"This author's debut novel is beautifully written and emotional."

Renowned French artist Lucien Delacorte fled his homeland following the deaths of his wife and young daughter, who were killed in a fire in their Paris home. No longer able to paint because of the trauma and guilt he carries, after two years of running, he's finally become destitute enough to accept a position at Elmstone House to teach painting to the owner's younger sister. Although he feels like an imposter taking the job under false pretenses, Lucien has no choice, so he hides the fact he's unable to paint.

Also in hiding is the reclusive Lady Sarah, who covers her face behind a veil, never allowing anyone, even her family, to see the results of a tragic accident that occurred years ago. But the deeper scar of a broken heart also adds to her lack of desire to be around people. Her one true love is nature and her beautifully tended gardens, especially the roses she's carefully cultivated. Sarah's most fervent desire now is to be able to illustrate and paint her plants and flowers for a botanical book she wants to write. She's delighted to have the famous Lucien Delacorte as her tutor, for she's familiar with his work and even has one of his paintings.

But Lucien's sad eyes and demeanor touch something deep within Sarah, and she finds herself drawn closer to him as he challenges her to look deep within herself for inspiration during their lessons. Now, if she could only get him to do the same. As Sarah and Lucien spend more time together, they discover a mutual attraction that's undeniable. But it will take a lot of soul-searching and coming to terms with the pain in their pasts for them to achieve a life of happiness together. And it doesn't help matters any that several outside forces are diligently working against this ultimate goal.

As Sarah comes to realize in the end, "We're not meant to forget our past...It's made us who we are..." And Lucien contends, "No, we should not forget it, but we should not let it steal our future, either." For these two, no truer words were ever spoken.

Ms. Birdsell's debut historical romance is touching, emotional and beautifully rendered. She has the talent to get the reader so involved in the story that, once started, you can't put it down. I anxiously await her next book.

Reviewed by Tanzey Cutter
Posted August 11, 2004

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Summary

Lucien Delacourte, a French artist plagued by the deaths of his wife and child, accepts a tutoring position in England to escape his demons.

His student, the reclusive Lady Sarah Essington, has not ventured beyond the walls of her gardens since an accident marred her beauty eight years ago.

Can they help to heal each other's scars, or will their pasts forever haunt them?