I am not a big fan of romance novels, but I am glad that I made an exception for this book. It is a very well-written story combining passionate romance with a setting before and during the Spanish Civil War. The author, Catherine Gaskin, also wrote The Lynmara Legacy and Fiona. The following summary is from the dust jacket: 17 year old Charlotte Drummond had lost her family's ancient Irish estate to a dashing, handsome young man named Richard Selwin. It might have marked the beginning of a fairytale come true--for Charlotte fell in love with the new Lord Blodmore, and he with her. But he was married, and she was forced to flee the forbidden affair--flee Ireland and the only home she had ever known, with no hope of return. She would settle in the Spanish town of Jerez--in a crumbling mansion her grandfather left her--and there she would come of age among the proud, haughty heirs to the great Spanish sherry fortunes. The closeknit families of Jerez did not welcome strangers who came to stay--but Charlotte was driven to make a place for herself in the strict circles of the Andalusian aristocracy. In time she would succeed--beyond her wildest dreams--but the first man she had loved would always haunt her, and one day, she knew, he would reach out to touch her life again. This story spans the years from the turn of the century to the start of the Spanish Civil War. It is a well-written compelling story with characters you care about. I highly recommend this book.

Share/Like this Review?