This is a complex story; I want to give a review without telling all the complications and surprises involved in this book. This is the first novel I've read by Katherine Kingsley, and I was impressed in many areas.
The whole story revolves around the close relationship between two cousins, who happen to look a great deal alike. They have lived in the same home since Joanna's parents were killed. Lydia is the younger, spoiled daughter whose parents took Joanna into their home and hope she will marry soon.
Joanna is compromised through no fault of her own but refuses to marry the man who tries to ruin her. Instead, Joanna opts to move to Italy (she inherited a small villa there from her grandmother) and reside quietly. Eventually, Joanna marries an older man who dies suddenly after eight months of marriage.
Joanna is drawn from Italy by the message that her cousin Lydia has died. Earlier, Lydia sent a letter to Joanna to get her darling baby boy (Miles) and take him away from the monster she married if anything happened to her. Honor-bound by her close relationship with Lydia, Joanna reluctantly leaves Italy.
Miles is a silent, distant child when she arrives at Wakefield Abbey. His father, Guy de Salis, is remote and hostile. Before long, Joanna becomes governess to the five-year-old child and works to break through Mile's shell. However, Joanna soon realizes that Guy is also damaged.
Until the 2/3 mark of the book, this was a five-star story. First, however, I have a real problem with magical events (that includes paranormal and miracles), and Brother Michael was such an event. Secondly, I thought some sexual encounters were more graphic than necessary.
This story takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride. However, even with the faults mentioned here, I enjoyed the story.
this is a great book to curl up and read on a cold winter day, the main characters are well thought out and have histories and feelings outside of those of passion and sexual tention. i liked the use of description and dialouge. the author really put some thought in to this books
