The first novel in an enthralling "Bride" trilogy featuring three women whose vow never to get married is overtaken by destiny. In this novel, Portia is kidnapped by an outlaw roaming the English countryside, who finds challenge and love in the clever young woman's eyes.
Read More
The first novel in an enthralling "Bride" trilogy featuring three women whose vow never to get married is overtaken by destiny. In this novel, Portia is kidnapped by an outlaw roaming the English countryside, who finds challenge and love in the clever young woman's eyes.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Good condition. Acceptable dust jacket. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains.
This book is the start of a new series by Jane Feather (see list at the end). The trio of stories is about three awkward girls who sign a pact to never marry - but do something extraordinary with their lives. The 3 misfits are named: Portia, Phoebe and Olivia. Although all 3 appear in this book, this is really Portia's story.
The year is 1643 and Civil War is on the horizon of England and Scotland. Feather does a good job of weaving fiction with real events in British history.
I won't go into detail about the plot but will give some of my impressions. Portia is about 17 and the hero (Rufus Decatur) is in his mid-thirties! I felt the age difference was very significant.
Portia's goal, in the preface, was to be a soldier. It stretched credulity that she was good enough to fight with the outlaw, Rufus Decatur. Portia, because she was the bastard daughter of the brother of the Marquis of Granville, we know that Portia has had a difficult life. Her father, Jack, a drunk and womanizer dies in the opening pages of the book, leaving Portia a penniless orphan.
The book kept my attention and I found it exciting, however I found it to be a bit much. The story seemed a bit over the top. A good many of the actions of the heroine (particularly) and the hero did not seem realistic. Feather's plotting was wonderful. 3.5 stars
