Petals on the River [Format Kindle]

Shemaine O'Hearn had the perfect life. She was the daughter of a wealthy merchant, she came from a loving family, she was beautiful, and she was betrothed to the heartthrob of England. This all changed when the whim of an overjealous grandmother had her captured by a theive taker and carried to America on a convict boat. Shemaine knows that her life will never be the same, and all she can hope for is that a kind soul will take some pitty on her and that she will be sold into indentured servatude to a nice family or person.

In the town of Newport Newes lives Gage Thorton, a man haunted by his past. A year ago, his wife died, leaving him with a son to take care of. And, even though Gage loved his wife dearly, there is supiscion in the town that he killed his lovely wife. So, when the convict ship, the London Pride, docks in the town's port, he is desperate for a nursemaid for his son, and maybe some company. As soon as he sees Shemaine, he knows that he must have her, no matter the cost. She can educate his son and provide him with some company.

Shemaine is at first wary of her knew job, but soon settles into it nicely. Andrew, Gage's two year old son, is a complete doll, and Gage is the kindest, most handsome man she has ever met. The two get along famously, and a love blossoms between them. But, awful gossip and lies threaten to rip the two apart. Can they survive?

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss is really a great author. Some people complain about her purple prose, but I think it makes her books fun to read, and it is easier to imagine the historical setting that way. Her use of adjectives really brought the book to life, and you have no trouble picturing the drama in you head. Gage and Shemaine were the type of heros and heroines that I love reading about. Yes, they were perfect, so what? The whole point of romance novels is to get lost in them and to wish that someday you could be like that too. It is nice to read about people who don't have to lather on makeup to look decent. Shemaine was the woman we would all like to be. She's kind, loving, and she has a spine. When she sees something that is not right, nothing can stop her from fixing it. Gage is the man we all want. He's handsome, understanding, and doesn't let his pride get in the way of telling the woman he loves how he feels. So, all in all, _Petals on the River_ is a book that you should take the time to read. Although it does get slow at times, you will be happy you read it after you finish it. I know I am.