Bound by Loyalty

In Bound by Loyalty, author J. Robert Whittle, weaves the fasincating tale of Nancy Wilson, orphaned at the age of four. Without friends or family, Nancy is taken to an orphanage where she meets Dan Brown, an orphan eight years her senior. Together Dan and Nancy weather the difficult and lonely life wrought by their indifferent headmistress. Whittle's novel, the first of a pair, follows Dan and Nancy as they grow up and move out of the orphanage, leading separate lives. When chance brings the two together again, they choose each other as brother and sister, promising to never lose touch again. As the two experience tragedy and triumph, Whittle shares their tender love story filled with friends and "adopted" family. Bound by Loyalty is set in Victoria, British Columbia in the early 1900s. Throughout the book, Whittle sprinkles tidbits of Victorian history along with a smattering of the tumultuous political times the characters endured. From the growing popularity of the automobile to the first hints of prohibition, the author presents interesting historical and geographical facts in the midst of his charming and likable characters. Along with this rich history, Whittle paints a heartwarming picture of Dan and Nancy as they grow into adults. While this book could be characterized as a romance, it contains more history and depth than any Danielle Steele novel, and is guaranteed to appeal to a wider audience. Whittle's tale is well written, his characters are compelling, and the story flows easily from one scene to the next, making it difficult to put down. For readers who want variety, Bound by Loyalty offers a refreshing and enlightening change of pace.

Author J. Robert Whittle has another winner with this, the first in a new series set in Victoria, BC. He skillfully weaves real people, real events, and real places into a fictional account of an orphan girl and those she meets. As a Victoria resident, I can appreciate the depth of research that the author has undertaken in order to present an accurate picture of early Victoria. His portrayal of prominent Victoria citizens capture their personalities to a tee - their descendants almost think that the author had met the people in question.It is refreshing to read a novel that is free of sex, violence and mayhem. The story and its telling keep the reader entranced! This is a real page turner - and then you have to wait for the next one! One of the finest books I have read!