Stormswept

From the back cover: The first wedding night that Lady Juliana St. Albans spent with her bridegroom, the dark and daring Rhys Vaughan, was one of devine discovery, as she realized the fiery fulfillment of a man's driving hunger and her own awakened sensuality. The second wedding night that Juliana spent with Rhys Vaughan was six years later, after he had mysteriously vanished and then returned to claim her just as she was about to wed another. This time he possessed her with a vengeance, turning her ecstasy into a tempest of conflict between them. Yet there was that blaze of passion to light their way through the maze of mystery, menace, and mistrust--to the love they once shared and would have to find again. And my review: This is an author who is probably better known today for her books written under her pen name 'Sabrina Jeffries'. In fact, I bought this book because it was written by the same author. On her home page, the author warns that her "Deborah Martin" books are much heavier than her newer "Sabrina Jeffries" stuff. She's absolutely right. This is much more raw romantic tension and much less humor in this book when compared to her SJ books. That's not to say that this isn't enjoyable, because "Stormswept" was certainly entertaining. Rhys and Juliana are forbidden to one another because she's a highborn English Lady, and he's a Welshman. Despite the difficulties keeping them apart, they fall in love and elope. Unfortunately, a devious inn-keeper sends word to Juliana's family, and her two brother arrive to end the couple's marriage. They have Rhys impressed (forced into service in the English navy) and try to convince Julianna to have the marriage annulled. The poor couple if forced to spend the next six years apart, each believing that the other betrayed them. When Rhys manages to return, Julianna, believing him to be dead, is set to marry someone else. Rhys refuses an annullment, instead forcing Julianna to return to him. He wants his revenge for her supposed betrayal. And the stage is set for the sparks to fly. This story was very good, and I dare any woman not to feel equal pain for both lead characters for what they suffer. The author aptly portrayed their struggles to overcome their doubts and mistrust to find true love again. I found this novel to be quite heart-wrenching in places. There was also a secondary romance featuring Julianna's maid and Rhy's best friend. This secondary storyline was also quite well done, and did not in any way detract from the main plot. I've read many historical novels, many of which deal with the English oppression of other races, including their oppression of the Colonists/Americans, the Scottish, and the Irish. This was the first book I'd read that dealt with the English oppression of the Welsh, so that made it very interesting. The author does a marvelous job of weaving in the historical detail without having it distract from the main storyline, which is the romance. I've tossed many a

"Stormswept" sat on my TBR shelf for ages, the sleazy cover disuading me each time I picked it up. Imagine my surprise to find inside a piece of witty, elegantly crafted historical fiction. This author (who also writes as Sabrina Jefferies, et al) has done a wonderful job of bringing the beauty, atmosphere, and politics of late 18th century Wales to life. The romance is touching, the characters are flawed--but realistically so. If you love history and romance, ignore the cover and the silly back-blurb and buy this book. It is money well spent.

I checked this book out at the library and renewed it twice because I couldn't bear to part company with it. I searched the stores for a copy and finally ordered one. This book touched me profoundly. I have re-read this numerous times. I can not wait to read more by this author.