Review: A WONDERFUL ROMANCE
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 29, 2012
China had a fairly privileged and spoilt upbringing, her Father was away a lot as he was a sea Captain. Her older brother insisted on being best friends with Jake, a rough lad from the poorer side of town. Then when she was eighteen her brother decided that he was going to follow Jake and go to sea. No amount of pleading from her would change his mind, she blamed Jake for this. In China's mind Jake's influence on her brother was strong.Eight years later China's fortunes have radically altered her Father has died penniless, so China has been forced to take in boarders and sell furniture and pieces of her mothers jewellery. Then Jake suddenly returns, only this time he is a sea captain and owner of his own ship. To her horror her aunt who also lives with her has rented a room to Jake, China wants to return his money, but her aunt has already used it to pay the outstanding bill with the grocer. Now China is forced to suffer Jake's presence in her house, and just because he is tall blond with green eyes and a pleasure to look at does not mean that she has forgotten that he is a kown womaniser. But most of all she will never forgive him for taking her brother away.This is another excellent novel from this author, the characters are so believeable and well drawn. I loved Jake he is a very honourable man and not really guilty of half the things that China accuses him of. China is so blinded by her prejudice against Jake, especially about her brother, it takes her time to see the real man. The secondary characters added an extra dimension and flavour to the story. The detail of the period in history is excellent. I have read a few books by this author, and  her writing is well paced and balanced, and her research for whatever period in history she writes about is second to none IMO. A highly recommended read.