Reviewed by Lindsey Gray on
From the very beginning, I felt a connection with Ella. She was a young woman that carried a terrible burden. The scars she received in a carriage accident covered half of her face. Any husband she would find in New York society in the 1860's would marry her for her money. Ella didn't want a man like that.
Ella had a match-maker find her a husband in Nathan Ravenclaw. Woolf's description of Nathan is the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. I do admit to a slack jaw while reading the descriptions of Nathan's astounding physique. The Colorado rancher had been burned by love because of his heritage. He wanted a wife to work along side him and give him his own heirs, not a woman to love.
From the introduction of Nathan to the story, I fell in love with his outgoing and generous personality. The way he and Ella took to each other from the first moment they met was a tell-tale sign of an epic romance, whether he would admit to it or not.
Every story has it's discord and Woolf brought forth an intriguing threat to the newlyweds life. I don't want to give it away, but I was kept on the edge of my seat for a majority of the book waiting to read what would ultimately happen to the couple.
It was very easy to get lost in the wonderful language of the time. I was laughing in the very beginning as Ella called her brother an "ornery cuss". For the time period, I was expecting hearts and flowers love scenes. Not in this one. Woolf was able to stay true to the period and create some very hot and sensual love scenes between Ella and Nathan.
This was my first experience with Cynthia Woolf's work, but she has published several other novels I want to read soon.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 6 May, 2013: Finished reading
- 6 May, 2013: Reviewed