prove a disappointing task as Nan discovers they are now very different women.
Rich in history, this story reflects much research on England and Wales in the 13th century and on falconry and Wales’ part in raising the noble birds. It’s also very well told, capturing the medieval era perfectly. I love Kingston’s writing, the emotion in her characters and the complex motives that compel them forward to their fate.
This is definitely a keeper, a true love story of the genre and so much deeper than most. I guess you can say I loved it!...more
4 and 1/2 Stars! A Worthy Medieval Romance Set in 10th Century France
At the time when Vikings were a threat to all in France, Owen, the young Bishop o4 and 1/2 Stars! A Worthy Medieval Romance Set in 10th Century France
At the time when Vikings were a threat to all in France, Owen, the young Bishop of Chantalon, rises as a hero of the people. At his side is the brave Elin who he freed from the Vikings’ clutches. This is a fascinating historical that features authentic elements as well as genuine faith, mysticism, mystery and magic. The descriptions are vivid, the characters well developed and the story compelling.
Elin becomes Owen's lady and would defend him and his city though it will cost her much. Their budding love comes to a sudden end when Owen is captured, leaving the defense of the city to Elin and Godwin, a warrior who stands by her side.
Owen represents the growing Christianity even as the brutal Northmen rape and pillage, led by the villain Hakon. The Forest People who worship pagan gods are disappearing but they come to Owen’s aid when Elin summons them, for she was raised among them, a princess of her people.
I enjoyed this story as it has great depth and I wanted to know what happened to all the characters who come to Elin and Owen’s aid. The author has captured the different factions in France at the time and the emerging future while bringing us a winning love story.
I bought all the romances in this loosely woven series before I read one of them. They include The Lion’s Daughter, set primarily iA Captivating Story
I bought all the romances in this loosely woven series before I read one of them. They include The Lion’s Daughter, set primarily in Albania, Captives of the Night, Lord of Scoundrels, and The Last Hellion. The last two are not so related as the first two. I found the writing to be inconsistent in these books and the stories vary considerably, some more interesting than others.
Set in Paris and London, Captives is the story of Leila Beaumont, a brilliant artist, who, through a series of events, is forced by circumstances to marry a degenerate, who actually loves her but is incapable by his own bad choices of being a good husband. She decides to shut him out of her bedroom when she is only 20 but she remains celibate and faithful.
Meanwhile, her husband basically lives his separate debauched lifestyle. Now in her mid 20s, Leila comes to the attention of the handsome and sophisticated comte d’Esmond (who is the attractive villain Ismal from The Lion’s Daughter but with a new identity). They first meet in Paris and later, in London, where Leila and he are thrown together to solve a murder. The sexual tension is well done and runs high throughout. Both are interesting and attractive people and have much to bring to a relationship. There are secrets lingering from The Lion's Daughter so you'll want to plow through that before reading this one. (The secrets are interesting and worth discovering.)
Annalice Mallory, the sheltered daughter of a family of Victorian mapmakers, discovers a hundred-year-old diary of heMystery, Love and the South Seas!
Annalice Mallory, the sheltered daughter of a family of Victorian mapmakers, discovers a hundred-year-old diary of her long-dead ancestor that includes a map of a mysterious far-off island that supposedly is home to an idyllic civilization and where gold is in abundance. Philip, Annalice's brother, is intrigued by the idea and sets sail for the island. But when two years pass and he doesn't return, Annalice sets out to find him in a journey that leads her through exciting outposts including Australia and the tropical islands of the South Seas, where she encounters heart-stopping peril and the promise of love.
The first part of the story tells of Annalice’s ancestor who was believed to have been murdered by a sinister man who wanted her inheritance and was willing to kill for it. But along with the story comes a well-drawn map of a mysterious island. Annalice feels drawn to her ancestor and wrapped up in the mystery of the island. So, she leaves behind her unofficial fiancé to sail to the South Seas in search of her brother and the island. In the process, she encounters Milton, who owns a plantation on an island he controls. Milton cares nothing about Annalice’s fiancé as he wants her for his own.
The characters are interesting and richly drawn, the story intriguing and, as with all of Victoria Holt’s books, there is a mystery. It’s in the first person and we are only in Annalice’s head but that didn’t bother me. I was lost in the adventure of it all.
I do recommend this to all Holt fans, of which I am one. ...more
Set in Upper Canada and England beginning in November 1832, this is the story of Meggy Campeau, who is fleeing an abusivAbused Wife Finds Healing Love
Set in Upper Canada and England beginning in November 1832, this is the story of Meggy Campeau, who is fleeing an abusive husband with her two small children at the onset of winter in an attempt to find her Ojibwa grandmother when she happens upon a vacant house in the woods.
Rand Wheatly is from an aristocratic English family but he likes living alone away from people. He is away when Meggy moves in with her children. He begins as a curmudgeon, outraged Meggy has taken over his home, but soon softens to her two children and allows them to stay.
Meggy’s husband is a mean one and he shows up repeatedly to heap physical abuse on her and her son. But Rand is bent on protecting her and enlists the help of his family in London to do so.
A well written story with a dark side given the physical abuse presented in realistic and vivid descriptions. The abuse leaves scars on Meggy that Rand’s persistent care and love eventually heals.
Note: This book is related to Warfield’s other stories and some characters overlap. ...more
An unusual Regency romance that begins in an exotic locale and then takes you back to London.
Set in 1817, beginA Regency with a Side Trip to Gibraltar
An unusual Regency romance that begins in an exotic locale and then takes you back to London.
Set in 1817, beginning in Gibraltar, this is the story of Hattie Wright, the daughter of missionaries who sail to Africa with Hattie and a fiancé forced upon her. Hattie rebels and jumps ship. Swimming to Gibraltar, she is rescued by William Saunders, a British former spy, who is headed home to England.
Sharing a small cabin on the ship back to London, Hattie gives herself to the man she’s just met, not because she’s in love but because she wants to experience pleasurable lovemaking (her fiancé was cold) before returning to her work among the poor in London. Meanwhile, Will, offers her marriage. She refuses because she doesn’t trust him to allow her to work in the rookeries.
Both Hattie and Will have issues with their past they must overcome. She leads him on a merry chase but he will catch her in the end. Some interesting developments and a gang of thugs add danger and excitement to the story. ...more
Ruthless Pirate, Gracious Pirate and an Irish Heroine
Set in 1664 in the Caribbean, this is the story of pirate Sam Steele, a name assumed by Cale HunRuthless Pirate, Gracious Pirate and an Irish Heroine
Set in 1664 in the Caribbean, this is the story of pirate Sam Steele, a name assumed by Cale Hunter, to escape the tragedy that befell him when his wife and son disappeared leaving behind evidence of slaughter.
Grace Sullivan, an Irish lass, who defied her parents and took a ship to Ireland, or so she thought. Instead, she became the captive of the ruthless pirate, Roche Santiago who raped and tortured her, enjoying her pain. When Steele rescues her, she is reluctant to accept his help, fearing to trust no man, especially when she realizes she is pregnant with Roche’s child.
Amazon lists this as the first in the Sam Steele series, but it has the feel of a book in the middle of a series as some of Steele’s couple friends are characters (toward the end) and their stories are alluded to. It can be read as a stand alone, however.
There’s a lot of introspection in this book, some seemed repetitive, but if you don’t mind that (or you like it), you will enjoy the read. It’s well researched and there are some exciting fighting scenes, including one at the end when Roche Santiago shows up. It’s a pirate romance so some violence is to be expected. I enjoyed the fighting scenes but not Roche’s cruelty which is truly awful.
What surprised me: Grace is to give birth to the child of the ruthless, evil pirate who not only raped her, but also tried to kill her, yet she never worries about how she can raise a son that is his spitting image. I can see her having angst over that and then deciding to love the child anyway, but Grace never even has a thought about this. That seemed odd. But overall, it's a good story and pirate romance lovers will be happy....more
4 and ½ Stars - Battlefield Regency Takes You to Waterloo
Set in Belgium, beginning in 1815, this is the story of American Kate Foster, a young widow t4 and ½ Stars - Battlefield Regency Takes You to Waterloo
Set in Belgium, beginning in 1815, this is the story of American Kate Foster, a young widow trained by her father to be a doctor. After a bad marriage and her father’s death she left for Belgium where she works as a nurse treating wounds for the British.
When the regiment's doctor’s dies and a new commander, General Matthew Webb, a viscount in private life (now an earl), shows up, her position is threatened. Despite their clashes, Kate finds herself respecting him. Matthew is a married man, estranged from his wife and concerned only with his men and getting them ready for the battle to come with Napoleon. But soon, he finds he is attracted to the nurse who is willful and stubborn.
The story begins with Matthew showing up at Kate’s home in New York after the war has ended where it seems Kate is dead (a depressing beginning), but since I knew this was romance, I kept reading. The first part of the story is told primarily through Kate’s letters from the battlefield to her sister back in America, which Matt reads upon his arrival.
Matthew and Kate have similar pasts with unfaithful marriage partners. Both are strong, willful people who care about their families (Kate her sister and Matthew his mother).
The best of this story—and very well told—are the medical treatments Kate employs and how she deals with the men. The author did a great job of portraying Kate’s care. I also liked the history, even to the names of the British officers, as they prepared for battle. The Battle of Waterloo, which comes toward the end, is very exciting. I felt like I was there.
The story felt overlong at times and the medical information abundant, but that might just be me. The forms of address bothered me a bit, too. If he is “General Lord Webb” and a viscount (who became an earl), there should have been titles given but alas, there were none. It seems “Webb” is his surname. Too, his mother, a dowager countess who was styled “Lady Webb” would have used the title. And then there was the Duchess of Richmond styled as “Lady Richmond” when she would have been “Her Grace the Duchess of Richmond.” As a widow, Kate would not have been “Miss” Foster either. All these were noticeable but minor distractions.
It’s a great story for those who like romance set during times of war....more
This story was a pleasure to read. It’s well written, engaging and, at times, brilliant. It’s rich in historical Fascinating Look at Napoleon in Exile
This story was a pleasure to read. It’s well written, engaging and, at times, brilliant. It’s rich in historical detail, which I loved. The author brings to life Napoleon’s life in exile on the island of St. Helena, told from the perspective of a descendant of one of the island’s families. I really enjoyed the story and recommend it. However, as a romance (which the author told me it was), I found it disappointing.
Set on the island of Saint Helena, England and Italy, beginning in 1815, it tells the story of Charlotte Knipe, raised on the island, which sits in the Atlantic between South America and Africa. Charlotte is supposedly in love with a botanist named Daniel, who she has not seen for seven years (since she was 12), but with whom she corresponds on a regular basis, sending him island plants to catalog.
Napoleon, who has just been defeated at Waterloo, arrives on the sleepy island to much hullabaloo. Soon after he arrives, it appears to the locals that Napoleon plans to escape. He begins to weave his plots and plans, full of treachery and betrayal. Early on, he enlists the aid of Charlotte, to whom he is attracted and who he nicknames “Rosebud”.
Knipe paints a vivid picture of island life, including the local dialect the “Yamstocks” speak. He also introduces us to the island’s many characters: Charlotte’s wise old uncle, her best friend (a plain girl but a loyal friend), Gaspard, Napoleon’s loyal general who is arrogant but dashing, and Napoleon’s jail keeper, Governor Lowe, just to name a few.
Charlotte is fascinated with every handsome man she meets, including the gone-but-not-forgotten Daniel (whose escapades with Polly in London besmirch his otherwise noble image), Napoleon’s dashing general, Lord Byron (who she meets in Venice on an assignment for Napoleon), and even Napoleon himself. Since Charlotte is beautiful and intelligent, all the men are fascinated with her.
The author’s portrayal of Napoleon is clever and convincing. A brilliant strategist, one can imagine him occupying his time on the “dung heap” of an island with a last challenge.
I won’t give away the ending, but romance fans might find it improbable (as I did) and disappointing. Did Charlotte love any of those men? One has to wonder. ...more
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