Awaiting the Fire

In 1795 Charlotte von Wolfram arrives in England to meet her betrothed, Simeon St. Ange. She also wants to find the mother of her illegitimate half-sister Fanny. She hides from her fiancé, an earl, that the males of her family are werewolves; a secret she has vowed to never reveal to anyone. Simeon knows that marrying her in what looked like a coup when he agreed is politically incorrect since the Prince of Wales and his pregnant spouse from the content have been squabbling; still he plans to adhere to the deal which includes giving Charlotte the right of refusal.. Simeon and his family host a ball in honor of Charlotte. However, to her astonishment her brother Christophe informs her that there is another shapeshifter at the event. Meanwhile family friend Lyulph Randell locates Fanny's mother. Charlotte and Fanny rush to meet her only to be forced to seek shelter with Gypsies. The band's seer warns Charlotte to beware of Simeon who hides something from her while Lyulph continues his manipulations waiting for the right moment to destroy his enemy. Readers will enjoy the latest Donna Lea Simmons' historical paranormal romance as placing the supernatural inside a late eighteenth century plot makes for a superb refreshing romance (see AWAITING THE MOON and AWAITING THE NIGHT). The cast is strong as they bring the era to life even with the paranormal elements. Charlotte is especially terrific as she begins to have doubts about her beloved Simeon, who realizes his failing was one of trust. The sub-genre audience will appreciate this appealing tale. Harriet Klausner