NCLA Review - Authors Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller have done an excellent job transporting the reader into the Broadmoor family’s daily lives in late 1800’s high society. The detailed descriptions bring to life the family-owned island, the deep familial relationships, and the elaborate gowns and festivities. The challenge of maintaining appropriate appearances and protecting the family name are well portrayed in this story. Readers will anxiously await book two of this series to follow the stories of Fanny, Sophie and Amanda. Rating: 4—PL ( )

This book was a pretty interesting read. It started out rather slow and I didn't think I was going to be able to get into it. By the time they reach the Broadmoor Island, however, the story definitely picks up.

Fanny, who will inherit 1/3 of her grandfather's money, is subject of gossip. Her money-hungry uncle is very displeased, because he assumed the money belong to him. He therefore invents elaborate and creative schemes to deceive Fanny so he can eventually accumulate the inheritance that is "rightfully" his.

Fanny, however, is a strong-willed and independent girl. It's a great read seeing how incredibly hard her uncle is trying to manipulate her, and how well Fanny is not falling for it. Among the difficulties with her uncle, she also has to suffer proper society, her two friends and a love that can't be.

The dialogue seemed really forced at the beginning of the story, but I got used to it pretty quickly and it sounded more smooth as the story continued. It's certainly an interesting story. ( )