This is a wonderful book about communication and relationships, those forged by blood and those forged by love.
Handsome, intelligent, heroic, muscular diplomat Edward de Wolfe yearns for approval from his father William, he wants William to be proud of him and his achievements, especially as he is not an active warrior like his brothers.
The conversations that Edward has with his father are extremely moving, especially towards the end of this book, as are the many other conversations engaged by the other characters too.
This is an emotionally sensitive and evocative tale.
Paris and William's conversations are hilarious, as two old war dogs who love each other deeply, spa fondly together.
The book is so vividly descriptive and this is due to Kathryn Le Veque, who is an outstanding wordsmith.
You find yourself ensconced in the midst of the de Wolfe family and their de Norville and Hage friends and family. The camaraderie and love that they all have for each other is felt all the way through this tale of becoming your own person.
Warmth oozes off most pages and you find yourself smiling through some of the chapters. Hector de Norville's sons are a comical double act, Atreus and Hermes.
But the darker side to this story is about distorted truths and family relationships too.
The heroine Cassiopeia is a delightful character and the perfect partner for Edward. Having tormented him in their youth, she has grown up to be intelligent, articulate, humorous, kind, loving and stunningly beautiful. Edward and Cass iopeia's conversations together are warm and soft and you can feel their attraction towards each other growing as they find friendship and then love.
Be prepared to have tears in your eyes while reading this tale.
Kathryn wites with such tenderness and fondness for these characters, it makes you want to be a de Wolfe when you grow up!
Outstanding, I loved it!