THE CAPTIVE is the first novel in Grace Burrowes'new
Captive Heartstrilogy.
The novel's hero Christian Donatus Severn, the eighth Earl
of of Mercia, was captured by the French, tortured and left
for dead. THE CAPTIVE is an intense, moving story
which deals with the aftereffects of war and one man's
healing process. The book contains a very wonderfully
written romance which will make you believe that people can
put their troubles behind them, hearts can mend and love
does exist.
Christian wasn't precisely glad to be alive. Surviving
torture turned a man into a ghost toting a bag of memories
that could not be shared, and inhabiting a body no longer
reliable or easily maintained. That body after torture, did
not sleep well, did not exert itself unproblematically, did
not ingest food easily, and certainly could not be relied
upon to deal with amatory pastimes--not that Christian
would be indulging in any of those.
Not soon. Not immediately.
But the hour he'd spent with his daughter made it plain
that the child, at least, was delighted her papa had
survived, and this changed the complexion of Christian's
existence.
Ms. Burrowes drew me into this complex story with her
characters. The first few chapters of the novel are
intense, dark and at the same time very compelling.
Christian was both a nobleman and an officer. Why wasn't he
rescued? What was the motive behind the capture, the
torture and starvation?
A nervous Gillian, Lady Greensdale visits Christian in
London shortly after he returns to England. She is
concerned about Lucy, Christian's daughter. Lucy has not
spoken a word to anyone since the deaths of her mother and
younger brother. Why can't Lucy speak? Is she injured? Did
she see something when her mother died? Why is Lady
Greensdale so nervous?
Each of the main characters was held captive in the story.
During his imprisonment, Christian refused to speak and
focused on revenge to get through the torture and
humiliation. Gilly suffered in silence. Lucy withdrew into
her own silent world after her mother's death.
THE CAPTIVE is a thought provoking story which
contains the right amount of romance, suspense, and mystery.
I enjoyed the witty banter between Gilly and Christian. There
are unexpected plot twists which kept me on the edge of my
chair. I read the last 100+ pages of the book in one
sitting. I highly recommend this book!
I am looking forward to The Traitor, the second book in
the series.
He'll never be free...
Captured and tortured by the French, Christian Severn, Duke
of Mercia, survives by vowing to take revenge on his
tormentors. Before the duke can pursue his version of
justice, Gillian, Countess of Greendale, reminds him that
his small daughter has suffered much in his absence, and
needs her papa desperately.
Until he surrenders his heart...
Gilly endured her difficult marriage by avoiding
confrontation and keeping peace at any cost. Christian's
devotion to his daughter and his kindness toward Gilly give
her hope that she could enjoy a future with him, for surely
he of all men shares her loathing for violence in any form.
Little does Gilly know, the battle for Christian's heart is
only beginning.
Wow, Grace Burrowes does it again! A tortured, noble war hero meets a widow who endured her own torture in a cruel marriage. Together, they help to heal each other and fall in love slowly in this sweet tale with a mystery woven in. Grace does love to have her heroes and heroines suffer before they can rise above their angst to find love, and this story is signature Grace. It made me sigh and brought me to tears, and left me happy and satisfied. (Make Kay 9:10am June 17, 2014)
Thank you for the excellent review! I am looking forward to reading this! (Sharlene Wegner 11:52am June 18, 2014)
Thank you very much ladies! (Susan Gorman 10:43pm July 2, 2014)