This book moves at a quick clip and it takes place about 1662 in England. Olivia has lost both her parents in an accident and Olivia's only remaining relatives are underwhelmed to receive her. When the lecherous son, Wyatt, assaults her -- literally as she arrives, Olivia knows she needs a new haven. So she takes the job as a nursemaid in Cornwall. When she arrives, she's shocked again -- by the brooding, unhappy nature of the home.
Olivia takes over the tending of Liat, ward of Lord Stamford of Blackthorne. Stamford is also moody and unhappy. His brother was in an accident and does not speak or walk. Stamford's wife died under unusual circumstances, at the same time the younger brother was injured.
It doesn't take long for Olivia to change things for the better. Then, King Charles comes for a visit and the whole story comes to an interesting conclusion. I think this would be called a gothic tale because of the time, the Cornwall scenery, and the grim opening chapters. I don't usually read books this far back but this was definitely happy serendipity. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
Olivia takes over the tending of Liat, ward of Lord Stamford of Blackthorne. Stamford is also moody and unhappy. His brother was in an accident and does not speak or walk. Stamford's wife died under unusual circumstances, at the same time the younger brother was injured.
It doesn't take long for Olivia to change things for the better. Then, King Charles comes for a visit and the whole story comes to an interesting conclusion. I think this would be called a gothic tale because of the time, the Cornwall scenery, and the grim opening chapters. I don't usually read books this far back but this was definitely happy serendipity. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
Courtney H. (kourtnie17) reviewed Blackthorne (Harlequin Historical, No 435) on + 156 more book reviews
(from the back)
A world of darkness and mystery...
That was what Olivia St. John discovered when she arrived at Blackthorne To serve as governess. But she was determined to uncover the secrets that haunted the estate of Lord Quenton Stamford, and bring the enigmatic nobleman out of his self-imprisoned gloom.
Quenton Stamford had vowed that he would never trust a woman again. Until Oliva St. John came into his life. Her determination to overcome her own hardships had woken him fromo a long and lonely nightmare. But could he ever folloe her example and learn to live-and love-again?
A world of darkness and mystery...
That was what Olivia St. John discovered when she arrived at Blackthorne To serve as governess. But she was determined to uncover the secrets that haunted the estate of Lord Quenton Stamford, and bring the enigmatic nobleman out of his self-imprisoned gloom.
Quenton Stamford had vowed that he would never trust a woman again. Until Oliva St. John came into his life. Her determination to overcome her own hardships had woken him fromo a long and lonely nightmare. But could he ever folloe her example and learn to live-and love-again?
