Why the book cover didn't state that this is a continuation of THE BRIDE FAIR baffles me. Because it has been such a long time since I read either of the two preceding books (see below), I was at a loss until I remembered facts about THE BRIDE FAIR. I think this is where the negative reviews come from; this really isn't a stand-alone book. To really enjoy this story, the reader needs to have read the previous ones.

I didn't think Kate was written as clearly as Maria was written in the previous book. She seemed to be waiting for something to happen. Kate was observant without being proactive. Most historical romance heroines are written as outgoing, dramatic, forces of nature. Kate's life has been stunted by her early pregnancy and loss of her child to friends of the family. She's a retired spinster who helps with other people's children.

That difference seemed to make the story slow and without much action. That is because the action was going on within the characters. As always, Cheryl Reavis has intimate knowledge of the human psyche and soul.

Union Prisoners and Southern Camps
The Prisoner (1992) Best Novel winner (1993): The Prisoner
The Bride Fair (2002) Best Novel winner (2003): The Bride Fair
The Unexpected Wife (2013)

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