Jenna Bayley-Burke has written a great story of a woman with strength and courage. She may have been raised to become a pampered southern belle but she’s no Scarlett O’Hara. She’s also not the type to jump at a proposal when it’s offered even if she is considered by people of the times to be a spinster at the ripe old age of twenty-four! When Robert tells her that he wants a wife who can stand beside him, one with the courage she had shown during the war she’s almost convinced. She’s lived through too much to be easily swayed by words. Finally he convinces her that the man she’s been attracted to is worthy of her affection.

This is a well done story that, as the dedication states, honors women who have had the courage to stand up in hard times and do whatever they could to make a difference. Marianne may be fictional but many others in history have done similar deeds in tough times to the ones recounted. This is a good read however you look at it!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Dee Dailey
September 25, 2008