Reviewer: A reader
I enjoyed this story, in spite of some flaws. For one thing, I got the feeling the author intended a more elaborate plot, but settled for something simpler. For another, I didn't feel Helen, however bad she might be, deserved her harsh fate. The book is rather dated (and misogynist) in that sense.
*****
I decided to add more to this review, because on second thought I realized what was missing: romantic tension between the hero and heroine.
Adrian, the hero, is having an unfortunate affair, and turns to Christina, the heroine, because she is the exact opposite of Helen, his beautiful, self-centered mistress. Christina is intelligent and has integrity; she is also crippled and virginal. Fine to start out with, but she is never allowed to blossom out of that. Not usually a problem in Sylvia Thorpe romances.
There is a lot of plot distraction: threats of forced marriage, betrayals, a kidnapping; but it doesn't quite solve this problem. This leaves the actual love story lacking, though Christina and Adrian are likeable characters. However, I mostly found what I look for in this author here: readability, history, and romance.
I enjoyed this story, in spite of some flaws. For one thing, I got the feeling the author intended a more elaborate plot, but settled for something simpler. For another, I didn't feel Helen, however bad she might be, deserved her harsh fate. The book is rather dated (and misogynist) in that sense.
*****
I decided to add more to this review, because on second thought I realized what was missing: romantic tension between the hero and heroine.
Adrian, the hero, is having an unfortunate affair, and turns to Christina, the heroine, because she is the exact opposite of Helen, his beautiful, self-centered mistress. Christina is intelligent and has integrity; she is also crippled and virginal. Fine to start out with, but she is never allowed to blossom out of that. Not usually a problem in Sylvia Thorpe romances.
There is a lot of plot distraction: threats of forced marriage, betrayals, a kidnapping; but it doesn't quite solve this problem. This leaves the actual love story lacking, though Christina and Adrian are likeable characters. However, I mostly found what I look for in this author here: readability, history, and romance.
