http://www.lonelymountain.net/books/f... ( )

Who needs legions of skanky rakes when you can have Christian Morrell? One of the most original, romantic, sexy heroes I've had the good fortune to read about. He's a country vicar of all things. Doesn't sound very sexy does it? He's practically a saint, but I don't resent him for it, because he's so very human at the same time, so very normal and ordinary in the best sense of the word, with his sense of humor, his foibles, doubts, fears, and inadequacies. He's not a lofty duke with the world at his fingertips, mountains of money, and hoards of women panting after him (though all the young things in the village do pine for him.) I should be embarrassed by how much I love this fictional character, but I'm not. He's such a good man. I'm especially impressed by how religion is woven throughout the story and the romance - it's the foundation of who Christy is, (obviously) directs the course of his relationship with the heroine, and raises a lot of the issues with which they have to grapple individually and as a couple. But never once does it seem heavy handed or preachy. Completely the opposite, it's all part and parcel of a beautiful story, a moving romance. It also makes the book seem that much more realistic, because Victorian England was very religious after all, and rarely is this addressed in romances.

Anne Verlaine is Christy's opposite in faith and temperament. Cynical, wounded, atheistic, she comes to his small country parish as the wife of Geoffrey Verlaine, Lord D'Aubrey, the local lord, who's recently inherited the estate and title upon the death of his father. Prior to their arrival, Geoffrey has been estranged from his disapproving father, living a life of dissipation and debauchery when he's not racing off to the far reaches of the empire to fight in whatever war that's at hand. We get snippets of Anne's diary interspersed with the third person narration - an interesting and engaging way to give us a more in depth view of her character. She's funny, irreverent, suffering and vulnerable, but strong. Despite the many obstacles standing between her and Christy - just imagine the torture, the forbidden nature of their love while she's married, not to mention all the baggage that she carries with her as well - they are perfect for each other. Life in the "provincial" parish and her friendship with Christy bring out the best in Anne, heal and strengthen her. Their love has such dramatic highs and lows, as well as the mellow, tender calmness in between. Added to which, Patricia Gaffney writes so beautifully - her style is rich, vivid, almost lyrical, and gets to the heart and soul of her characters. No one is painted in the broad, crude strokes of black or white. Not even Geoffrey, who commits some heinous acts and is very disturbing, can be called the villain. The sundry cast of village residents is also skillfully brought to life, so that there's a tangible sense of community that broadens the scope of Anne and Christy's romance. The prose is equally evocative when it comes to painting scene and atmosphere, to exploring and recreating the countryside, the pastoral idyll of Victorian England. Patricia Gaffney is definitely one of my favorite authors now. To Love and to Cherish, as a romance, is in a league of its own. ( )