THE HIDDEN HEART

Author: Laura Kinsale ISBN: 0380750082 1986 Reissue HISTORICAL Publisher: Avon
Time Period: Victorian

Courageous and resourceful Lady Tess Collier is at home in the world’s wildest places. But when her explorer father, the Earl of Morrow, dies, she reluctantly agrees to honor his final wish: to return to England with Gryphon Meridon as her guide and protector, and to seek a good marriage there. A dashing and mysterious sea captain, Gryf has been charged with guarding Tess from unworthy and unscrupulous suitors. But resisting his own heart’s fevered yearning for the brave and beautiful lady is his greatest challenge. For a dark secret he can share with no one prevents the bold adventurer from freely giving his love. But in a perilous, unsure world, perhaps only love can truly save them both.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Lady Tess lost her mother when she was 11 yrs old. Ever the eccentric, her father dealt with his grief by packing up his daughter and traveling to exotic locations and indulging in his fascination with studying rare plants and animals. To say the least, Lady Tess received an unconventional education and upbringing as a result. Now it is 10 years later, and she finds herself in the middle of the Amazon alone because her dear father died of a jungle fever. Before he died, her father elicited a promise from Tess that she would return to England, marry, and take her place in society. Already apprehensive at the prospect of adhering to society's rules and fitting in, Tess finds the situation complicated by her attraction to the man who is charged with protecting her during, and upon her return.

Gryphon Meridon has been on his own since he was 12 years old, when his family was taken from him in a tragic encounter with pirates. Since then, with only the help and guidance of his uncle's first mate, he has been captain of his uncle's ship, and getting by by making both legal and illegal shipments. Fifteen years later he now finds himself taking care of a young heiress and charged with finding an honorable husband for her. The only problem is that he would love to fulfill the role himself—if only he were worthy; if only he were able to take his rightful place that has been fraudulently filled by another.

Laura Kinsale has always been a favorite author of mine. While I like some of her books more than others, I have never been disappointed. This book, one of the few I hadn't read, is no exception. THE HIDDEN HEART is a re-release of one of her earliest publications. As you would expect of an author of her caliber, she has done a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the hearts and minds of the characters. You can't help but feel their happiness, attraction, and frustration.

There's danger from others and of their own making, that makes it seem as if a happy ending is impossible. It's one of those books that you have to keep turning the page because you need to know how it's all going to turn out. If you want to read a story that takes on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and situations, then this is a book to pick up.

Sue Cloud