Night in Eden

I liked the premise of this book - very unlike any historical romance I'd read previously - but the writing was not quite to my taste and our hero Hayden just felt like every other gruff and rude hero I've read. Overall, I'd rate it 2.5 stars. Not bad enough for a flat 2, but not enjoyable enough to reach a 3.

This has got to be one of my favorite romances! I am an avid reader of romances, mainly historical, and having read through such phrases as "his throbbing manroot" and "she opened herself up to him as a flower opens itself to the sun" - let's just say I normally scan over the sex scenes or skip them completely. But not the case with this story!!! This story holds some serious sexual tension up until the moment that the two finally find themselves in one another's arms and when they did...I wanted to stand up and cheer. *laugh This story is beautifully written. It tells the story of Bryony, who is accused of murdering her cheating spouse and sentenced to a life of servitude in the Australian colonies. She is purchased by Hayden who is in need of a wetnurse for his newborn infant after the child's mother passed away during childbirth. Bryony grieves for the child that was taken from her before she was sent away...and the one she lost along the way. Hayden is bitter and struggles with feelings of guilt over the loss of his wife. The author portrays the hardships that the people faced living in such a harsh land and you're drawn into the lives of all the characters. This story is simply wonderful!!! I can't say enough about it.I've recommended it many times and anyone I've shared it with express the same sentiments regarding this true "love story". Definitely a keeper.

Night in Eden is a truly beautiful and touching story of passion, struggle, and survival. It's so rich and complex in characterization and historical detail that it stands above the best of the rest in the historical romance genre.The journey of two like souls (Bryony and Hayden) coming together under tragic circumstances in brutal conditions was so compelling I read it through in a single sitting and will re-read it soon. I've rarely ever been so immersed in a book. As soon as I finished it I ordered all the rest of Candice Proctor's books. I can hardly wait to read them.

It is 1808. Bryony Wentworth has been transported to New South Wales after being convicted of manslaughter. Pregnant during her journey, she gives birth but her son dies after only a few months. Imprisoned in the "Female Factory" the distraught Bryony is "bought" by Hayden St. John as a wet nurse for his own infant son - his wife dying in childbirth and his previous wet nurse's milk having dried up. Bryony is grieving not only for the baby she lost, but for the young daughter she was forced to leave behind in England.Bryony naturally assumes she is not only going to be a wet nurse but a victim of her master's sexual desires as well. However Hayden St. John, although he desires Bryony, is too much of a gentleman to act on those desires. He feels guilty for having these feelings so soon after his beloved wife's death.They travel to Hayden's land, a few days' ride from the large town where Bryony becomes cook, housekeeper, as well as wet nurse, staying in the room previous belonging to Hayden's deceased wife, Laura.The book is full of great secondary characters including Gideon - the young Irishman whose wife and children he longs to bring to be near him, Quincy the young boy who is wise beyond his years, and Louisa the common-law wife of an adjacent landowner who has buried four of her five children.As I am writing this, I am struck by how difficult it is to convey how truly wonderful this book is without giving away too much of the story -- the characters were so real, the setting so vividly described, the writing seamless, the sexual tension almost palpable. But what can I say to convince those reading this to run out and get this book ASAP??? Should I tell you it's going on my keeper shelf immediately? Or should I tell you I was so sorry for it to end that I've actually considered re-reading it right away? Or can I say that I hope the next book might be a sequel (perhaps with Quincy as the hero) so I can visit these characters/this setting again?NIGHT IN EDEN is one of the best historical romances I've read. Please, please, do yourself a favor and put this on your TBB list - and don't put off reading it. As Catherine Coulter is quoted on the stepback as saying, "You won't be sorry. Trust me on this."

This is without a doubt one of the best romance novels that I have ever read. It starts out just a little slow, but quickly picks up pace and from then on you won't be able to put it down.You will sympathize with Bryony as you learn of how she lost her baby, was separated from her daughter, and unjustly convicted of murdering her "dead" husband. As soon as Hayden comes into the picture, you will instantly fall in love with him. Although he appears a little rough around the edges, you learn that he is a kind, thoughtful person as his character is further developed in the story. The sexual tension between the couple is enjoyable to read.Night in Eden is a novel that I find myself reading over and over again. The setting in historical Australia was unique and interesting. The characters are likable, and the story is well written. Someone commented on the grammar in an earlier review, however it was written like that on purpose to show the area's dialect. All in all, if you enjoy a good romance story, with lots of passion and intrigue, then you will enjoy this book. It's definitely a keeper by a talented author. The story of Bryony and Hayden is beautiful and unforgettable.

Everything about this book is fabulous - the plot, the characters, the romance, the history.... How an author can come out with a debut book this phenomenal is beyond imagination. The only drawback in reading "Night in Eden" is that it ruined my interest for other romance books for days. You will need to put this book aside and let the story and writing fade before you will be able to pick up another romance. Every other book I picked up after "Night in Eden" just fell short. I have loved the work of Penelope Williamson and cannot believe my luck in finding another great writer in the family. Please tell me there are more sisters with writing talent!