This was a great story. Demelza is a strong character, who is bound and determined to keep her small family together and fed. Not only does she wish to help her family, but also the small village that is ailing as well. When she takes a stranger into her home, she works hard to fulfill her sense of obligation to both the town and family. She doesn't whine about how her life is tragic, and she doesn't automatically depend on the man to make everything right. The hero Lucas does have a slight tendency to want to take over, but for a novel written for this time period, I'm surprised he doesn't try more often. Lucas appears more noble than autocratic in his dealings with Demelza, and she, in her turn, still comes across as a Lady of true breeding, even struggling to make ends meet. The children, however, seemed to be a bit shallow, but as they were not the focus of the story, it really did not detract from anything.

I really like reading historicals, and I prefer my heroine to be feminine and lady-like, but still have a mind of her own. I believe that the author combined these two attributes perfectly in Demelza. I would love to read more by this author.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Xion
October 10, 2011