TEST
Sometimes when strolling through the shelves of a favorite bookstore, you will come across an author that tweaks a memory and you think, “It seems to me I read a very good book of hers a long time ago.” Well, that’s exactly what happened to me with this book. As I began to read I realized that I had confused Elizabeth Thornton with Elizabeth Elliott, a favorite of mine, but I was soon engrossed and happy to have found a new author.
Jessica Hayward has no recollection of her life prior to the past three years. She was found in front of a convent, having been run over by a carriage and when she came to, she had no memory at all. For three years, she lived in the convent as Sister Martha. Jessica never actually thought about taking vows and becoming a nun but she has been happy being a helper to the sisters and she loved working with the homeless children that the nuns take in from London’s nether regions.
Now, Jessica has begun hearing a voice. The voice is from her past and it is telling her that there is about to be a murder. Jessica is not certain where the voice is coming from, but she knows that the voice fills her with terror. She also knows she must stop the murderer from killing again. But who owns this voice and why does she hear it?
On the day Jessica begins to hear the voice again, a woman comes to the convent who recognizes Sister Martha as Jessica Hayward. Within a few days, she is on her way home to Hawkeshill Manor to begin life once again as the person she used to be.
Lucas Wilde, a neighbor, was devastated when Jessica disappeared three years before. Her father had been murdered the night that she left the area. Although Lucas is certain that Jessica is not the murderer he is still angry with her. What happened when her father was killed and why did she leave so suddenly?
Lucas’ first meeting with Jessica is a moment of anger and passion. He doesn’t realize that Jessica doesn’t recognize him and they are at odds for a while, but not for long. What startles Lucas and Jessica both is the passion that sparks between the two of them. Lucas has always known that there was something between them. The attraction remains, but it’s even deeper now.
This is a story that I could not put down. Elizabeth Thornton has written a wonderful mystery within an equally wonderful romance. I know, I’m not a mystery aficionado like many and I sometimes miss the clues, but I swear, this is one book where I couldn’t find any clues to figure out who the murderer was. Thornton has the ability to put numerous characters into the mix and keep you wondering, “Is this the one? … what about her? … is that the one? … just who is the murderer?!”
I think that this is one of the best historical romances I’ve read in quite awhile. I saw several of Elizabeth Thornton’s books on the shelf the other day and I’ve picked up a second book of her’s to read. I’m hoping it will turn out to be as wonderful a read as this one was.
For those of you who like great mystery coupled with great romance, pick up a copy of this book and give it a try. I enjoyed every word of it and I’m looking forward to more from Ms. Thornton.
Grade: A
Book Type: European Historical Romance
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 31/08/98
Publication Date: 1998
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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.