This angsty romantic suspense, featuring an emotionally battered single dad, is set in Regency London in 1813. It is a mature, complicated romance between a former ton debutante, Georgina Whitmore, and the second son of a genteel landowner, Simon Fancourt, who returns home as a grieving widower at rock bottom. I think the book is beautifully written, and gently explores a number of weighty themes. I appreciated that the darker, heavier content surrounding sacrifice, revenge, and grief, is well balanced with a brisk pace and a cast of interesting characters that flow between intersecting storylines.

Fun fact, I do not read fiction marketed specifically as Christian, EXCEPT for Hannah Linder! Her writing never feels preachy, or saccharine. Her characters read like real people, as they all exhibit strengths and weaknesses. Her novels are never a simple hero vs villain, judging the good guys versus bad guys. Her characters have complex motivations, and the choices they face are never as easy as "well the Bible says I should..."

This novel reminded me of the parable of the prodigal son, mixed with aspects of Pride & Prejudice. I enjoyed it very much.

Also, can we talk about our anti-hero Alexander Oswald for a minute? Or ten? He is so deliciously intriguing and I want to see him find his HEA!

My sincere appreciation to the author and to Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.