Book Review: Seeking Persephone

So last night I was all hopped up on gingerbread cookies and thought that I would cruise Amazon for a book to read until I fell asleep. I saw Sarah Eden's Seeking Persephone and I had wanted that one since it came out, so I clicked the button (it's so easy!) and said Merry Christmas to myself.

It was 10:30 p.m. so I went upstairs and told myself I'd only read the first chapter and then go to bed. I read one chapter, then two, then three, and the next thing I knew it was 2:30 a.m. and I was finished.

It was that good.

I love regency romance and I love the way that Sarah's characters are flawed, but still empathetic. The main character, Adam, Duke of Kielder, has kept himself aloof from the world because he has some major scars on his face. He comes to a point where he needs to take a bride, but after having suffered women fainting at the sight of him and pitying looks from others, he makes an offer for a woman sight unseen, whose family needs his money. What he doesn't count on is Persephone Lancaster being beautiful and intriguing.

The story would seem to be cliche at first, but the author gives so many layers to the characters and their problems as they try to get to know each other and move past issues that seem to come between them, it is riveting. And the romance is so subtle that I was anticipating even the smallest looks and touches and I love it when that happens. This is a couple you are definitely invested in because of the way they are written.

I had actually read the sequel to this book, Courting Miss Lancaster, first, and I loved that one as well, but I think my experience would have been even richer had I read Seeking Persephone before Courting Miss Lancaster. Both books are clean regency romance reads and well worth your time.

Sarah Eden is a talented writer who can tell an incredible story that kept this tired mother of eight completely enthralled until two in the morning and that really says something. If you want a great book to read over Christmas holidays, I can highly recommend this one.

Here is the back copy for it:

When Persephone Lancaster receives a marriage proposal from the ill-tempered Duke of Kielder, she refuses—and then reconsiders. The obscene sum of money he’s offering Persephone would save her family from ruin. With her characteristic optimism, she travels to the far reaches of Northumberland to wed a greatly feared stranger. Lodged deep in a thick forest infested with wild dogs, the Duke’s castle is as cold and forbidding as the Duke himself, a man with terrible scars on his body and his soul. But the Duke’s steely determination to protect his heart at all costs is challenged by his growing attachment to his lovely and gentle bride. With caring persistence, Persephone attempts to pierce the Duke’s armor and reach the man beneath. Yet he cannot tolerate such exposure, and his repeated rejections take their toll. But when grave danger arises, the Duke realizes he must face the risk of revealing his true feelings or lose the woman he cannot live without.

Click here for the link to it.