Book review : The Secret of the India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen

The Secret of the India Orchid
Regency Proper Romance series book #2
by Nancy Campbell Allen

GENRE: Regency clean romance with a hint of mystery
My rating: ★★★★☆

I have to start saying that the intriguing title is a bit misleading.
While the story unfolds in India among members of the British aristocracy, there is no actual secret surrounding an orchid. Orchids are mentioned only as beautiful local flowers, and the central mystery revolves around stolen documents.
Though a more accurate title might have been something like "The Disappeared Document", I admit the chosen title sounds certainly more exciting. Having said that, I can say that I enjoyed the book from start to finish.

___ THE PLOT IN SHORT ____
Anthony Blake is smitten with Sophia Elliot, his best friend’s sister, but his chance to pursue her is cut short when he’s pulled back into his secret life as a spy for the Crown. After a sensitive list naming British agents—including himself—is stolen, Anthony distances himself from Sophia, trading his noble reputation for the guise of a carefree playboy to keep her safe.

Heartbroken, Sophia heads to India seeking solace, only to get caught up in a tangled mystery involving a missing sea captain, a possible murder, and whispers of royal intrigue.
When Anthony arrives at the British Residency, cautious and distant, Sophia is torn.
She still loves him and believes he feels the same, but with his secrets between them, can their love survive under the scorching Indian sun?

Their story unfolds amid danger and longing, testing whether trust and love can be rebuilt from the shadows.

________________________

This novel offers a refreshing take on the romance genre, standing out as a “clean romance” where the emotional connection between the protagonists takes center stage. Unlike many novels that lean heavily on physical intimacy, this story highlights feelings and subtle emotional exchanges, creating a tender and heartfelt love story without relying on sex scenes or kisses.

What makes this novel especially compelling is its clever blend of romance and murder mystery.
The plot skillfully balances the blossoming relationship of the two main characters with the suspense and intrigue of a whodunit, keeping readers engaged on multiple levels.

___ MAIN CHARACTERS _____
Anthony and Sophia possess a rare blend of charm and intelligence, their moral compasses unwavering.
They are not merely characters, but souls yearning to rekindle a love threatened by circumstance and deception. Their earnest desire to rebuild what was broken is deeply compelling, making it remarkably easy to become invested in their individual journeys and, more importantly, in the fate of their intertwined hearts.
One cannot help but be drawn to their noble spirits and the palpable hope they carry for a future together, a future you desperately want them to achieve.

___ SIDE CHARACTERS ____
Beyond the leads, the story also weaves in the lives of several supporting characters, exploring their private stories, hopes, fears, and dreams. While these side plots are treated with a lighter touch, they add depth and texture to the narrative, enriching the overall reading experience. One of Allen’s strengths lies in her emotional portrayal of characters. Each individual, from main to minor roles, is vividly brought to life through their feelings and inner conflicts. Interestingly, physical descriptions are minimal; the author simply notes that the young characters are beautiful and charming, letting their personalities and emotions paint the true picture.

The writing style is fluid and easy to read, which allows readers to fully enjoy both the suspenseful and joyful moments of the story.

The plot is well thought out and consistent, making the novel a strong candidate for a family-friendly film adaptation suitable for both adults and children. The pacing is excellent, gradually building tension until about 75% through the book, when the action reaches a thrilling peak. A daring, time-sensitive sequence followed by a heart-pounding climax fills the final part of the story with intense emotion.

___ WHY I DIDN'T RATE IT 5 FULL STARS ___
Overall, I found myself fully engaged from beginning to end.
That said, I would have appreciated some sensual, well-described kisses.
Many “clean” romances compensate for the absence of sex scenes with moments of charged closeness—a lingering touch, a meaningful look—that create palpable sexual tension.
This subtle intimacy was something I missed in The Secret of the India Orchid.

___ IS IT READABLE AS A STANDALONE ? ___
Yes, the book is readable as a standalone novel, even though the main couple first appeared as side characters in book 1 of her “Proper Regency Romance” series.

I also enjoyed that first book, despite some reviewers pointing out inaccuracies regarding the aristocratic rules of the Regency era. Not being an expert myself, I found the story well written and captivating.

It’s a shame the series only comprises two books because The Secret of the India Orchid lays a solid foundation and introduces characters ripe for at least three more installments.

___ RECOMMENDED TO ____
For readers seeking a Regency-era romance infused with mystery, adventure, and heartfelt sentiment—but without explicit physical scenes—this book comes highly recommended.
----> However, those who crave romances filled with passionate kisses and steamy encounters may want to look elsewhere.

If you would like to read my review about BOOK #1 inthe series: just click down below:

BOOK #1 "My Fair Gentleman"

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my point of view. I hope it will be useful for your next reading choice :-)

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Book review : My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen

My Fair Gentleman
Regency Proper Romance series book #1
by Nancy Campbell Allen

GENRE: Regency clean romance
My rating: ★★★★★

I loved it !

Engaging read from start to finish.
Not suitable for readers who prefer romance novels with passionate kisses and strong sexual tension.

This is a sweet and funny novel set in the Regency era, with a plot different from the usual (already read a thousand times) and far from the clichés of frivolous Regency romances.

____ PLOT IN SHORT ____

Set in England during the Regency era, the story follows Jack, the grandson of the Earl of Stansworth. However, Jack was raised in poverty because his father was disinherited for marrying a commoner.
His father died from the hardships of working in the port, leaving behind a wife and two children. Jack began working at just twelve years old to support his mother and sister, and now that he has a stable job, he's on the verge of being promoted to captain.
However, when the Earl is dying, and wishes to avoid leaving his inheritance to an inept nephew, he sends for Jack.

Jack is uninterested in the world of the aristocracy and despises it, just as he despises his grandfather. However, for the sake of his mother, whose health is precarious, and his sister, who is a mistreated maid in the homes of nobles, he accepts becoming the heir. To do this, he must be educated in the ways of high society.

Ivy Carlisle, the granddaughter of a lady friend of Jack's grandmother, is hired as a tutor to help transform Jack into a gentleman.
This might seem like a daunting but doable task, if Jack weren't prejudiced against the aristocracy, sometimes letting his rebellious nature get the better of him... However, Ivy also suffers from a secret and is aware of the injustices to which the noble world inevitably condemns others.
Spending so much time with a handsome, passionate, and heartfelt man can only transport her into a world of feeling, one she previously considered improbable and foolish.

_________ ********** _______

The title and Goodreads introduction to the general plot, may suggest something like "My Fair Lady" musical comedy drama (based on George Bernard Shaw's 1913 stage play Pygmalion), but it's misleading.
Here, we don't have a rude boy, and there are no strange or extreme teaching methods.

It's a clean romance where the plot focuses more on substantive content that solidifies the story, rather than on explicit kisses and physical sensations.

I won't deny that I would have liked a longer and warmer description of the kisses (only two or three in the book), but the mix of drama, light-heartedness, and fun was so well-balanced, and the plot was so compelling that I have no choice but to give it a full five stars.


___ THE CHARACTERS ___

The characters are wonderful and emotionally well-developed.
Except for the hateful grandfather and the cousin eager to inherit (equally hateful and slimy, as is his wife), the two main characters, their family, and new friends have all won my affection and sympathy.

JACK: He is a young man, confident but with a raw wound from witnessing his family's rejection and abandonment by his cold grandfather.
He grew up working hard, yet his tenderness for his mother and sister is unmatched. While he initially judges Ivy as a snob, his sensitivity allows him to understand her fears and encourages her to find the courage to live that great love.

What I appreciated in Jack is that he didn't take his newfound fortune for granted. He generously worked to provide well-paid jobs to a new friend and to the staff, improving the well-being of those who suffered because of others' greed.

IVY: If at first glance she seems a little presumptuous, even to the reader, that feeling quickly disappears.
Ivy takes her commitment seriously, and despite educating three people who have lived in squalor (Jack, his mother, and his sister), she never judges from a pedestal. Her innate goodness allows her, through getting to know these people deeply, to view her own fortunes and misfortunes differently and to accept certain parts of her life with serenity and without shame.

Ivy's GRANDMOTHER is sweet and loving, but also intelligent and modern.

Jack's MOTHER is sweet and was strong enough to raise two children alone after being widowed and abandoned. Now, however, she is fragile, both in health and when faced with this new world of rich and haughty people. Luckily, Ivy and her grandmother know how to help her.

Jack's SISTER, Sophia, suffered not only from hunger but also from the vulgar advances of her employers and the envy and wickedness of the wives and other women in the houses where she worked due to her great beauty. Sophia is proud, intelligent, and ready to fight anyone who challenges her, but she also has a big heart, like her brother, and she finds fantastic ideas for using her new wealth, also involving her new best friend.

DYLAN: A noble, charming man about to inherit great wealth, he detests convention and acts according to his heart and mind. He is a true friend to Jack and the protagonist of the next book in the series, along with the beautiful Sophia.

CLARENCE FUDDLESTON: The old Earl's solicitor, then Jack's right-hand man and new good friend. I loved him too!


___ LOVE STORY ___

It's a slow-burn romance, well-developed through lively and plausible dialogues.
There's never a dull moment; on the contrary, the reader can fully enjoy the unfolding romance of Jack and Ivy.

They didn't know each other before, and despite Jack's aversion to society and its habits, he respects Ivy, so it's not an enemies-to-lovers story.
They simply confront the fears that every lover has when they realize how immense a feeling of love can be and how equally immense the pain can be in losing that person.

Despite the absence of explicit love scenes and in-depth descriptions of kisses, I felt the passion and the desire to live that feeling to the fullest by the two main characters.

There is no shortage of moments of suspense and twists that keep the pages turning. A little mystery and good deeds enrich the overall plot.

The writing style is fluid, making the reading light, fun, and full of deep emotion.
It was a satisfying read from start to finish!
I remember when I was at work, I would often stop to think: "I can't wait to finish so I can get back to reading that story!"

READABLE AS A STANDALONE: No unresolved plot points and a happy ending guaranteed.

This is my first time reading something by Nancy Campbell Allen, and I loved her ability to write a story, going into great detail without ever being boring.
I am ready to read book 2 of the series, featuring two supporting characters from this story! 😃

Thanks for stopping by and reading my review.

Read also my review about BOOK #2 inthe series: just click down below:

BOOK #2 "The Secret of the India Orchid"

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Book review : A Maiden Weeping by Jeri Westerson

A Maiden Weeping
Crispin Guest Book #9
Medieval noir by Jeri Westerson
GENRE : #Medieval-mystery

My rating: ★★★★★
5 full stars!😃

This series never disappoints me and this installment is no exception! Absolutely amazing !!!!

Once again Crispin Guest and his friends have involved me in an exciting adventure full of suspense and mystery.

As always, the book can be read as a standalone. However, I STRONGLY DISCOURAGE DOING SO, especially with this installment.
While the mystery is intricate and very suspenseful, kepting me thrilled until the end, the greatest emotional impact comes from the development of Crispin and his loved ones personal life.

---> MY ADVICE IS TO READ ALL THE BOOKS IN ORDER FROM #1 TO #15.

This book marks an important turning point in the series.
Only readers who have followed Crispin and Jack's journey from the beginning will fully appreciate the nuances of this story and connect deeply with our heroes and all the returning characters.

Before delving deeper,
_________ here's a BRIEF OVERVIEW of THE PLOT :

Crispin Guest is a former knight, who after being banished from court, reinvented his life as the Tracker, that is, the one who finds lost or stolen objects of great value and discovers the culprits even in cases of murder.
One day, while at his favorite tavern, he's approached -- seemingly by mistake -- by someone who wants to hire him as a killer.
After spending the night warning the intended victim first and then bedding her, Crispin finds himself arrested for her murder.
The only person he can rely on to start the investigation that will lead to the truth, is his young but smart apprentice Jack.

_________*********** _______

__ ABOUT THE FOREWORD ____ This book #9 begins, unlike the others, with a lengthy foreword by the author, detailing the legal system of the time period.

This introduction can be useful, but I don't find it essential for enjoying the story and fully understand all the procedures of the trial.
Anyway, if you find it tedious, don't be discouraged! You can always skip that preliminary matter.

I admit that by reading that boring ( according to my tastes ) foreword I was briefly discouraged, fearing the author had lost her way and could no longer write thrilling adventures for these characters.
If I weren't such a fan of Crispin, I might have given up after that opening speech. Fortunately, I love Crispin Guest so much that I persisted in reading and after the first few pages of chapter 1 I found myself filled with excitement again.

____ MAIN CHARACTERS : Crispin, the Tracker and his apprentice Jack ____

As mentioned earlier, this book marks a turning point. Several years have passed since the previous book, and six years since the first.

Crispin, now approaching 40, is no longer the young man of 31. In medieval times, this was an age for reflection on life, actions, and achievements.

Jack is no longer the eleven-year-old pickpocket and orphan who, with determination, settled into Crispin's house as his servant and apprentice.
Over the years, Jack has not only learned Crispin's trade but also learned to read, write, and even speak Greek and Latin, thanks to Crispin's lessons.
He has repeatedly demonstrated his loyalty and value as an apprentice, friend, and person, earning the respect of Crispin and others.

Now he is 19, he feels all the responsibility that comes from affection and gratitude, he would not abandon Crispin even in the worst case scenario and once again he discovers in himself a new strengths and resources he didn't think he had.
It's a stage of life where a boy not only changes physically but also experiences the awakening of physical and emotional instincts.
Instincts that were previously hinted at now emerge forcefully, and the thought of marrying the woman he loves becomes a constant worry, even at the most inopportune moments.

Reading the previous books is essential to fully appreciate the emotional depth of this installment.
The great emotional tension that the reader feels in living through internal turmoils and related changes, together with the characters, can only happen with the knowledge of their past torments and hopes, past sufferings and joys, past events and actions.

___________ SIDE CHARACTERS ______
Unlike previous installments, this story features a wider array of recurring characters, emphasizing their emotional and moral dimensions rather than their actions.
It's as if both the characters and the author are taking stock of the series' direction.

Among the characters who appear alongside Crispin and Jack throughout the series, some of them have strong personalities, and some are even based on real historical figures.

---> John/Eleanor Rykener (one of Crispin's best friends, an embroiderer who dresses as a woman by day and works as a prostitute, still dressed as a woman, by night) and Henry Bolingbroke (the son of John of Gaunt and future King Henry IV of England) are real historical figures who appear in the previous books and return here.

While Henry IV is well known through history books, very little is known about Rykener, but the author has been able to give such depth to the character's multifaceted personality, that I feel great enthusiasm every time I see him involved in Crispin's vicissitudes.

He may be difficult for others to understand, but he lives with less emotional complication because he has embraced who he is and lives his life with happiness, joy, and kindness towards others.
---> The previous stories in which we find him as a co-protagonist are so hilarious !!!!

Other recurring, purely fictional characters include:
the owners of Crispin's favorite tavern, the landlords of his and Jack's home, and old friends made during past investigations.
With so many supporting characters, the story doesn't dwell on their actions but emphasizes their importance in Crispin's life and the role their feelings play in the lives of our hero and his apprentice.

____ THE RECURRING THEME throughout the series:
It isn't historical relics, as one might expect, but the value of friendship.
The series emphasizes the importance of true friendship and judging people by their character, not by societal labels that deem some acceptable and worthy of respect while marginalizing others.
I appreciate very much the strong emphasis on these two themes.

______ A WELL-CRAFTED MYSTERY ____

While this book focuses more on introspection than renetic and sometimes violent action, the murders are still compelling.
Expect the usual web of lies, deceit, greed, perversity of the villains, plots and tenacious and clever investigations by our beloved and sharp-witted heroes.

There is no shortage of brilliant improvisations, a new funny character and a new charming one, who will reappear later in the series (you'll find out why in the final pages), and some laughs.

____ TWO NOVELTIES:

___ 1) In the first part of the book we find Crispin as the victim of a situation and unable to act, the new young emerging Tracker, Jack, will lead the investigation.
Initially, I was disappointed, but then I realized it was wise of the author to give Jack more prominence. This helps readers understand the significant changes he's undergone. Besides, Crispin is never truly inactive, even when he appears to be.

Around the halfway point, the pace picks up as the original Tracker becomes operational and more determined than ever.

___ 2) The introduction of a new four-legged friend touched my heart since I am a passionate animal lover, especially cats lover ( and loving owner ).

___ THE HISTORICAL ASPECT ___
This is the only book so far where historical elements are almost non-existent.
While past mysteries revolved around real relics and objects, the Tears of the Virgin are a product of Jeri Westerson's imagination, serving as a central element connecting the various misdeeds in this adventure.
The historical aspect is likely found in the judicial figures and the interesting development of the legal process (hence the author's foreword).

____ SUITABLE FOR ______
Recommended for readers seeking a mix of mystery, action, irony, sentiment, history, and fantasy.
----> There are no explicit scenes of sex or violence, and the language is appropriate.

_____ CONCLUDING _____
If it isn't obvious by now, I'm crazy about Crispin and this series.
I've loved him and his adventures since book #1.
I have six books left to read, and I'm pacing myself because I want to stay with this charming medieval man as long as possible.

Thanks you all for reading my opinion :-)

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If you want to know more about PREVIOUS BOOKS, you can read my reviews here :

BOOK #1 "Veil of Lies" :

BOOK #2 "Serpent in the Thorns" :

BOOK #3 "The Demon's Parchment" :

BOOK #4 "Troubled Bones" :

BOOK #5 "Blood Lance" :

BOOK #6 "Shadow of the Alchemist"

BOOK #7 "Cup of Blood"

BOOK #8 "The Silence of Stones"

Book review : Her Gentleman Thief by Robyn DeHart

Her Gentleman Thief
by Robyn DeHart

GENRE: Regency clean romance
My rating: ★★★★★

A delightful Regency novella of only about 30 pages! :-)

It's a proper romance, with no explicit scenes but a strong love connection and a completely satisfying ending.

____ IN A NUTSHELL ____
Annalise Petty is on her way to her wedding with her sister and maid when a highwayman holds up their carriage.
To protect her sister's reputation and to escape her impending marriage to a man she finds boring and solely interested in her land, she asks the highwayman to take her with him.

Griffin Hartwell, Viscount Benning, never imagined that playing the highwayman would bring him face-to-face with his own fiancée. Once alone, Griffin seizes the opportunity to show Annalise just how passionate he can be. But will his charade ruin their chance at a forever love? _________________________________

It's often difficult to find short stories, whether romance or mystery, that are truly satisfying, especially those that can be read in an hour or less.

And yet this story is adorable, very sweet with a hint of spice.

Although there isn't much time to properly get to know the characters, I still managed to become quite attached to them.

I can't say much more without revealing spoilers, except that Griffin, the MALE CHARACTER, was very sweet and utterly adorable. He embodies the role of a gentleman perfectly, yet he can also be adventurous, which I adored.

I like Annalise, the HEROINE, too. She isn't the classic beauty society requires, but she isn't envious of her sister; on the contrary, she is generous and protective, and she tends to act outspokenly.

With her brown hair and generous curves, she is beautiful in Griffin's eyes. Her indomitable and intelligent character is something that appeals to passionate men like him.

You'll have to read the rest of the story for yourself!

Suffice it to say that this intriguing, wonderful read left me wanting to read other stories or books by this author.

As always, thanks for stopping by and reading my review.
Wishing you all a happy Sunday !

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Giveaway : June 2025 Free Printable Calendar

A colorful monthly calendar: June 2025,

Hello and happy start of the month !

I was almost forgetting to post my printable monthly calendar, but here we are, June 2025 is ready to be downloaded for free.

You can use it as a desktop wallpaper on your pc or you can print it and and keep it wherever you like.
You can also reduce its size with any free app and print it in the shape of a postcard, to keep it in the book you are reading or in your bag.

Simply click on the preview image to download and save it on your device.

@TizianaFragnerGraphic
June 2025 Calendar
Size 1634 x 1264

Wishing you all a sunny and cheerful June and of course many great reads !!
Warm hugs and greetings from Italy --xxx--

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Book review : A Gentleman in Challenging Circumstances by Grace Burrowes

A Gentleman in Challenging Circumstances
The Lord Julian Mysteries book #3
by Grace Burrowes

GENRE: Regency era cozy mystery
My rating: ★★★★☆

This is a very enjoyable cozy mystery set in the Regency era.
It's not a fast-paced story, but the intense and well-developed investigation is worthy of Hercule Poirot (the famous detective created by Agatha Christie).

________ PLOT IN A NUTSHELL ________

Set in England during the Regency era, the story follows Lord Julian Caldicott, younger brother of the Duke of Waltham. Julian is a young war veteran still struggling with the physical and emotional wounds he suffered as a prisoner of the French.

During the war, Julian lost not only a part of himself but also his older brother, Harry.
Harry, known in London society for his charm and social life, served as a scout and spy (like Julian). Consequently, Harry's death is shrouded in mystery, and his life proves to be an intricate web of secrets and false appearances.
Now, Julian and Waltham unexpectedly find themselves caring for Harry's young son... but is he truly Harry's son? And which of the women in Harry's life is the child's real mother?

__________ * * * ___________

The MYSTERIES IN THIS SERIES are not murder mysteries, yet they are convoluted enough to require a classic, detailed investigation. This involves identifying everyone possibly connected to the case, even superficially, and questioning them one by one, piecing together the clues.

WHAT ALWAYS CAPTIVATES ME in Julian's mysteries is not only the investigation and the solution, but also the personal lives of the characters.
Despite being connected by family or long-standing friendships, they seem to truly begin to know each other only now, after emerging from the dramatic and painful experiences of the war and the human losses it caused.

The reader is completely drawn in by the emotional depth, which flows from Julian's first-person narration and his dialogues with loved ones.

Waltham, too, hides a secret from the world, one he only recently confessed to his younger brother. However, this secret continues to significantly impact both of their lives. In fact, until Julian finds peace within himself ( and so his "male humor" too, as he use to call it ), neither of them can have children.

Harry's possible son seems to be the only solution for providing an heir to the Dukedom (and all that it entailed at that time: lands, possessions, management, and the survival of an entire village), which makes the search even more emotionally fraught.
Discovering the truth could bring resolution or devastation... and what about the child's life? An innocent being who cannot and must not pay for the sins of others.

Even in this book, the CHARACTERS are all well-developed. With just a few lines and short scenes, the author enables us to understand their inner selves and judge their traits.

----> The clean language and in-depth investigation may appeal to lovers of classic Golden Age mysteries.
The pace is slow and without much action, but always filled with new developments and unexpected surprises.

----> WARNING : The book is readable as a standalone, but it is more enjoyable and easier to understand if you start with book #1.

----> Though Goodreads tags it as "historical romance," those seeking romance will be disappointed. It's almost nonexistent and certainly doesn't offer the sweetness and emotional outpouring that readers of Regency romance (even clean ones) usually expect.
Read it only if you enjoy cozy historical mysteries (don't look for a love story).

If you want to know more about PREVIOUS BOOKS, READ ALSO MY REVIEWS about "Lord Julian Mysteries BOOK 1 and BOOK 2" :

BOOK #1 "A Gentleman Fallen on Hard Times"

BOOK #2 "A Gentleman of Dubious Reputation"

Thanks you all for stopping by and reading my opinion :-)

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Book review : The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

The Frozen River
by Ariel Lawhon
GENRE : #historical-mystery
Standalone
My rating: ★★☆☆☆

Given the overwhelmingly positive reviews, my opinion likely diverges from the norm.
While categorized as a mystery, the book read more like a straightforward chronicle, lacking significant twists or emotional depth.
Plus I didn't dislike the protagonist, but I also didn't find myself particularly attached to her or the other characters.

Ultimately, the story, and particularly its narrative style, didn't align with my personal preferences.

My two-star rating is not intended as a judgment on the author's writing ability, but rather reflects my level of engagement and overall satisfaction with the reading experience, including what I perceived as a self-righteous ending. I found the first half of the book rather tedious. Despite my efforts to persevere, it became increasingly unenjoyable, and I struggled to finish it.

Normally, I abandon books I dislike after the first few chapters. However, because I was participating in a group read, I wanted to complete it, hoping for some element that would finally capture my interest and motivate me to continue.

_______ SYNOPSIS: Maine, 1789.
When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine the cause of death.
As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime, and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community.
Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town's most respected gentlemen, one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.

Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.

___________________________

____ REAL HISTORICAL CHARACTER ____ I appreciate that the plot is inspired by a real person: Martha Ballard, a midwife who delivered a remarkable number of newborns (over a thousand) and never lost a mother in childbirth.
The author discovered her story in an article while pregnant. The book includes historical notes that confirm Martha's biography and diaries, where she meticulously recorded events in a concise manner.

In addition to the character, the rape also occurred in real life. This historical basis initially intrigued me and encouraged me to read the book, but I was ultimately disappointed and unable to connect with the story in the way I had hoped.

_____ DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE WRITING STYLE ____ I often enjoy books inspired by true events, or those that create fictionalized narratives around real individuals, whether well-known or obscure, like Martha.
This is why I enjoy historical fiction.
However, I read "fiction" to become more immersed than I typically would with non-fiction.
I appreciate stories told with suspense and pathos, eliciting a range of emotions beyond simple curiosity about the plot's development.

Unfortunately, I didn't share the enthusiasm expressed by other members of my reading group.
To me, it felt like a bland, emotionally sterile chronicle. I wonder if others felt similarly but chose not to comment.

The story is narrated in the first person by the protagonist. While this style initially disconcerted me (when I first encountered this kind of storytelling, many years ago now ), I quickly grew to appreciate it and often prefer it to third-person narration.
In this case, however, the matter-of-fact tone (which may have been intended to mimic the style of a diary, given the real Martha's diaries) prevented me from feeling invested in the story and from developing any empathy for Martha or her family.

______ DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE ENDING _____ Even if the ending was ultimately desirable, I found it to be conveniently self-serving for the main character.

The book centers on life in 18th-century Maine and highlights the injustices faced by women, as well as the hypocrisy and bigotry prevalent in American society at the time (and, arguably, even now).

Yet, despite the protagonist being an open-minded woman married to an intelligent and equally progressive man, it's ultimately convenient for her and her family that ___WARNING SPOILER[ the whole truth doesn't come to light.
Throughout the book, she seeks to clarify a death that clearly occurred by murder (justice without a fair trial), despite the fact that she knows that the dead man is a complete scoundrel, guilty of despicable acts, but then when the truth is not what she likes, it is okay not to say anything? Come on! ]_SPOILER END__

I'm not suggesting the book is poorly written, only that the style didn't resonate with me.
It's marketed as a mystery, but I doubt it would satisfy typical whodunit fans. Had I known this beforehand, I wouldn't have chosen it for the group read.

I might recommend the book to those interested in a glimpse into 18th-century American society.
However, it's challenging to recommend a book I didn't enjoy.
Given the subjectivity of taste, I can only advise: give it a try, and if you like it from the start, great. If you're bored from the beginning, don't expect that to change.

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