I love historical fiction of all kinds, but those set during England’s Regency period are my favorite, and that’s how I first found Regina Scott’s novels. While this historical novel takes place in 1866 Seattle, I previously enjoyed a book from the Frontier Bachelors series so was looking forward to resuming the Wallin family story. This book put and kept a smile on my face as I read and I found I enjoyed it even more than the previous story!
Let’s start with the cover—who can resist a man in a suit, escorting a beautiful lady across the water in a most gentleman-like manner? Add in humor, charm and an irrepressible bright streak, and we have the hero, James Wallin. Alexandrina Fosgrave is prim, serious and has an aversion to frivolity. The two cannot be more different, at least on the surface. In part, it is the difference in temperament that makes for much of the laughter this novel produces.
But there is also a subtle melancholy streak that runs through this novel, serving to enhance the lighter moments and give depth and complexity to the characters. Past history overshadows the thoughts of our hero and heroine, driving their insecurities as well as their successes. The many layers add realism and make these people jump from the pages.
The romance is well developed and highly enjoyable, giving us tantalizing glimpses of what these two could accomplish together if they’d only see who is right in front of them and trust each other, themselves, and God. Many tender moments occur along the way, drawing the two ever closer. In those last pages I waited breathlessly for the final outcome, because there were a few obstacles remaining and I needed to see them overcome in a realistic way—and the author delivered a fantastic ending!
And since I’m attuned to all things Regency, I couldn’t help but draw some parallels between rules for ladies of that day and expectations of a teacher’s conduct in the Washington Territory. The historical details enhanced the storyline, and I appreciated how Ms. Scott was able to use these rules to help bring her characters together rather than allow them to separate two people who belong hand in hand.
I was a fan of Regina Scott before this book, but now I may have become a bit obsessive in that I find myself on a mission to find each of her novels I have yet to read. There are few authors that I can honestly say I have enjoyed every book that they have written, but she is one. And I will continue to read whatever she may write in the future, regardless of the time period she may choose to place it in, because she is able to use historical detail, complex characterization, and swoon-worthy romance to craft excellent stories that are a delight to read.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for this honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.