Although Benjamin Ashton is eager to see his daughter wed, Cordelia does everything in her power to drive off all possible suitors. After having her heart broken at sixteen, Cordelia had decided she would never marry. In order to ensure this, Cordelia dresses in the most unattractive clothes and hairstyles, and uses her sharp wits to put down every suitor she meets.

Cordelia cannot believe her father would even consider Gwaltney a proper suitor for her. Benjamin Ashton not only sees Gwaltney as his last hope to see his daughter wed, he also believes Gwaltney is a good match for his daughter. Gwaltney does not run from Cordelia's insults but returns them and nothing Cordelia says or does gets rid of Gwaltney. The more effort she puts into getting rid of him the more intrigued and determined Gwaltney becomes.

Despite a mutual attraction, neither Cordelia nor Gwaltney is prepared for a life together. After being caught in a compromising position and forced to wed, both are afraid to trust and so the marriage is filled with spiteful words and miscommunications. On top of the personal miscommunication someone intent on killing Gwaltney complicates the new marriage.

Cordelia must come to terms with the idea that after years of acting like a shrew, it may have become more than an act. The sharp retorts became natural to her and she has not learned another way to interact with people. Gwaltney has achieved a lot in his life, but due to ridicule from society and his father, he does not believe in himself. Can Gwaltney and Cordelia overcome their past in order to find love and the potential murderer?

Love Remembered is a delightful novel of colonial Virginia. Rich in historical detail this is a well-written novel with suspense, mystery and love. Both Gwaltney and Cordelia had been hurt in the past and need to grow in order learn to trust and believe in each other. Ms. Fisher does an excellent job of bringing out their struggles and exploring the emotions and needs of the characters. Not only was Cordelia and Gwaltney's relationship well developed but the secondary characters were also delightful. The tightly woven plot and wonderful portrait of colonial life makes Love Remembered a memorable reading experience.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very Sensual

Reviewer: Larenda Twigg
October 12, 2003