"Bentley Rutlege finally gets his own story. And what a story it is!"

Ladies' man, all-around rapscallion, self-professed ne'er- do-well, Bentley Rutlege occasionally tries to do the right thing. So, when he seduces the cousin of a good friend, he tries to make things right by offering the girl, Frederica d'Avillez, marriage.

Having been good friends with Freddie and her family for years, Bentley feels they'll suit just fine. When she rejects him, he's unexpectedly heavyhearted. When he discovers she's pregnant with his child and that her family is trying to cover it up and sneak her out of the country, he's furious and shows up at her guardian's home with a special license and a parson in tow. Forcing marriage on Freddie, Bentley returns to his childhood home, now his brother Cam's house, with his new wife and tries to make a go of marriage. But the ghosts of his past are all around him, haunting his days and nights.

Young and inexperienced, Freddie has no idea of how to break through to him. Bentley remains a puzzle and constant source of frustration to his family, none of whom have any idea of what's troubling him. As Bentley starts to unravel, Freddie begins a desperate fight to save her marriage and redeem her husband's soul.

Literate and intelligent, Ms. Carlyle's stories are always first-rate. Readers of her earlier books have already been introduced to Bentley and have been clamoring to hear his story for some time. He's a tortured hero and his secret is a big one. The situations are well-handled, never overwrought. There's a lot of tenderness between the lovers, and although Freddie's youth and naiveté are obvious, they're meant to be. Her growth is just as important to the plot as are Bentley's demons. Various characters and events from past stories are mentioned, and it's helpful to already be familiar with her previous books. As one of the best historical writers around today, her backlist is well-worth checking out (if they aren't already all on your keeper shelf!).

Reviewed by Sue Burke
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted March 15, 2003