Review: Bonded Heart by Jane Jackson
In nineteenth century Cornwall, Roz Trevaskis has had to leave the comfortable life she led, as the granddaughter of a clergyman, to take care of her destitute mother, the woman who had abandoned her at birth and who now spends her time drowning her sorrows in brandy and throwing herself at every man who covers her palm with silver. Roz’s genteel life is now a mere recollection of the past for she has now been reduced to working as a tavern wench at the Three Mackerel Inn, whilst scrimping and saving to keep them fed, clothed and able to live in a dirty hovel she and her mother call home.
Life is anything but easy for poor Roz. Not only have circumstances compelled her to take up smuggling, but she also keeps on having to rescue her own mother from prison, whilst facing the disapproval of local Justice Branoc Casvellan. Although, Roz is attracted to Branoc, she knows that a future for the two of them is out of the question. In another time and in another world, they would have been a perfect match. But Roz isn’t the respectable clergyman’s granddaughter anymore. Her genteel life is a thing of the past. She is now a barmaid at a local tavern – and as far removed for Branoc’s ideal wife as it is possible to get! Roz’s head may be telling her not to be so stupid and to stop indulging in daydreams, but her heart is telling her otherwise…
As the local Justice, Branoc Casvellan knows that the time has come for him to choose a suitable wife. But none of the society ladies which his mother constantly introduces him to have affected him in the same way which Roz Trevaskis has. Branoc cannot help but be intrigued by Roz. She might work in a tavern, wear rags and have work worn hands, but her appearance is at odds with her refined vowels and her ladylike manners. Branoc is determined to find out the truth about Roz, and when his brother catches smallpox, he comes up with the perfect solution to keep her close by, by offering her a job as a nursemaid. Roz accepts the position of nursing Branoc’s brother through the horrible disease, despite her feelings telling her that she should give Branoc and men of his class as wide a berth as possible!
Thrown together by fate, Branoc and Roz soon realize that they’ve got plenty of things in common and a friendship soon develops. However, when friendship gives way to a passionate attraction which neither can deny, they both find themselves succumbing to temptation. But how they can ever be together when the wrenching chasm of class stretches before them?
When an old enemy returns to stake his claim on Roz, Branoc realizes that he must do everything in his power to keep her safe, for he cannot risk losing the woman he has grown to love…
Bonded Heart left me breathless! Jane Jackson’s prose is beautiful, her descriptions vivid, her story engaging and her evocation of nineteenth century Cornwall second to none. Bonded Heart is a beautiful story of class division, forbidden passion, intrigue and heart wrenching emotion from this wonderful storyteller whose historical romances never disappoint.
Jane Jackson has penned a superb tale of love, sacrifice, tragedy and redemption that will bring a tear to your eye and leave you eagerly awaiting the next novel by this worthy successor to Winston Graham!
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Genre: historical ISBN: 978-0727867483 Page Count: 220 Price: $ £18.99 Reviewer: Julie Bonello |
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Sweet Star Rating: 4 Stars Author's Website: www.janejackson.net |
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