Scandal's Daughter

Scandal's Daughter is entertaining and heart-warming, filled with characters who intrigue and delight and a storyline that keeps you turning the pages. If you want a book to make you sigh with happiness and satisfaction at the end, this is it! Christine Wells has done an excellent job in her debut novel - I can't wait to read her next one.

The aspirations of many an unpublished romance writer includes winning the coveted "Golden Heart" award sponsored by Romance Writers of America. In 2006, "Scandal's Daughter" won the Best Short Historical Romance category, and after reading this charming Regency-set novel, I believe the accolade was well-deserved. Author Christine Wells paints the English setting beautifully and introduces us to Gemma and Sebastian, two likeable characters whose lifelong friendship forms a bond that gradually evolves through tenuous bouts of passion into a deep love capable of healing the wounds of the past. Gemma is plucky without being obnoxious, and Sebastian is a complex character driven by a dark childhood filled with abuse and culminating in the loss of his beloved brother. The author's skill at portraying the deep emotional ties between the hero and heroine brings an emotional context to the story that makes it a very satisfying romance. Ms. Wells employs a skillful balance, using humor to occasionally lighten the mood and deftly working in the Regency-era details that form the flagstone of this type of novel without making them an intrusion. She creates an interesting world populated with endearing characters and provides the requisite happy ending. As a reader of romance, I couldn't have asked for more .

Christine Wells has created a truly British-feeling Regency novel. It is surprising in a first book for an author to have such an authoritative and authentic voice. Obviously, Ms. Wells a wonderful new voice of Regency. Gemma and Sebastian were both well-developed and interesting characters. I enjoyed seeing their growing awareness of one another and watching their abiding fondness turn into love. Ms. Wells described the landscapes and settings of Scandal's Daughter in terms more intimate than those normally found in Regency-set historicals. This brought, for me, a depth and richness to the book that made it feel like a book from an oft-published author. I expect great things from Christine Wells. She is a debut author to watch!

Scandal's Daughter has breathed life back into the Regency historical. Christine Wells in her debut release has woven a wonderful story of two friends who are left wounded by cruel events only to find the healing they need in each other's arms. I cannot wait for Ms. Well's next book.

This is the sort of Regency romance I love to read. It's historically accurate, warm, witty, wise and altogether delightful. It's so nice to see a convincing friends into lovers plot. The respect and affection that Gemma and Sebastian feel for each other even before they realize they're in love is really heartwarming. You can certainly picture these two having a happy future together! Christine Wells is a wonderful new author. She's managed to create two charming, smart characters who really touch your heart. And her writing is exceptional. I can't wait to see what she does next! This is the perfect book for to curl up with!