London, 1887
When newly graduated medical doctor Charlotte Duvall
receives word that her father has died, she immediately leaves America and
returns home to see to her family's estate. Among her father's possessions is a
box of her late mother's letters, which feels like a balm to Charlotte's
grief-stricken heart. But the letters contain some inconsistencies that suggest
there was more to her mother's death than Charlotte had been told. She turns to
the one man she trusts more than anyone--her treasured friend and director of
London's police force, John Ellis.
John Ellis has harbored feelings for Charlotte ever since he
first met her. Tucked into his heart are thoughts of her sharp mind, quick wit,
and remarkable beauty. Though he has not yet found the courage to share his
feelings with the young doctor, he is eager to help her in her hour of need.
Investigating the details of a death was not how Charlotte
imagined she would find love, but as she and John work to unravel a dark web of
secrets and lies, she finds herself relying on him more and more--and opening
her heart to him in the process.
As the danger draws ever closer, John vows to do everything
in his power to protect Charlotte from harm. But he fears protecting her heart
might come at the cost of breaking his own.
My Thoughts:
What an absolute delight this read was. After a bit of a
slow start, this book turned into one that I could not put down and was
constantly looking for time to pick back up. The swoony romance between two
longtime friends combined with the cold-case murder of the heroine's mother,
all while taking place in 1887 London, was captivating.
Charlotte Duvall has already broken out of the norms for
women of her day. She has gone to America to continue her education in the
medical field and has come back home to London as a doctor. She is coming back
home with a heavy load on her shoulders as her father has died unexpectedly,
and not before he has stirred up many questions regarding the death of her
mother twenty-some years ago. Charlotte did not make it back in time to
question her father's cryptic messages. Now that he is gone, will she ever find
out the truth?
Well, if it is left to the murderer, no, she won't. Teaming
up with her cousins and her very best friend, Officer John Ellis, Charlotte
might just get the answers she is seeking, unless one of the attempts on her
life succeeds. And concerning her feelings for John, well, let's just say that
it was a delight to see them fall hard in love with one another.
This was the first novel I have read by author Allen. I am
excited to go through her backlist. This was a fun read.
I was provided a copy of this novel by Shadow Mountain
Publishing through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a
positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
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