Review: Chivalery Is Alive And Well
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 8, 2014
I found the authors approach in the book to be a breath of fresh air. There are no great secrets between the H/h which was nice for a change. The idea of the book has been stated in other reviews so I'll just go into the things I loved and the things that didn't work for me.Christopher is the type of man we dream of and it is not his appearance that I speak of but it is his integrity and strong morals. He runs a cotton mill with his father and was taught strong values and general respect for all people and the importance of loving your spouse. When he meets Katerina (loved the name) he is surprised by his own response towards her and wants to take his time and court her in the hopes of some day marrying her.Katerina knows that it's impossible as she meets Christopher at a house party badly beaten so that she can barely remain her consciousness. I loved that Christopher immediately wanted to be her champion but I felt the author pushed too fast and hard at this point. When she arrives at the party there are no introductions made but later in the book it is insinuated that it took place. I felt by leaving that out was a mistake. It seemed detached some how. The fact that everyone goes off to dinner and Christopher stays behind with Katerina because he suspects hidden wounds was odd to me. It was just after she had the whole room in awe of her musical talent yet no one attempts to engage her in conversation or notice they are suddenly missing?There was also the moment Kat's wounds are discovered.She is scarred and her wounds are bleeding to the point her chemise is stuck fast but at no point are they attended to. That bothered me. There was something that didn't quite feel right with the book leading up to their marriage.  I am pleased to tell you  that for whatever is lacking in the start she made up for with the remainder of the book.The author took the time to show the stages of healing a person goes through and it's not just her. There are all different angles brought in. it's doesn't just go away because the inflictor of pain is gone. If you've ever had the misfortune of knowing someone who had to endure an experience such as Kat did. You'll know the author did a fine job at letting you see private struggles a person goes through and how she wasn't the only one who was struggling. It radiates out to everyone who is associated with Kat and Christopher.Surprisingly, though the story keeps a light approach as the main feel shows you the healing power of love. The couple learning and growing in love and trust is the star of the show. I really liked that part. It is not without it's villains as her father has separation anxiety of sorts. There are several love scenes through out but I think were needed to show the growth in the relationship and were along the lines of most romances. Overall I enjoyed the read and feel the author does need some polish which is why I gave 4 stars.