"Solid American Civil War romance"

In 1861 Virginia, Annabelle Hallston is unhappy that even in death her father has sold her out to pay his debts and those incurred by her two brothers. She accepts the deal between Peyton Kincaid and her deceased father only because she is worried about her younger sibling Bo. Still she adds a few stipulations as does Peyton's angry son Royce the other target. The two will wed, keep their marriage secret, and Royce demands Annabelle inherits all as he plans to vanish out west without any offspring.

At the end of the Civil War, Royce returns home to fulfill one of his codas that he will give his wife one year to decide to divorce him. As he becomes better acquainted with the intrepid Annabelle, Royce realizes he prays she will not send him packing. Annabelle also loves her husband, but knows his freedom is what he desires so plans to let home go even though that is the last thing she wants in life.

Fans of American Civil War romances will appreciate this pleasant tale. The story line is well written though the animosity of the hero towards his father and the lead female's brother towards her husband is not clear for most of the tale although her sibling may resent his inability to offer any options. The characters make the tale as they bring to life the years just before, during, and just after the War Between the States.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted December 25, 2003

Summary

Orphaned and penniless as war clouds threaten the land, Annabelle Hallston has vowed to do anything to keep her younger brother safe -- which brings her to Royce Kincaid, the notorious black sheep scion of an aristocratic family. Arrogant, dissolute, and handsome as the Devil, Royce is the sort of rogue Annabelle would never have associated with -- let alone have agreed to marry! -- had her situation been less desperate. But while he is no gentleman, an honorable heart beats beneath his cool exterior. Royce Kincaid cannot -- will not -- believe in love. But a marriage would provide this proud, independent lady with a home, even as their world crumbles around them. Annabelle can see the fine, tormented man behind the scoundrel's mask, but how can she give her heart to one who will only break it? Yet, perhaps, in this time of great turmoil, her love will be the key that unlocks his true passion and frees his wounded soul.