What a unique historical romance that included several topics and issues that I’ve never experienced before in past HRs.

Phoebe was wonderfully brave to take steps that other young women of her time would have never even considered. Just writing to the Gentleman of Distinction and Wealth in response to his advertisement for a wife put her a step above other ladies in my opinion. She wanted to control her own life and yet she was continually caught in a tangle and found her path blocked each way she turned.

I’ve never read another hero quite as interesting as Hugh. Even his family history brings an originality to his character. I hated what he’d had to suffer and how it had shaped him and his outlook on relationships and especially marriage. While he doesn’t stand up to proclaim “mine”, nor does he showcase a protective or possessive attitude toward Phoebe, his does take certain actions that are a shadowing of those emotions.

There are so many wonderful moments with this couple as they grow to know each other and develop a new relationship, many of them laced with laughter and joy. However, most of this story definitely has a heavier angst on so many levels. Without action or drama from outside forces, this book could feel a bit slow but I did not find that to be the case. What Phoebe and Hugh must deal with was more than enough to keep their story moving forward, oftentimes breaking my heart along the way.

The very uniqueness of this story will force this book and these characters to remain on my mind for a good while.