TEST
At the end of this book, I reread the title and wondered why anyone would call Kit, the main male character, a rogue. He might be many things, but there isn’t an ounce of roguishness in him. Instead, the title of this Christian Regency should be something akin to Saving the Spy because Chase explores salvation—saving oneself as well as saving others—for both protagonists. (The book was originally titled Redeeming the Rogue.)
American Mattie Fraser travels to London in an attempt to locate her brother George who was pressed into service by the British Navy, then seemingly disappeared. She begins her search at the Admiralty, and after being shunted from office to office, finally lands at the door of Christopher (Kit) DeChambelle, former spy, but now government bureaucrat.
Because Kit has tenuous ties to his older sea captain brother after the deaths of their oldest brother and their cousin, Kit understands her concern and agrees to help her find George. But as they ask around, someone seems intent on stopping Mattie from gaining information—first with a series of threatening notes and then with attempts on her life.
Kit, who’s had to lie, cheat, steal, and kill as a spy, tries to drown his regrets about his duplicitous activity in the war in drink at night, a plan that isn’t working very well for him. On her side, Mattie is being eaten by regret that she didn’t raise her brother better after their mother died when Mattie was eight and her father consequently turned to the bottle instead of helping his children.
With so much personal angst surrounding the main characters, it’s a wonder they get together at all. But a good friend of Kit’s who has turned his life around after finding God and true forgiveness sets both main characters on a better personal path, causing each of them to examine the past and think about the future in light of previous mistakes.
Readers should know, however, while most of the book espouses low-key Christian sentiments, three pivotal scenes preach God’s forgiveness, self-knowledge, and prayer for salvation.
As to the main mystery plot, Chase weaves a tight story with vivid, interesting characters. Especially likeable is Nicky, a charming, but grimy street urchin who falls in love with the practical American. When Kit hasn’t got Mattie’s back, Nicky does, popping up at the most unexpected and crucial times.
Brother George, however, is the problematic character. Why Mattie wants to find George who spurned her love and absconded with the family funds isn’t totally explained by sibling feelings. Consequently, her search for him isn’t the strong plot thread that the story needs.
Other than that and the unredeemed rogue of the title, Chase’s book will entertain Christian readers who are looking for non-lascivious Regency fare.
Grade: B
Book Type: Inspirational Romance|Regency Romance
Sensuality: Kisses
Review Date: 19/08/11
Publication Date: 2011/09
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.