A well-written story with engaging characters and a really lovely beta-hero. He's very sensitive to the heroine's feelings, chivalrous, loves children, who wouldn't love this guy? His family has underestimated him in the past, but the heroine is in need of some rescue, and that brings out the best in him. I also enjoyed that the heroine was allowed to shine and show her talents, in certain areas where she was superior to the hero.
I have tried a few historicals set in Russia before, and didn't much care for them, but this book is the exception. I only wish the denouement, when they return to England and are temporarily separated, had not dragged out so long before they were reunited. But this is an old-fashioned romance, and true to the historical times, things proceed at a measured pace. I believe some secondary characters have stories of their own, and I intend to search them out.
I have tried a few historicals set in Russia before, and didn't much care for them, but this book is the exception. I only wish the denouement, when they return to England and are temporarily separated, had not dragged out so long before they were reunited. But this is an old-fashioned romance, and true to the historical times, things proceed at a measured pace. I believe some secondary characters have stories of their own, and I intend to search them out.
