Review: What a Surprise! Still Thinking About This Book!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 20, 2014
This book went in a direction I never expected, though in hindsight the clues were there.  I loved the “Flavor” of the story as it started out. Anne is a poor orphan taken into the home of her wealthy cousin.  Anne’s expectations are low; she is grateful to escape the brutish clutches of a hateful aunt, and expects to earn her keep as a servant in her new home.  Her cousin has other plans for her; however, and introduces her to the snobbish elite of London.For wealthy, handsome Gavin MacKay, Anne seems to be just what he is searching for in a wife and he quickly woos her; sweeping her off her feet.  For several years Anne is blissfully happy and her Cinderella –like happiness is all she ever dreamed, and more.  Then the story takes a dark turn.  Gavin’s motives in marrying Anne are revealed and his true nature comes to the forefront.It dismayed me that this story became almost unbearably sad.  I held out hope almost to the end for Anne and Gavin.  However, the new beginning that Anne embraces finally did leave me content that perhaps her future could finally bring Anne some well-deserved happiness.  This novel was well-worth the time I spent reading, made me appreciate things today that I often take for granted, and provided a perspective on how unfulfilled hopes and dreams can cause a relationship to sour so profoundly.  There is a surprise twist at the end that gives credence to the idea that fate will always have the last laugh. Best of all, this is the start of a series.  I am looking forward to the continuation of Anne's story.This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.Reviewed by Laurie-J