Not since Jane Eyre have I read a Gothic romance that has captured my heart so completely. From the exotic India to an English estate shrouded in mystery, Byrds eye for detail shines through on every page. Readers are sure to devour the tale of Rebecca Ravenshaw and her search for the truth behind the mysteries of Headbourne House and the handsome young captain who lives on the estate. As with any good Gothic story, there's a little mystery and of course there's a rambling estate covered with lands covered in mist and fog and, of course, a few characters you can't really pin down. Who is trustworthy? Who among them is full of lies and deception? Is someone going to meet their doom?

Byrd has really outdone herself with this story. The attention to period details make you feel as though you're reading a story by someone who lived during the time. While our heroine is a daughter of missionaries, and the story is threaded with Scriptures, it doesn't feel preachy or heavy handed in its delivery. Captain Luke Whitfield is certainly a quiet force to be reckoned with. The perfect Gothic hero with that mysterious air.

Mist of Midnight is, hopefully, part of a trend in Christian fiction towards more dramatic undertones and stories that toe the line between general market books and faith-based fiction. In a subgenre where I've read it all, seen it all before, books like Klassen's, Dotta's, and now Byrd's provide for a refreshing shift that explores the darker sides of the fictional world rather than just the saccharine sweet romance. Mist of Midnight is certainly one of the most intriguing tales I've read in a while, and I look forward to seeing where this series heads.

~ My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ~

*I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

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