Review: Murder, mystery and romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 4, 2013
I've read Robyn DeHart's books before and enjoyed them but none so much as The Secrets of Mia Danvers. Romance, mystery and danger made this book difficult to put down, especially at night!Mia Danvers is one of the very few historical romance novels I've read that contains a disabled heroine who DOESN'T have the benefit of social rank or money to protect her from the slights of society. At the beginning of the book, she is basically being told by her own mother that because of her blindness, she is a burden and will never find a husband. Mia must remain in seclusion in a cottage on a neighboring Duke's estate while her older sisters are to be sponsored by their mother's cousin because they are "intact." Mia is to be left helpless and alone. In an act of defiance, her governess turned companion, Rachel, refuses to leave Mia even though it means she will no longer be paid.Nine years pass for Mia and Rachel in which Mia learns to become semi-independent, returning to her love of art to help her get through her days. One night while returning to the cottage alone, Mia witnesses a brutal murder and rushes to the only person she feels can help her: Alexander Foster, the current Duke of Carrington.Alexander Foster hasn't had enough time to adjust to being a Duke before he has to deal with a murder and an intriguing woman all in one night. He's stuffy, arrogant but fair. When he finds out that Mia did not imagine the murder he begins to investigate himself, which means he spends more and more time with Mia. When the murderer targets Mia, Alex does everything in his power to protect her and begins to see that she just might be what he needs in his life.With all their ups and downs and people conspiring to keep them apart, Alex and Mia keep finding their way back to one another. It's terribly romantic but not sugary sweet. The Secrets of Mia Danvers didn't waste time engaging my attention or my emotions. If you're going to read one book by Robin DeHart, make it this one. Another great piece of information? This book is the first in a new series by the author. I can't wait to read the second book, which focuses on Alex's younger brother Drew.