This
novel opens in 1815 England with young Elyse being mistreated by her
alcoholic and totally mean stepfather. She sews and sells her wares
on market day but her stepfather takes all the money for his gin.
On
this market day she rescues a toddler from being trampled by a horse
and the father takes the time to express his gratitude. Preston is
somewhat taken by the young woman and when he sees her mistreatment,
he hatches a plan. He asks Elyse if she would be the nursemaid to his
young Kent. Elyse recognizes a possible escape from her mean
stepfather but insists that her guardian give his permission. Her
stepfather agrees to the job but only if she will give him all the
money she earns.
Thus
begins the troubled relationship between Elyse and Preston. It seems a romance demanding to happen but there are many obstacles to
overcome. The village thinks Preston's wife is dead, but Susan
was never his wife nor is she dead. Elyse thinks Preston is a
commoner but he is really a titled man. He lost his fortune when he
went to sea and Susan and his manager squandered all the money.
Preston barely returned in time to rescue his son from being sold to
support Susan's drug habit.
So
Elyse steps into a situation based on deception. Preston is a
Christian man but believes the pretended life is necessary. As Elyse
comes to love Kent more and more, Preston and Elyse find themselves
being attracted to one another. Circumstances and society seem to
provide insurmountable obstacles to marriage, however.
This
is a pretty good Regency Romance. The class differences are well
presented. Women generally had no rights and Elyse is under the power
of her mean stepfather without recourse. Preston must reestablish his
fortune before he could ever consider marriage. There are always
obstacles to romance in novels and there are many in this one. And I
have to admit, the ending comes out just a little too neatly for me.
But this is an enjoyable novel to read. I think it would be a good
choice for teen readers.
Jennifer
Hudson Taylor is the author of several novels set in historic Europe
and the Carolinas. She gives presentations on the craft of writing,
marketing, and the publishing industry. She earned her BA in
Communications from Elon University. She lives with her husband and
daughter in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Learn more about her
and her books at http://jenniferhudsontaylorsbooks.blogspot.com/
Upon
the Rock Publishing, 235 pages.
I
received a complimentary digital edition of this novel from the
author for the purpose of this review.
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