Review: A Remarkable and Exciting Read!!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 26, 2010
I couldn't stop reading THE HUNGARIAN because I was swept instantly into Katherine Archibald's world as she fell in love with Hungarian Count Matthias Duma. Burkhart's strong heroine is a wonderful character in late Victorian England. This was the first time I've read a story about a werewolf. I found it so refreshing and fun to learn more about the challenges and pain of suddenly becoming a werewolf. Stephanie includes many wonderful details about the Count's life that makes the whole concept realistic.And it was definitely a page turner with Katherine helping the Count with his custody case of his young daughter, Emily. Lady Ashton does everything in her power to discredit her son-in-law because she wants to raise Emily. She isn't a nice person and Lady Ashton reminds Katherine of her cruel aunt. Unfortunately, Katherine's own parents were killed, so she was raised by her aunt and uncle. Secondary characters add richness to the story, especially the Count's employees, Resa, the gypsy cook with her amazing, healing herbs and devoted friend, Lazlo.The beautiful romance between Katherine and Matthias is inspiring as they struggle against many challenges in their relationship. You never stop rooting for these characters as they learn to accept each other's strengths and differences. Stephanie's descriptions of the various settings give exceptional images and a wonderful feel-good warmth as you explore the time period of 1901.THE HUNGARIAN is an exciting story of love and hope. It's a must read for any lover of romances. I'm looking forward to reading Count's Lair, the next book in the The Budapest Moon series by Stephanie Burkhart.