Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (1939–2007)

I have this two stars for the longevity. Otherwise, this is terrible! If I read “glowing gray orbs” or “winsome” or “pulchritude” one more time…

There really is nothing that I have found redeeming about this nearly 600 page novel. Conversations take ages. The back stories are expressed at length for a chapter before the conversation begins again, and what is said no person of quality of the time period would have uttered in public. Just complete nonsense. Not a true courtship or love scene to be found that wasn’t full of tired words or corny cliches. I could not even like the characters who were either unintelligent, vapid, or just plain boring.… (more)

Although Woodiwiss writer a steamy romance, she delivers a really good and interesting story. This is mature reading that most high schoolers are already reading.

FROM AMAZON: A proud and spirited woman whose life was stolen from her... A man of secrets accused of a terrible crime... In a place of new beginnings their destinies are joined—in a gloriously romantic new work from the incomparable storyteller.

The fiery and outspoken adopted daughter of one of England's most formidable women, Shemaine O'Hearn has made powerful enemies. And now her adversaries have found a way to remove the hot-blooded beauty from her life of privilege: by falsely convicting Shemaine of thievery and sending her in shackles to America, where she is to be sold in indentured servitude to the highest bidder.

In a bustling port city in the colony of Virginia, she becomes the servant of Gage Thornton—a shipbuilder with a young child in need of a nanny. And despite whispered rumors condemning the handsome widower for the untimely death of his wife, Shemaine cannot ignore her desire for this caring, generous and enigmatic stranger who silently aches with his growing need for her—even as grave peril reaches out from across a vast ocean to threaten their flowering love.… (more)

Read the print version years ago. The audio version has been a problem to me personally - have tried for over a month to download to iPhone, finally gave up and will have to listen on MINI IPHONE!

FROM LIBRO.FM: A woman burdened by war...A doctor torn between passion and duty...A sweeping tale of love in the face of dishonor from the incomparable storyteller--Kathleen Woodiwiss.

Alaina MacGaren is forced to flee the devastation of her homeland in the guise of a young boy, only to find sanctuary in the arms of an enemy. Cole Latimer is a dashing Yankee surgeon who has served the Union faithfully, and his tender heart compels him to help a ragged, innocent "lad" in need--never suspecting the rags conceal a bewitching belle suspected of being a rebel spy.

But Alaina's masquerade does not fool Cole for long. And the strength, courage, and breathtaking sensuality of this woman whom it would be treasonous to love sets duty and desire at war within him. Yet Destiny has joined them for good or ill--and they both must follow where their hearts would lead them, if they are to build a glorious new life together out of the ashes of the old.… (more)