Review: A Charming Sweet Historical
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 20, 2013
Cara, the young heroine of this short historical romance, is not the typical virgin one might expect in a story of this type. When the book opens, she’s already pregnant—and unmarried. Far from home and lonely, she fell in love with a married co-worker and foolishly believed his promises that someday they’d be together. Reality crashes in on her all too ruthlessly when her employers discover her situation. Poor Cara loses both her job and her lover and is packed off home in disgrace. Her dilemma gave the story an interesting twist and pulled me in.The author gave a realistic view of the cheerless life of a scullery maid, with long hours of hard work and very little free time. It’s not hard to see why Cara would have fallen under the spell of a cad who offered her a little affection. The story also doesn't gloss over the dire predicament of an unwed mother in those times. If her parents don't take her back, all that's left for her is prostitution or the workhouse.Luckily, her parents agree to pretend she's a widow to save her and themselves from local gossip. Even so, Cara still must endure her father’s silent disappointment and her mother’s bitter wrath.It's not all gloom, though. When farmhand James appears, he brings happiness and hope into her life. As they fall in love,  Cara's secret torments her. Will James still care for her if he learns she’s not a respectable widow, but an unwed mother-to-be?This is a touching story. I enjoyed the sweet romance between Cara and James. Mr. Collins, threatening Cara with his unwanted advances, was a truly despicable villain.When Cara’s faced with the possibility of losing the only person who brings her happiness, it’s a heart-rending moment. Though she begins as a nave young woman, as time goes on, Cara matures emotionally and begins making wiser choices. I enjoyed seeing her grow. Her hardships only make the happy ending sweeter (come on, you know there has to be a happy ending, it’s a romance!)Alone No More is a very satisfying choice for anyone who enjoys sweet historical romance.I purchased this book myself and received no remuneration for my review.