What do you think?
Rate this book
Russian Eagles #1
Flight from the Eagle
In the face of the advancing might of Napoleon's Grande Armee, Major Lev Orlov longed for a return to normality. And the bewitching young countess, whom a bizarre twist of fate had placed in the hands of his band of battle-scarred infantryen, seemed to embody all that was sane and beautiful.
188 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
129 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Dinah Dean
26 books12 followersDinah Dean is known mainly for the historical romances she wrote in the 1980s for the Mills & Boon Masquerade Historical Romance imprint. Historical romances then, as now, included a wide range of both writing quality and historical accuracy. Dinah Dean is at the top end of the scale for both. While she does not confine herself to any one period or place, most of her books are set during the early 19th century, in either Waltham Abbey, Essex, England, or in Russia. As a resident of Waltham Abbey and the secretary of the Waltham Abbey Historical Society Dinah Dean is well informed about the history of the town and she uses this in her books which are set between 1060 and 1808. She is also knowledgeable about Russia and, as well as her romances about the early 19th century, she set one book there in the late 11th century.
Dinah Dean also published under the names Jane Hunt and Marjorie May.
Dinah Dean also published under the names Jane Hunt and Marjorie May.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 3, 2013
Maybe 2.5 for not totally sucking.
This was a snoozer that flowed as fast as frozen molasses. A Russian army major leads a band of beat up soldiers cross-country while the French baddies threaten to make hamburger out of them.
On the way, they pick up a stoic and drab Mary Sue whose aunt had the decency to conveniently croak the night before. To protect her virtue from the hobbling and maimed soldiers, the dowdy countess got paired to shack up with the hunky major in a cozy little tent for two. Even though the whole troop, with the exception of one crazy dude who considerately offed himself, was a bunch of lapdogs, apparently telling them “no” was insufficient. But then, we would’ve missed out on the stimulating one handed boot removal and that hot night she trembled in his arms during a scary storm! Ooooo! Of course the Major couldn’t help but get the hots for her. Must’ve been how she hung her head while doing all that hand wringing.
And that was it. The whole story was just them plodding along with the heat and dust and then the rain with the occasional threat of “Oh no! It’s the French!” only to turn out to be some grubby Cossacks who gave our stud the opportunity to exert his manliness.
I hung in there knowing surely the pace would pick up, there’d be some angst, or maybe he’d do more than grope her boob. Nnnnno! What I thought were little clues for action down the road, were just duds with no purpose. Even the title, “Flight from The Eagle” was a misnomer. Our hero was supposed to be the eagle, so where was my flight, dammit! And to make matters worse, the whole romance ended with a dull thud when he sent her to live at his estate with his sister while he waits out the war in another city. Freakin’ ay!
Now I’ll have to labor through the next one if I want to find out how long he left her cooling her heels with sissy, or if he ever actually got her naked. I seriously don’t know if my pituitary can handle all the excitement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2017
Glacial pace. Slow, understated romance. Overdone Gary Stu sensibilities in the hero.
I can't say the writing was bad; from a technical standpoint it was okay. But what little plot there was revolved around a slow trek across the countryside (literally, that's all they were doing -- with each leg of the journey detailed in setting up tents, preparing food, checking the wounded, helping Gary Stu take off his jacket & mount a horse, yada yada BORING). Meanwhile we had extended conversations between Gary Stu & his fellow soldiers and/or the heroine -- painstaking, endless conversations that were meant to philosophize over the horrors of war & other issues of Napoleonic Russia.
If you like slow, talky-talk romance with Ultra-Perfect Gary Stu heroes & mousy wallflower heroines, you'd probably enjoy this one. Despite the Harlequin/Masquerade stamp, this is a very sedate book with a squeaky-clean love story -- nothing to fear here unless you're bothered by some descriptions of war wounds.
Swapped away, & welcome. Hopefully the next person will enjoy it more than I did.
I can't say the writing was bad; from a technical standpoint it was okay. But what little plot there was revolved around a slow trek across the countryside (literally, that's all they were doing -- with each leg of the journey detailed in setting up tents, preparing food, checking the wounded, helping Gary Stu take off his jacket & mount a horse, yada yada BORING). Meanwhile we had extended conversations between Gary Stu & his fellow soldiers and/or the heroine -- painstaking, endless conversations that were meant to philosophize over the horrors of war & other issues of Napoleonic Russia.
If you like slow, talky-talk romance with Ultra-Perfect Gary Stu heroes & mousy wallflower heroines, you'd probably enjoy this one. Despite the Harlequin/Masquerade stamp, this is a very sedate book with a squeaky-clean love story -- nothing to fear here unless you're bothered by some descriptions of war wounds.
Swapped away, & welcome. Hopefully the next person will enjoy it more than I did.
November 13, 2014
3.5 stars
This is a very hard book for me to rate. While I enjoyed the Russian setting and the developing relationship between Major Lev Orlov and his "Sparrow", there just isn't a lot of action here. While there is the fear of running into French soldiers of Napoleon's Grande Armée, - so not much happens except details of moving camp from one spot to the other on the way east, medical details of healing the wounded soldiers (including Lev). I enjoyed the story despite those issues, but I wanted to share the reviews of a couple of friends who detail the story so well that I don't need to waste a rehash, and with the benefit of seeing viewpoints of one who love it and one who didn't love it so much. Catie's five star review and Julz's two star review.
This book ends a bit abruptly without a picture perfect HEA, but you will get the 'rest of the story' in the sequel The Eagle's Fate. I would really recommend having both books at hand before starting book one.
This is a very hard book for me to rate. While I enjoyed the Russian setting and the developing relationship between Major Lev Orlov and his "Sparrow", there just isn't a lot of action here. While there is the fear of running into French soldiers of Napoleon's Grande Armée, - so not much happens except details of moving camp from one spot to the other on the way east, medical details of healing the wounded soldiers (including Lev). I enjoyed the story despite those issues, but I wanted to share the reviews of a couple of friends who detail the story so well that I don't need to waste a rehash, and with the benefit of seeing viewpoints of one who love it and one who didn't love it so much. Catie's five star review and Julz's two star review.
This book ends a bit abruptly without a picture perfect HEA, but you will get the 'rest of the story' in the sequel The Eagle's Fate. I would really recommend having both books at hand before starting book one.
March 16, 2011
This is one of the first historical romances I ever read, having picked it up at a sales table when I was desperate for something to read, and it remains one that I read and re-read and never tire of. Dinah Dean has a lovely way with her characters and her story-telling .... the book is about the retreat of the Russian Army in the face of the advance of Napoleon's Grand Armee, and there is danger in it and violence, and yet when I think about the book, my impression is always of the quiet center of it in which a small group of characters band together, and two of them fall in love.
Major Lev Orlov and Countess Irina Barova meet when his troop of wounded soldiers come across her in the hasty retreat; she and her sick aunt have been left stranded as Napoleon's army advances, and by the time Orlov arrives, her aunt has died and she has been left alone, fearful of what will happen to her once the French arrive. Orlov includes her in his small group of soldiers, and the story focuses on their retreat toward Kaluga. Orlov is a quiet, fair man, polite at all times to the Countess, and she does her best to help, aiding the surgeon Kusminsky on his rounds treating the wounded soldiers. Orlov and the Countess spend their nights sharing a tent, each keeping to their small space, but slowly sharing the stories of their lives.
The romance in this book evolves slowly and quietly, and makes for a tender and beautiful love story.
Major Lev Orlov and Countess Irina Barova meet when his troop of wounded soldiers come across her in the hasty retreat; she and her sick aunt have been left stranded as Napoleon's army advances, and by the time Orlov arrives, her aunt has died and she has been left alone, fearful of what will happen to her once the French arrive. Orlov includes her in his small group of soldiers, and the story focuses on their retreat toward Kaluga. Orlov is a quiet, fair man, polite at all times to the Countess, and she does her best to help, aiding the surgeon Kusminsky on his rounds treating the wounded soldiers. Orlov and the Countess spend their nights sharing a tent, each keeping to their small space, but slowly sharing the stories of their lives.
The romance in this book evolves slowly and quietly, and makes for a tender and beautiful love story.
February 21, 2012
Major Lev Orlov is in charge of a band of wounded Russian solders retreating from the advance of Napoleon's Grande Armée in the wake of the battle of Smolensk in 1812. In an isolated inn they discover a young woman left alone with her dying aunt and take her under their wing.
The body of the book describes their journey on the road to safety in Kaluga: their vulnerability to attack from the French; the difficulties faced in feeding and transporting a band of men, most of whom are sick and/or maimed; the near impossibility of protecting a respectable young woman. Along the way, we see Lev's dawning appreciation of his plucky "Sparrow" and learn a lot about him from his relationships with his men and particularly with the young Captain Kolniev and the surgeon Kusminsky.
I found this book extraordinary. A telling story of bravery in tough circumstances, it faces up to the horrors of war without wallowing in them. It builds a believable love story without ever letting us see what's going on from the heroine's point of view (quite a triumph). It transports you along that hot and dusty Russian road, with the sweat and the flies and the men singing at times despite their pain.
I think I fell in love a little with Orlov, who would not? He's quite a guy, energetic, honourable, passionate, kind, considerate... Some might think him a little too perfect but I'm not complaining.
The body of the book describes their journey on the road to safety in Kaluga: their vulnerability to attack from the French; the difficulties faced in feeding and transporting a band of men, most of whom are sick and/or maimed; the near impossibility of protecting a respectable young woman. Along the way, we see Lev's dawning appreciation of his plucky "Sparrow" and learn a lot about him from his relationships with his men and particularly with the young Captain Kolniev and the surgeon Kusminsky.
I found this book extraordinary. A telling story of bravery in tough circumstances, it faces up to the horrors of war without wallowing in them. It builds a believable love story without ever letting us see what's going on from the heroine's point of view (quite a triumph). It transports you along that hot and dusty Russian road, with the sweat and the flies and the men singing at times despite their pain.
I think I fell in love a little with Orlov, who would not? He's quite a guy, energetic, honourable, passionate, kind, considerate... Some might think him a little too perfect but I'm not complaining.
February 11, 2025
Flight from the Eagle
Originally published in 1974
Tells the tale of a band of injured Russian soldiers retreating from Napoleon's army (the eagle) in 1812. Led by an injured officer Major Lev Orlov, theres an army surgeon a captain and a couple of dozen injured soldiers, travelling in hot weather to get away from Napoleons army. When they stop at an abandoned inn they find countess Irena on her own with her elderly aunt who has died suddenly whilst travelling, the inn keeper and servants having left them alone. For her safety the Major decides she should travel on with them, and to protect her from the common soldiers the countess shares a tent with him at night, determined to be useful, she helps the surgeon and drives a cart during the day.
Irena is subjected to many things a young lady shouldn't be subjected to, helping clean wounds, driving a cart and sharing a tent with a man. But she manages well and endears herself to all the men, and gradually Lev realises the woman he thought plain when they first met, has a quiet loveliness about her, the men all think there's something going on between them, but although Lev and Irena both find their feelings growing, it's not acted on.
To modern readers this book feels slow, and maybe a bit tame, but in the 70's when written, this was how books were. I liked that there is no jumping into bed or heavy sex scenes. It fits with the era. Love the way the relationship grows quietly with no fuss. A charming read.
Would love to be able to get hold of the rest of this series,sadly have only found The Eagle's Fate, but will keep looking.
2024 update I've finally found the whole series on kindle am ridiculously pleased. Still love this book, would love more series based in this era.
Originally published in 1974
Tells the tale of a band of injured Russian soldiers retreating from Napoleon's army (the eagle) in 1812. Led by an injured officer Major Lev Orlov, theres an army surgeon a captain and a couple of dozen injured soldiers, travelling in hot weather to get away from Napoleons army. When they stop at an abandoned inn they find countess Irena on her own with her elderly aunt who has died suddenly whilst travelling, the inn keeper and servants having left them alone. For her safety the Major decides she should travel on with them, and to protect her from the common soldiers the countess shares a tent with him at night, determined to be useful, she helps the surgeon and drives a cart during the day.
Irena is subjected to many things a young lady shouldn't be subjected to, helping clean wounds, driving a cart and sharing a tent with a man. But she manages well and endears herself to all the men, and gradually Lev realises the woman he thought plain when they first met, has a quiet loveliness about her, the men all think there's something going on between them, but although Lev and Irena both find their feelings growing, it's not acted on.
To modern readers this book feels slow, and maybe a bit tame, but in the 70's when written, this was how books were. I liked that there is no jumping into bed or heavy sex scenes. It fits with the era. Love the way the relationship grows quietly with no fuss. A charming read.
Would love to be able to get hold of the rest of this series,sadly have only found The Eagle's Fate, but will keep looking.
2024 update I've finally found the whole series on kindle am ridiculously pleased. Still love this book, would love more series based in this era.
July 2, 2022
This is one of those classics of regency romance which was totally impossible to find until it was digitized, which happened very recently. Both FMC and MMC are Russian; the tsar’s cavalry are retreating from Napoleon’s forces near Smolensk when they find a young noblewoman at an abandoned inn with her dying aunt. Lacking other options, they take her with them. Dean takes a brutally honest approach to life during warfare - the officers decide that one of them will have to share a tent with the countess to protect her against rape from their own men, and Major Orlov is elected by his comrades as the only unmarried man of the three: if he can’t control himself, the surgeon tells him, at least he can marry her afterwards. The historical context and interpersonal details are both finely drawn; the characters feel realistic and appropriate for their time and place, and the romance between the two of them is strong. Really just... wonderful.
March 11, 2021
4.5* Bought this from Morgan's bookstore at Gainsborough market in 1979. This was the first one I read of Dinah Dean's subsequent Russia series set in the first part of the 19th century - 1812 to 1820s. I found it to be a gripping read not only a romance between Major Lev Orlov and his "countess", but a realistic description of a tired army evading Napoleon and his Grand Army who are wounded and fatigued. Amongst all of this is an unlikely romance between Lev and the plain Irina.
I loved this story and still do.
Published Feb 1979.
Set in the Regency era; Russia 1812 - Russian retreat from Napoleon's invasion – originally published 1974 by William Heinemman as The Road to Kaluga.
I loved this story and still do.
Published Feb 1979.
Set in the Regency era; Russia 1812 - Russian retreat from Napoleon's invasion – originally published 1974 by William Heinemman as The Road to Kaluga.
December 30, 2020
A simple and lovely story. I really liked it. It is not for someone who likes adventures, mysteries or passionate romance. The book is mainly written through the hero’s POV which is unique and I loved it.Dinah Dean never disappoints.
September 19, 2024
**Most of my reviews contain detailed Content Notes (including CW/TW) sections, which may include spoilers and general tags. I have tried to mark them appropriately, but please use caution.**
4/5
Ebook
* Summary: Fleeing the advance of Napoleon in command of a host of wounded soldiers, Major Orlov discovers a young woman in desperate straits. As the two continue the journey together, they become increasingly close.
* Stats: HR (Russia, 1812), M/F, kisses only, part of a series but stands alone.
* Notes: a buddy read with u/VitisIdaea - I really enjoyed this - although the ending did feel a bit abrupt. The story is exclusively from the MMC’s point of view and we really get very little information about the FMC or her actual feelings - this did raise the question of whether the story is a love story for both of them, or only a love story for him - and a story of rescue, security and comfort for her. I found this really interesting and unusual - though it does track a bit with my experience of many older romances. The historical detail is rich, and the story lingers in the telling - I didn’t find the pace slow because of the detail and humour of the narrative, although I could see it being so for many readers. I’d happily read more by the author, although I’m not currently very interested in the following books in this series.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
4/5
Ebook
* Summary: Fleeing the advance of Napoleon in command of a host of wounded soldiers, Major Orlov discovers a young woman in desperate straits. As the two continue the journey together, they become increasingly close.
* Stats: HR (Russia, 1812), M/F, kisses only, part of a series but stands alone.
* Notes: a buddy read with u/VitisIdaea - I really enjoyed this - although the ending did feel a bit abrupt. The story is exclusively from the MMC’s point of view and we really get very little information about the FMC or her actual feelings - this did raise the question of whether the story is a love story for both of them, or only a love story for him - and a story of rescue, security and comfort for her. I found this really interesting and unusual - though it does track a bit with my experience of many older romances. The historical detail is rich, and the story lingers in the telling - I didn’t find the pace slow because of the detail and humour of the narrative, although I could see it being so for many readers. I’d happily read more by the author, although I’m not currently very interested in the following books in this series.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
January 22, 2023
I'm not going into detail about the book since other reviewers have done a good job about that. My addition to the other reviews is to mention that I wasn't super excited about reading this book since I don't love Regency romance with focus on war. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Dean's The Cockermouth Mail and decided to read a sample of this one. Well, I was hooked and ended up buying the ebook. In some ways, the books are very similar. Dean uses the landscape and weather as a big part of the story and a catalyst for events that bring the main couple together. It also puts them in close proximity to each other with no means of escape. It's a nice way to circumvent proprieties of the time for the couple to know each other. I find that type of romance more believable and satisfying than an instant attraction. I can understand why others might find it slow, but I much prefer books like these to the ones set during the London season with a revengeful other woman and a crazy villain. Here, human nature is the enemy. If the war theme is keeping you from reading this one, I suggest you give it a try. The romance is very satisfactory, and the male protagonist is a gentleman.
March 31, 2019
After this book was recently mentioned on a blog post, I knew it sounded vaguely familiar, so I decided to read it to see if it was the book I remembered. And it was. I really enjoyed it. Especially since it takes the reader to an unusual time and place — Russia during the Napoleonic Wars. Also unusual is that the story is told entirely from the point of view of the hero, Major Count Lev Orlov. He is injured during the French attack on Smolensk, and when he learns that the town will be abandoned as the Russian army retreats, leaving behind the wounded, he takes charge of a company of the wounded, along with their captain, and a doctor. They choose the Road to Kaluga as it will probably be out of the way of the advancing French troops. At an abandoned inn, they find the young Countess Barova, whose aunt has just died, so Orlov takes her under his wing. Naturally, there are adventures along the way, but an attraction grows between to two, as Orlov dreams of retiring to his country estate. Recommended.
May 21, 2023
Seriously amazing! This book is told from the perspective of our hero, Major Lev Orlov, as he travels across war torn Russia with a band of injured soldiers and a sweet natured woman he rescued along the way.
What I loved about Lev was he was such a sweet, kind and courageous man who struggled with his fear, feelings of inadequacy and doing right by a woman he's falling in love with. He's all man, but no alpha. There is a scene where he's roped into helping the surgeon with an amputation and he spends the whole night scared shitless about having to do it, then struggling to hold up when the time comes. Its so RARE to find men like this in category romance, who are deep down human like the rest of us instead of emotionless sex-machines.
The ending felt a little... open? It end s with a farewell, and a promise to marry when the war allows. I'm hoping we see our two get married in the next book.
What I loved about Lev was he was such a sweet, kind and courageous man who struggled with his fear, feelings of inadequacy and doing right by a woman he's falling in love with. He's all man, but no alpha. There is a scene where he's roped into helping the surgeon with an amputation and he spends the whole night scared shitless about having to do it, then struggling to hold up when the time comes. Its so RARE to find men like this in category romance, who are deep down human like the rest of us instead of emotionless sex-machines.
The ending felt a little... open? It end s with a farewell, and a promise to marry when the war allows. I'm hoping we see our two get married in the next book.
July 26, 2025
A group of Russian soldiers on the run from Napoleon's forces after the Battle of Smolensk encounter a Russian countess and bring her with them.
Lev and Irina's love story was sweet, but oh boy did nothing happen in this book. You would expect a certain amount of anxiety and unease if you're in charge of a bunch of injured men trying to avoid the French army, but since they never come close to encountering any French forces there's no sense of urgency--and not much plot either. It also ended pretty abruptly.
Lev and Irina's love story was sweet, but oh boy did nothing happen in this book. You would expect a certain amount of anxiety and unease if you're in charge of a bunch of injured men trying to avoid the French army, but since they never come close to encountering any French forces there's no sense of urgency--and not much plot either. It also ended pretty abruptly.
September 8, 2024
Great book
Orlov and Irena are the characters that let you live with the band of wounded soldiers as they journey from the scene of battle to the safety of the hospital. During these days of hardship from weather and sickness and travel problems, both Orlov and Irena grow in strength of character and in trust with each other. It was a very inspiring story that included real historic details and great characters.
Orlov and Irena are the characters that let you live with the band of wounded soldiers as they journey from the scene of battle to the safety of the hospital. During these days of hardship from weather and sickness and travel problems, both Orlov and Irena grow in strength of character and in trust with each other. It was a very inspiring story that included real historic details and great characters.
August 24, 2023
This can be found on Scribd.com (and Amazon) as an ebook titled Flight from the Eagle.
I found this very endearing and mostly enjoyed it (in spite of the Not Much Happened other reviewers mention) because of Dinah Dean's signature sweetness. Also, it held my interest when several other titles couldn't.
I found this very endearing and mostly enjoyed it (in spite of the Not Much Happened other reviewers mention) because of Dinah Dean's signature sweetness. Also, it held my interest when several other titles couldn't.
December 18, 2023
Wonderful lead couple
Reality of war,the mundane life of soldiers who are trying to survive retreat. Lev and Irina meet for the first time with the Russian army in retreat and she is abandoned with her aunt who has died. Will definitely continue with this series!
Reality of war,the mundane life of soldiers who are trying to survive retreat. Lev and Irina meet for the first time with the Russian army in retreat and she is abandoned with her aunt who has died. Will definitely continue with this series!
August 30, 2024
Flight from the Eagle
Wow a really wonderful historical novel about the Napoleonic War from the Russian perspective. Very well written, engaging interesting characters, a sweet romance and a military adventure
Wow a really wonderful historical novel about the Napoleonic War from the Russian perspective. Very well written, engaging interesting characters, a sweet romance and a military adventure
September 27, 2024
The book covers the trip of wounded Russian soldiers going back to Moscow and how the excellency takes Irina, an abandoned young lady who just lost her aunt along. In the process they end up having a hea
February 16, 2025
good story
A good clean historical romance/adventure. It had a very abrupt ending & is in need of some more editing for spelling & grammar but I really enjoyed it & would like to read the rest of the series.
A good clean historical romance/adventure. It had a very abrupt ending & is in need of some more editing for spelling & grammar but I really enjoyed it & would like to read the rest of the series.
June 18, 2025
Old English teacher
Oh my, where to begin? Spelling, word choice, grammar, name all the parts that need an editor. Then we come to the no, absolutely no ending. Just the hanky wave out the window. Too many loose ends to even begin to explain.
Oh my, where to begin? Spelling, word choice, grammar, name all the parts that need an editor. Then we come to the no, absolutely no ending. Just the hanky wave out the window. Too many loose ends to even begin to explain.
October 16, 2025
The Sparrow an the Eagle
This was a extremely interesting flight from the enemy to safety for a Russian major and a young royal. She ended up driving one of the carts filled with wounded soldiers. It's A great story of finding love during war time.
This was a extremely interesting flight from the enemy to safety for a Russian major and a young royal. She ended up driving one of the carts filled with wounded soldiers. It's A great story of finding love during war time.
March 17, 2024
This book definitely won’t be for everyone, but I loved this sweet story of two kind adults who actually seemed to like each other.
August 31, 2024
Good book
I liked the history. I find this time very interesting. I also appreciated the no sex. Not needed or relevant to the story. Good for reader's above 16 I think.
I liked the history. I find this time very interesting. I also appreciated the no sex. Not needed or relevant to the story. Good for reader's above 16 I think.
October 13, 2024
How does it end
Very. Interesting story about the war.. Wonderful characters.
Exciting but the end just drops the main characters. Expected follow up but nothing!
Very. Interesting story about the war.. Wonderful characters.
Exciting but the end just drops the main characters. Expected follow up but nothing!
February 2, 2025
A good story,
There were so many errors! I certainly must have missed that in the reviews. "linger for finger". getting names mixed up, etc.
It certainly needed editing.
There were so many errors! I certainly must have missed that in the reviews. "linger for finger". getting names mixed up, etc.
It certainly needed editing.
February 3, 2025
absolutely wonderful!
This is an absolutely wonderful historic novel. My only complaint is -what happens next?? I want to know. Can someone write me an epilogue?
This is an absolutely wonderful historic novel. My only complaint is -what happens next?? I want to know. Can someone write me an epilogue?
July 21, 2022
A refreshing change from the usual fare. We have a Russian hero and heroine and that too in Russia where they are all fleeing from Napolean's Army. Told completely from the hero's perspective as he leads a convoy of sick men to a safe town. So it's half way into the book that we even learn the heroine's first name. They pick up the heroine who had been abandoned by her people at an inn. Major Orlov is honorable, an aristocrat and willing to push himself to the limits. Our heroine, the Countess was a penniless Companion to her autocratic aunt. She has to overcome her insecurities and the Major has to make up his mind while the men silently cheer on. Rich on the plot and less on the smut as it's an old romance. The pace is very slow and ending seemed very abrupt -but realistic. Fortunately there are two sequels featuring other couples which ties off all the loose ends.
May 24, 2013
My mother lent me this book, saying that it was one she really likes and re-reads occasionally.
I wonder if it has sequels. I liked the story and the characters. I don't know a lot about that era of history, esp from the Russian side of the Napoleonic invasion. This doesn't have much to do with the invasion itself, is the story of a number of soldiers leaving Smolensk under attack and making their way to Kaluga. Along the way, they pick up Countess Irina Barova, stranded after her aunt's untimely demise. The jacket blurb states "A vivid recreation of the horrors of the Napoleonic War." Not so much, in my opinion - there is very little of the war and fighting in this book. Certainly the aftermath and coping with injuries.
Anyhow, a good read.
I wonder if it has sequels. I liked the story and the characters. I don't know a lot about that era of history, esp from the Russian side of the Napoleonic invasion. This doesn't have much to do with the invasion itself, is the story of a number of soldiers leaving Smolensk under attack and making their way to Kaluga. Along the way, they pick up Countess Irina Barova, stranded after her aunt's untimely demise. The jacket blurb states "A vivid recreation of the horrors of the Napoleonic War." Not so much, in my opinion - there is very little of the war and fighting in this book. Certainly the aftermath and coping with injuries.
Anyhow, a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews