Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsNot Always a Saint
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2015
A surgeon/cleric, Daniel Herbert concentrates heavily on surgery. As far back as he can remember that what he’s always wanted to be, despite his parent’s wishes. A surgeon who mostly tends the less fortunate. A surgeon who remembers every patient & the treatment he provided. The last thing he expected, or wanted for that matter, was to inherit a barony. Alas, that is what happens when a fever sweeps through a house party at the home of Baron Romayne, a distant cousin, killing all heirs in line before Daniel. Hoping to make a marriage, preferably with a lady with a head for managing estates, Daniel travels to London in search of a wife.
Jessie Kelham’s life has been anything but easy. From an abusive cleric father to an abusive first husband to a loathsome protector. But luck and love found her when she met Phillip Kelham. After losing Phillip (who happens to be the uncle of said former protector) she finds she must find a way to fight for her daughter’s birthright when the stipulations of Phillips will is read & his nephew loses the barony. Having made friends with 2 influential women, Jessie & her daughter travel to London where Jessie enlists their help to quietly find her another husband – one who will love & protect her daughter & keep her daughter’s inheritance safe.
The first event of the season throws Jessie back in time when she spots Daniel Herbert, the surgeon who treated her when she fled her first husband’s home one fateful night. Daniel spots the most gorgeous woman across the room at his first outing as Baron Romayne. Sparks fly but Jessie knows Daniel is not the type of man she is looking for. Daniel is infatuated with the lovely widow but she is not the type of woman he is looking for in a wife. As they’re thrown together in different circumstances can they fight their attraction? If they give in can Jessie protect her secrets from Daniel? If he learns about them can he help Jessie exorcise the demons of her past or will it be too much for him to handle? Can they both learn to let go & experience joy or will something more sinister break them apart?
A moving story of heartache, love, trust with lies & danger thrown in. Superbly written by Mary Jo Putney, it’s a story you won’t want to miss. But fair warning……be prepared to laugh, cry, yell & threaten to strangle some of the characters. I will can’t wait to start on another one of her tales!
