Review: A Great Story!!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 14, 2014
The moment the stranger's dark eyes meet hers, Anne Scudder's world is immediately overthrown by chaos. That single flare of desire is immediate, driving away all notions of propriety. Instead, Anne is consumed with sinful thoughts - ones that no unmarried girl should ever have for a man who isn't her husband...But Josiah Cromwell is no stranger.It's been six years since Josiah stole kisses from Anne, his best friend's younger sister. Six years since Josiah left after his best friend's death, burdened by the knowledge that he was responsible for destroying Anne's family. Now he's returned to claim the woman he can't live without. But even as their desire threatens to consume them both - body and soul - the dark workings of suspicion and witchcraft are afoot.Because in Salem, too much passion can lead a woman to ruin... and condemned to death.Review:I know I probably said this when I reviewed the first book in the series, but I really do love that this is set in Salem in the time of the witch hunts.  I think the witch hunts, and the paranoia add a perfect backdrop that adds to the drama and tension to the story.  The authors attention to the detail of the time period is excellent and really helps you relate to the characters and the time period.Even though this is the second book in the story, if you have not read the first book yet, you will not feel lost.  The author does give us references to things that happened in the first story and we do get to see the main characters briefly in this book.  The weaving in of Lydia and Henry into this story is perfect and makes sense.Josiah and Anne are friends and at the beginning of young love when tragedy strikes and Anne's brother, Samuel is killed and they are ripped apart.  Josiah and others blame him for Samuel's death, so when he comes back to Salem after years of being away he tries to hide who he is, except with Anne.  The young love that was there all those years ago is still there and blossoms into a deeply passionate, forbidden love that culminates in a night of love and passion.  Secrets and accusations lead Anne to send Josiah away when her family learns who he really is and her mother hiding her own regrets accuses Josiah of killing Samuel.  Without giving away parts of the story, Anne is forced to run away and seek Lydia's help.  Once Josiah and Anne are reunited, they go to Anne's parents where all the secrets and fears of the past come out.  I loved the ending and thought it was perfect for the story.This is a well written story, that is worth reading and getting immersed in.4stars