Broken Wing [Mass Market Paperback]

Judith James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2008

Set during the chaotic beginnings of Napoleon's rule, this saga tells the story of Gabriel St. Croix, a street survivor searching for a place to belong. Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, he has never known friendship or affection. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy façade, his only relationship is with a young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality of their environment. But all that is about to change. The boy's family has found him, and they are coming to take him home. Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother's disappearance. When he's located, safe and unharmed despite where he has been living, Sarah vows to help the man who rescued and protected him in any way she can. With loving patience she helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and love. But when the past catches up with him, Gabriel must face it on his own. Becoming a mercenary, pirate, and professional gambler, he travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again. On the way, however, he will discover the most dangerous journey and the greatest gamble of all is within the darkest reaches of his own heart.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Napoleonic era comes brilliantly alive in James's debut adventure romance. Sarah, Lady Munroe, has traveled to postrevolution Paris with her half-brother, Ross, to find their long-lost younger brother. Young Jamie suffered few ill effects while residing at a Parisian brothel thanks to the protection of Gabriel St. Croix, a glittering catamite who returns to England with them at Jamie's insistence. While Gabriel's attraction to Sarah begins as an innocent shared admiration for astronomy, their sensual love scenes intensify as Gabriel reconciles his tender feelings with his sordid past. The pace never falters when the lovebirds are separated and pursue adventures on their own. The extensive historical detail goes a long way, but Sarah and Gabriel's heart-wrenching struggle to keep their love alive is what will really keep readers entranced throughout this epic read. (Nov.)
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Review

"Judith James is a rare talent and a great discovery. She has made a stunning, magnificent debut."  —Julianne MacLean, author, In My Wildest Fantasies

"A fresh and passionate tale, Broken Wing enchants the reader with original characters and a compelling romance set against the colorful tapestry of England, France, and North Africa in the turbulent years of Napoleon's rise to power."  —Laura Leone, author, Fallen From Grace

"Outstanding read!"  —Simply Romance Reviews

"Has the magical ability to envelop the reader deep within its pages."  —Crave More Romance

"An intriguing story that will keep the reader enthralled until the very last page."  —Romance Reviews Today

"Sub-genre fans will appreciate Judith James' jaunty Napoleonic tale of forbidden love."  —Harriet Klausner

"The writing style was beautiful, lyrical in fact, and a pleasure to read. This book has a permanent home on my keeper shelf. "  —NightOwlRomance.com

"Filled with many twists, turns, and surprise events along the way, Broken Wing exemplifies what true love is all about."  —BlogCritics.org

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 440 pages
• Publisher: Medallion Press (November 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193383644X
• ISBN-13: 978-1933836447
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #464,382 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Love Story, October 21, 2008

By 

Amy C (New York) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Broken Wing (Mass Market Paperback)

Broken Wing is not a mere romance, but a grand story of love, acceptance and forgiveness, which spans over five years.

This wonderfully poignant story both warmed and ripped at my heart. I was left breathless and bleary-eyed several times throughout the budding friendship/romance between Gabriel and Sarah. My heart ached for Gabriel due to the horrid, unspeakable acts dealt him during his years as a whore in France, before being rescued by Sarah and her brother for keeping their young brother, James, safe.

The innocent air between them was so remarkably written, I could do nothing but fall helplessly into their world and believe with my whole heart of their true and honest love for one another.

The strong characterization of Gabriel packed a powerful punch to the gut. Watching him grow over the year, his emotions and feelings toward both himself and his Sarah, was beautiful and raw. The respect and kindness, regardless of his past, given to him by Sarah and her older brother, Ross, allowed for that inner-growth and his self-worth.

Broken Wing is a beautiful love story, centered around Gabriel and the peace he finds within the relationship formed with Sarah. He flourishes due to her compassionate and understanding nature. Yet, he finds himself, a year later, setting out for a grand adventure at sea, to build a fortune so that he may support his Lady Sarah properly. It's also very critical for him as a man who has never been allowed to make decisions or explore opportunities of his own choosing. Little does he know of the dire circumstances that await him. During the four years of his ill-fated adventure, Judith James built tension, creating a deep longing to see Gabriel find his way back to his Sarah. And what sweet bliss it was. (have tissue handy)

I hope Ms. James gets all the recognition due her for writing one of the best romance books of 2008 I have read, and quite possible one of the best love stories I've ever read.

I loved this book and it will sit proudly amongst my shelves.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars be prepared to be swept away, October 8, 2008

By 

booklover - See all my reviews

This review is from: Broken Wing (Mass Market Paperback)

Unplug the phone, ignore the doorbell and shut off the computer. Within momemts of starting this glorious novel, you will find yourself transported back in time and place, unable to return until you've completed the very last page. Upon finishing, you are satiated briefly, and yet saddened that you no longer exist in the world of Gabriel and Sarah. This is an epic novel that dances on the dark side and revels in the powerful love and passion between its two main characters. Find yourself a nice bottle of wine, a comfy couch and several hours with no interruptions. Be prepared to be swept away! I already want more.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding - if I could give more than 5 stars I would, October 4, 2008

By 

DKThain - See all my reviews

This review is from: Broken Wing (Mass Market Paperback)

Every so often, if your lucky, you will read a book that you can't stop thinking about; that you obsess over, that you wish would never end but you rush through it get to it. And then you want to read it all over again. Such is the case with Broken Wing.
What makes this book so good? The hero is phenomenal. When we talk tortured, he is the ideal example!! I ached - just ached for him. And if I were ever a heroine in a romance novel, I'd want to be just like Sarah. She is a perfect heroine - and I don't mean perfect in that she never makes a mistake or anything - I mean perfect as in written perfect. the writing is so good that you feel like you are really there. And the historical details are VERY WELL DONE. You can tell the book is a labor of love by the author.