Merritt, Lord Edenstorm, has been sent to the wilds of Cornwall to stop the funneling of English gold to Napoleon’s coffers. Knowing that Cornish smugglers have a code of their own and a deep-seated dislike for the outsiders known as ‘the English,’ Edenstorm is determined to breach their operation, bringing the traitors to justice. The last thing he expects is to encounter the ghost of his former betrothed. Or has he?

In Delle Jacob’s story, readers are whisked far from the ballrooms of the London to the wilds of Cornwall, where life and survival have rules of their own. She does a credible job in depicting the Cornish people and their surroundings, skillfully easing the reader into that lifestyle and making it as familiar as a London ballroom.

All the characters are, for the most part, believable. The interaction between Juliette and Merritt was well-done, although the changes in demeanor were at times too abrupt. We catch glimpses of Juliette’s former life as a flirtatious, coy young woman, warring with the personality she’s assumed as the quiet Jane. Merritt comes across as a boor early in the story, but softens as the tale continues.

The story itself was quite entertaining, but I would have liked the subplot of Juliette’s brother expanded. The overall flow of the book occasionally seemed stilted. Although I know very little about the smuggling trade in Cornwall during the Napoleonic wars, the plot seemed to be quite plausible.

Fans of historical romance will find Sins of the Heart has everything for a great summer read?humor, intrigue and blossomming romance.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Gracey McCarthy
June 23, 2009