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Book Review of Sweet Savage Eden (North American Woman, Bk 1)

Sweet Savage Eden (North American Woman, Bk 1)
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This book is the opening of the series CAMERONS SAGA: NORTH AMERICAN WOMAN TRILOGY. And this series is the prequel to CAMERONS SAGA: CIVIL WAR TRILOGY (also 3 books). Since I enjoyed the Civil War trilogy, I decided to back up and read this set.

The story opens in England, as Jassy Dupre is taking care of her dying mother. Mother and daughter have fallen on hard times; Jassy is the illegitimate of a stage actress and a duke. For the first several years, the duke kept the 2 Dupres in wealth and splendor. When he died, the duchess, out of spite, had the actress blackballed from work in the theater. Now, they live in an attic and work 14+ hours each day as kitchen maids.

Two men see Jasmine walking behind the coffin the next morning, and recognize her as the wench who served them ale the night before. Soon, the lives of these 3 people are permanently linked. Jasmine marries Jamie while she is enamored with Robert. Although attracted to Jassy/Jasmine, Robert marries her half-sister Lenore.

Both couples travel to Virginia, where Lord Jamie Cameron holds a huge plat of land, bestowed on him by the King for services rendered in the past. Jamie, as third son, is expected to make his own way in the world and he has.

This story weaves and bends with interesting scenes that holds the readers attention. However, I had a problem with 3 things. (1) The violence against women was excessive; Ive never heard of someone of Henrys stature beating a woman - especially in such a way.

Jamie, who had sufficient reason to be enraged with Jassy, was also excessive. I had a great deal of compassion for his situation but he was hard and implacable hardly what one would expect of a new groom.

(2) The decision Jamie made about his wife and child did not make sense, especially in relation to his avowal that what is mine, I keep.

(3) The constant misunderstandings and tempers got to be boring after a while. It was actually so tedious that I considered not finishing the book. Hopefully, the next book is an improvement. 2.5 stars

Camerons Saga: North American Woman Trilogy
1. Sweet Savage Eden (1989)
2. A Pirate's Pleasure (1989)
3. Love Not a Rebel (1989)

Camerons Saga: Civil War Trilogy
1. One Wore Blue (1991)
2. And One Wore Gray (1992)
3. And One Rode West (1992)