Search - The Love Charm

Set in the mid-1840s, this is the story of Aida Gaudet and Armand Sonnier, two Acadians who have known each other from childhood. Armand has been in love with Aida for as long as he can remember, but Aida is betrothed to his very handsome best friend - not because she loves his friend, but because she does not think any of the men in her community can see past her beauty long enough to know and love her for herself. However, Armand's friend is landless, so once married they will live on her family's land, which she hopes will make her husband feel grateful and perhaps his gratitude will eventually lead him to love her.
Her betrothed has been carrying on an affair with a married German woman - of which Aida is aware - a woman who has been abandoned by her husband and left alone with three children to care for, and no source of income. This scenario is presented sympathetically, and Aida is not resentful, rather she has decided that perhaps things can continue on exactly as is. After all, she reasons, her fiance does not love her, and how can she fault him for turning to another?

Meanwhile, Armand does not believe Aida could ever feel anything for him - for she is beautiful and sought after, and he is plain and short.

They are encouraged to look at each other differently, through the machinations of the local herbal healer, an old woman who purportedly hears the voice of Joan of Arc speaking to her from the river.

There are several sub-plots which are touched on - Armand's brother has lost interest in his pregnant wife; the priest assigned to this Acadian community does not understand their way of life and wants to expose them to more modern ways; the herbal healer has been waiting to find a trainee.

There is enough going on in this book that even if you tire of one character, the others will keep you reading. This could have easily been developed into a series of books that delved more deeply into each sub-plot, but the book moves along quickly and all the characters and their circumstances are treated with respect.

Good, relaxing read.

Interesting setting, well developed characters and a fun, humorous plot line.