Review: Beautifully Crafted Historical Romance - Lovely Portrayal of Exotic Indian Background
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 18, 2014
This book had everything I like and was beautifully and intelligently written. A handsome, extremely wealthy, slightly enigmatic brooding hero is confronted with a strong-willed, high-spirited heroine who announces she has been contracted to marry him. Although this is news to him, he is intrigued enough to agree. And, so the really good part begins…The exotic background adds spice to a lovely story. Derek, Lord Keating, is half Indian, but has been educated and raised in England – although not quite accepted, he is tolerated by society. He seems not to care. Calla, on the other hand, is thoroughly English, but has been raised in India – and absolutely loves India. Their mothers had been close friends, and they knew each other as young children; hence, it is no surprise that Derek’s mother ‘arranges’ this marriage. The surprise (and delight) is that Derek agrees to honor the match.The mixed race issue was handled just beautifully. The author makes you aware that ‘society’ denigrates the mixture, but then allows Calla’s love of India to gently remove the sting that Derek clearly feels as a result. There is a scene where they discuss the conception of a child and Derek feels compelled to remind Calla that any child conceived will be considered ‘mixed blood’ and never fully accepted. Calla carefully considers it and then responds that yes, their child would have ‘the gift’ of mixed blood. It was such a lovely way to respond – no wonder Derek falls so hard for her. Wonderful character development!They marry early in the book and it is such a lovely read to see them get acquainted and, of course, grow to love each other. There are no big misunderstandings and the mystery isn’t unbearably suspenseful – it’s just a delightful story. It’s a short, but very satisfying read. The writing is exceptional – I highly recommend it.