Back Blurb
genre: regency romance
Having seen both his sisters Grace and Helen happily married, Christopher Thatcher is free to pursue his dream of life in America. With adventure in his heart and mind, he boards one of the first steamships set to cross the Atlantic in the record breaking time of only twenty-five days. Within the first two of those, his resolve—to avoid women and the complications they often bring to a man’s life—falters when he meets Marsali Abbott, a young woman with a past even more troubling than his own. Whether from years of habit protecting his sisters, or simply because he feels drawn to Marsali, Christopher chooses to help her and becomes her friend. As the truth about what awaits Marsali in America becomes evident, he is faced with a more difficult choice, one that will impact their lives far beyond four weeks together at sea.
My Review
5 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the Hearthfire Romance series, and this book didn’t disappoint! Christopher is a fun and refreshing character. He’s very different from both Nicholas and Samuel. I’m continually impressed by Holmes’ ability to craft interesting and unique characters that feel like dear friends. Marsali was also a fun character, tenacious and strong but also compassionate and likeable.
The setting was really fun for this story. I enjoyed learning a bit about ship life, and it was a fun twist that it’s a steam ship in an era where those are still scary and new. I also liked how the ship’s close proximity forced Marsali and Christopher to interact. The romantic tension between the two was delicious.
Even though this is book 3 in the series, I think any of the books could be read as stand alones, or in any order. This is a heartwarming and sweet regency romance that doesn’t disappoint. Holmes has definitely earned a spot on my bookshelves. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!