Ms. Romain has an interesting voice, an engaging style of writing. This was a good novel. While some have described the story as lighthearted, I wouldn't say that. While the dialogue was very appealing with distinct elements of wit, I consider the novel more thoughtful in tone. Interesting.
We have a hero, Benedict, a naval lieutenant who was blinded, retired on half-pay with a pension dependent upon his remaining single, a Naval Knight. He has learned to write by using a device called a noctograph. To fend off boredom and to provide for his young sister, he has written the memoirs of his travels but, unfortunately, is laughed out of the publisher's office.
Our heroine, Charlotte, a vicar's daughter who was ruined ten years ago by a local landowner, bore a daughter known as the child of her sister. Charlotte became what was left to her, a courtesan. Beautiful and intelligent, she was famous as La Perle. Now she has ditched that life, and her latest protector who was quite cruel to her.
Now Benedict and Charlotte meet in Derbyshire, both on the trail of six trunks of stolen, uncirculated gold sovereigns. They're not looking to snag the sovereigns for themselves, they each only want the 5,000 pound reward.
Their relationship develops quietly, normally and their romance comes as a surprise to them both. There is nothing quiet about the story, though. One of those missing gold sovereigns shows up, a Bow Street Runner is hanging about, there is a murder, Benedict is attacked (?), the irresponsible landowner appears as does the wicked former protector. (I was really hoping for him to come to a bad end:)
So, we have a hero and heroine I liked and was rooting for, a sweet romance, and just enough action going on to keep things stirred up. Plus an author who did a really good job of keeping the story flowing smoothly with good narrative and dialogue that was just right.
Enjoy your reading! :) .
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