The Wild Child a Little Secret

Wonderful story set in the wilds of an Island off Canada. The characters were wonderfully down to earth. Along with the mystery of why Eva Haines second cousin, Doris Bonhomme dislikes the Lords so much. Little Fanny is an engaging 5 year old who has a very vivid imagination. Silas Lord only wants to protect his daughter. The reasons why lead Eva a merry chase for the answers. The one fly in the ointment was having Eva admit, even to herself, that she has had previous lovers? Not much to say for her character or what she thinks is love. Men are like that, yeah they are. Humph! Still a good story - worth reading! Ah well!

Eva Haines comes to isolated Liberty Island to tidy up the affairs of an eccentric distant relative. Within a week of arrival, she knows that someone watches, despite the fact that her cousin claimed the island is deserted except for an ancient donkey named Andy. There had once been a lone resident at the other end of the island, but Eva has no reason to believe that he is still in residence. So when she spies a child who later appears in her kitchen, Eva is taken aback. But no more so than when the wild child's father appears looking for her. The daughter of reclusive Silas Lord, Fanny practically owns the island. Her brash charm quickly wins Eva's heart. But Eva cannot help wondering why Silas would so carefully seclude his daughter, not even allowing her to attend school. She has no playmates, but she does have a fascination for lipstick, jewelry and the contents of refrigerators. Silas has no appetite for society, but his daughter seems to crave new company, being drawn irresistibly to the other side of the island. Once she'd broken her father's rules to visit, Fanny cannot seem to stay away. Silas struggles between giving her a normal upbringing under strange circumstances and teaching herself with various excursions. Perhaps Eva can even help. As an elementary teacher she might be sympathetic to the reasons Silas intends to keep his daughter hidden.Sociable, sassy Fanny threatens to steal the show in THE WILD CHILD, but it is her impetuous enthusiasm that draws her reclusive father Silas and newcomer Eva together. The island paradise presents the perfect setting, complete with seclusion, beaches and bathing pools. Indeed, once again author Judith Bowen displays her dazzling storytelling ability with this tale. Characteristic of all her books, THE WILD CHILD captures the heart and imagination with flair that makes all of her books extraordinary. THE WILD CHILD comes very highly recommended.