Synopsis
Isabelle Rackham knows
she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out
of fashion, hers has been settled for some time to combine the
upper-middle-class wealth of her father’s coal mines with Alexander
Osgood’s prospering Northern country textile mills. Though not a man
prone to romantic gestures, Alexander is well-known as an eligible
bachelor. His good looks have turned more than one head, so Isabelle is
content to think of herself as Alexander’s wife.
However, her
marriage is not what she expected. Northern England is nothing like her
home farther west in the lake country. Cold, dreary, and dark, the soot
from the textile mills creates a gray hue that seems to cling to
everything in the city of Manchester. Alexander is distant and aloof,
preferring to spend his time at the mill rather than with her at home.
Their few conversations are brief, polite, and lacking any emotion,
leaving Isabelle lonely and desperately homesick.
Sensing his
wife’s unhappiness, Alexander suggests a trip to his country estate.
Isabelle hopes this will be an opportunity to get to know her new
husband without the distractions of his business. But the change of
scenery doesn’t bring them any closer. While riding together on horses,
Alexander is thrown from his and becomes paralyzed. Tragedy or destiny?
The help and care that Alexander now needs is Isabelle’s opportunity to
forge a connection and create a deep and romantic love where nothing
else could.
My Review
I absolutely loved the moody North and South vibe in this book! Isabelle struggles with the realities of her new circumstances, especially the landscape and the loneliness. I liked seeing the character growth in her as she handles obstacle after obstacle, and I wished to be able to know the thoughts of Alexander as he faces his own unexpected trials. I found it beautiful the way they were able to finally connect as they traveled their new road together. Their roles of caretaker and "invalid" made their relationship more difficult, but also gave them the opportunity to breach their defenses and come to really know each other and deepen their love. I liked the friends Isabelle made along the way and felt that they rounded out the story and added even more depth. Although I didn't feel the emotional connection to the characters like I had hoped, I enjoyed the story and the details.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
About the Author
High school English teacher by day, writer by night (or very early morning), she loves hiking, Broadway shows, food, books, and movies. She is happily married and a mom to four above-average kids.
