The Wish

I stumbled across this author in a used book store and thought I would give her a try. It is so much fun to unexpectedly find a terrific author. Like finding a lost treasure. A beautiful love story with a mystery. I really felt like I was on the Moors in England and could feel the heroines struggles as my own. This is the first I have read by this author, but you can be sure I will be reading more of her books. I would highly recommend giving Marianne Willman a try.

Hi--I just finished reading "The Wish," which I bought on a whim before going on a 3-hour plane trip. It ended up being such a great book. I love historical romances to begin with and this one was great. I especially enjoy the fact that Marianne Willman includes what the male lead is thinking and feeling (i.e. frustration, fear, love, attraction, etc.) so that it's not just one-sided! Justin and Perdita were well-written characters with great personalities, lots of chemistry and lots of passion--but not overdone. This is a great read for anyone looking for a great historical romance mixed with some intrigue.

In 1817, Earl Justin Ravenall needs money for his newly inherited estates, devastated by his predecessor. When he is injured in a murder attempt, he recovers at an inn where one of the maids Perdita takes special care of him. While nursing him, she falls in love with her charge, all the while knowing she is beneath him. She believes he will forget about his angel once he returns to his estate.While healing, Justin notices Perdita's birthmark and concludes that she might be a lost heiress who happens to be his ward. He trains her to become a member of the Ton and takes her to his home. Soon attempts on her life occur, even as they fall in love.THE WISH is an exciting non-stop historical romantic thriller centering on the discovery of a lost heiress. The tale is fast-paced and loaded with action. The lead characters are a charming duo whose social standing appears capable of destroying their love faster than the villain can kill either one of them. Readers who try this enjoyable Regency romantic suspense will learn why the great Nora Roberts places Marianne Willman on the top of her short list of must read writers.Harriet Klausner