Review: The Healing power of Love
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 14, 2014
Christian Trent, Earl of Markham, has been through so much. He lost his mother in a horrible fashion at a very young age, saw his father’s temper cause terrible hurt and pain, lived through Waterloo- only just and has been falsely accused of a horrible crime.  He has scars from Waterloo, his childhood and life in general, but he has battled to see himself get what he promised himself on the battlefields of Waterloo; a loving wife, children and happiness. Christian does not suffer fools is loyal almost to a fault. He champions the underdog, fights for what is right and is very protective of those that are weaker or smaller.Sarah Cooper has secrets. She needs to get away from Canada and the colonies. She is beautiful, intelligent, caring, determined, and courageous. She has known Christian most of her life, but only from a far. She is drawn to him and feels protected. She feels guilty for not telling him her secrets, but fears what that would mean for them both.This story has twists and turns on top of twists and turns. It is a powerful example of the low place women had in the time- possessions, like cattle, land, servants. They were also the pawns which fathers, brothers, uncles and guardians (if they were not true gentlemen) used to cover up for their selfishness and lack of honor and other weaknesses. That is how Sarah ended up in the predicament she was in. They both have scars, both external and emotional. They start to heal each other and the relationship is tender and awesome. The twists and turns involve death, rape, murder, and unknown enemies. Through it all they come to realize they are best together and fight to keep each other and whole. Their interactions are delightful and heartwarming. The conclusion had me gasping and cheering. We meet most of the other Libertine Scholars, in which Christian is included. This band of friends are remarkable and would lay down their lives for the others. I am looking forward to where Ms Bronwen leads us with these characters.I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.