Oh I absolutely adored this story. I am a big fan of this author. I really hated how Harriet's family treated her and worshipped Clara. I can't wait to read Clara's story.

Harriet Anderson has convinced herself that she is lacking in the looks department so she dresses the part. While funny and outgoing with her knitting club friends at St Ives, she is painfully shy, especially with members of the opposite sex. Mostly ignored by her parents whose attention is focused on marrying off her beautiful sister to a member of The Ton, she is enticed into accepting a lucrative position as "interior decorator". Her photographic memory is a Godsend for Augustus Lawton, Earl of Berkley whose home (a castle) was vindictively reconstructed into a floral Victorian style by his late wife while he was spending time in America (to avoid her anger at their arranged marriage). Upon his arrival home after two years abroad, he is flabbergasted to see his beloved Costille House transformed into a feminine abode. Despite the numerous guests at her celebratory last night of freedom before his expected return, the two have a vicious argument and by morning she is found dead. After discovering a diary which laments her plight in life, her demise is considered a suicide and the Earl is off the hook.

Now, two years later, Berkley is ready to move on and wants his Castle returned to the way it's been for the past 300 years. Enter Harriet who had previously toured the location and remembers exactly where to place each of the original items found strewn about the barn. The workers learn to respect her role as she directs the construction which must be completed in time for the Christmas Ball where the Earl can show off to his invited guests including numerous perspective brides.

As the two work closely together on the project, "Gus" (the Earl's moniker from the American West) finds himself attracted to Harriet whose plain attire can't hide her beautiful eyes and charming smile and he finds himself wondering if there's an attractive body under her ill fitting clothes. Unfortunately, the difference in their stations is a deal breaker as far as marriage is concerned, since the Andersons, despite their wealth from a tin mine purchase, are Cornish commoners with the course manners to match their background. While Harriet refuses to be his mistress, it is impossible to ignore their growing attraction, so a compromise is reached. Once her task is complete, the ten thousand pounds can be used to purchase her dream house and guarantee her independence, even providing a place for her sister to live if she, too, wants to escape the constant harping of their parents.

Of course, not everything goes as planned in The Earl Most Likely by Jane Goodger, Book Two in The Brides of St Ives series. Besides the repercussions of their romance, there is also some questions about the first wife's supposed suicide. The outrageous behavior of Mrs Anderson provides some entertaining moments, especially when the "lady" imbibes her favorite beverage. When Mr Anderson follows suit, there is sure to be bedlam. It is hard not to love the gentle, obedient sister Clara who, despite her mother's ministrations, refuses to marry any of the potential suitors.

Some of the characters from The Bad Luck Bride (Book 1) make an appearance, but the Victorian Romance would have been stronger if they played a more central role and their characters were further developed. The Earl tended to be a little fickle, flitting about and at times indecisive and we never did get a good grasp about his grandmother who made a couple of appearances. Goodger also lost an opportunity with the murder mystery subplot which was anticlimactic after an interesting build up. However, it was a quick read and despite its flaws held my interest especially regarding the passionate relationship between the two main characters.

Three and a half stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review also appears on my blog, Gotta Read.

This was interesting. I don't have much experience with this author but it was good.

In The Earl Most Likely, we meet Harriet Anderson, a heroine with a difference. Harriet is plain compared to her beautiful older sister Clara, ignored by her parents and everyone else except a few close friends. Harriet, however, has a special talent. She has a photographic memory, remembering literally everything she has seen even if only at a passing glance. When her talent comes to the attention of Lord Berkley, master of the magnificent Costille House, he realizes that Harriet’s gift is exactly what he needs. His deceased wife made over his beloved home into a ghastly, floral, over-decorated Victorian disaster, and he needs Harriet’s particular talents to help restore it to its former medieval glory.


Harriet and Augustus were a delightful couple, even if I did want to whack Gus over the head with a blunt object once or twice for being far too concerned about his position. Especially for someone who had spent several years in the American West, his insistence that he needed to marry a ‘suitably bred lady’ was baffling.



Of course, he finally came to his senses, at which point Harriet’s ghastly mother almost ruined everything. This was the point at which the story fell down a little bit, for me, because although they both recognised the social consequences of marrying and even discussed it with other people, the book then ended without them really addressing the issue and what it would mean for them and their children.

An enjoyable read with a really unusual heroine, but I have to take off a star for the ending just not quite hitting the spot. Four stars.

I loved Harriet and Gus's story!! Harriet is finally able to use her memory for something other than just a parlor trick and get out of the house to do it! Gus doesn't want anything more than to restore his family home to the glory that it once was. Neither expected to find their HEA!!

I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out! It stars Clara, Harriet's sister, and will come out in Aug.

Jane has done it again, another outstanding Historical Romance with a wonderful and unique plot and absolutely lovable characters that come to life for your reading pleasure. Jane's stories are full of laughter, heartfelt emotion, and best of all what we all read Historical Romance, a love to last a lifetime and beyond.
What do you get when you have a plain, skinny girl who is the daughter of a tin mine owner with a photographic memory and a heart full of courage and strength and a handsome Earl who needs help restoring his ancestral home back to the way it was before his dead wife practically destroyed the history of the estate. An enthralling and witty read that will leave you never wanting it to end.
This is a story about the preconceived notions of both the common people and the titled. Augustus has plans that do not include a girl that makes him crazy with lust. He needs his home restored so that he can hold a ball and find a proper young lady to marry and produce heirs. Only he doesn't count on Harriet. She is not the plain or common girl he first thought, and he wants her. Harriet knows that she will never marry because she has been ignored by everyone except her beloved younger sister. Her parents practically act like she doesn't exist. Here is her chance to experience what life has to offer and she jumps right in.
To find out what happens you will need to read this book. It is the second in The Brides of St. Ives Series but can be read as a stand-alone. If you have never read a book by Jane, I say it's about time and this one is a great place to start.

This was the first book I have ever read by Jane Goodger, but it won't be the last. This story has me captivated right from the beginning. It was so different from any other plot that I read. The heroine in the book is named Harriet. Harriet is the plain second daughter of a well-to-do tin Miner. Her older sister Claire, is beautiful, and the daughter her parents are shopping around for a title. But Harriet is is special in that she has eidetic memory. Her friends love to play a game in which Harriet is blindfolded. they challenge her to describe things in the room.
Enter Lord Berkley, Augustus. He needs someone to help him restore his estate to its previous state. His deceased wife tore it apart and tried to modernize it. He needs someone to help him remember what it look like. Harry could be his answer. He offers to pay her and exorbitant amount to help him restore his home. Harriet looks at it as her means of escape from her parents. So she accepts the challenge. Along the way I mystery presents itself as to how the original lady Berkeley died. So they set out to solve the mystery together. Spending all this time together brings them closer together. But she is far socially, so a serious relationship will not go anywhere. So Harriet must decide if she can accept a temporary affair.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading her next one.

This was simply a treat. The combination of a plain-Jane heroine and an earl who needs her was surprising and sweet. I loved how Harriet's memory helped Augustus Lawton, Lord Berkley, recreate the house he loved, one diminished by his first wife. Lenore took pleasure in ruining the atmosphere of his family home, creating a modern (Victorian) style and ruining its medieval atmosphere. As Harriet did her work, Gus realized that there was more to the young woman than her looks — she was beautiful because of her kindness and intelligence. She also believed in him and worked not just to restore his house but to help him solve the mystery of what happened to Lenore. The mystery within a love story adds depth to the tale, as do Jane Goodger's wonderful descriptions of secondary characters. (I received an advance copy on NetGalley. The views are my own.)

Truly enjoyed this story. It is part of a series but stands quite well alone. The story centers on Harriet, a 22 year old young lady with a remarkable memory, and an Earl. He hires her to help restore his historical estate, ruined by his dead wife in a Victorian remodel. Her memory recalls every detail and object. A mutual attraction develops and they begin an affair. Meanwhile her mother is trying to orchestrate a marriage for her older sister, who is quite beautiful, with a peer. Fortunately the author does not take the easy story and set the sister up as a rival love interest, which I greatly appreciated, as the sisters have a lovely relationship. The only complaint I have is the six months of no HEA. But loved the book and will continue the series.

Augustus Lawton, Lord Berkley’s, wife, Lenore, has been dead for two years. It is thought that she committed suicide by throwing herself off the top of Lord Berkley’s ancestral medieval home, Costille House. Shortly after their marriage, Lenore told him she wanted nothing to do with him. Hurt, he left for America where he stayed for an extended period of time. It was the night he returned that she died. Some think that he killed her because he had returned to find his home transformed from a medieval castle to a Victorian nighttime.

Harriet Anderson, age 22, is plain, shy and reserved. Ignored by her parents, she is secretly happy that way as she is free to do pretty much as she wishes. Her older sister, Clara, is a lovely young woman and her parents are actively looking for a husband for her. Clara doesn’t care to get married because she enjoys her flowers and gardens much more.

Harriet has a talent for having a great memory. She displays that talent one day while having tea with her friends at a tea shop. Also present is Lord Berkley. Her friends blindfold her and ask her to describe certain objects in the shop which she does perfectly. Knowing that she had toured Costille House with friends one or two times, he asks for her help in putting the House back to its original look. When he offers her 10,000 pounds, she is thrilled and readily accepts. Even though her parents are nouveau rich, she has dreams of having enough money to buy a little cottage where she can live and do as she wants. Of course, she has to keep this a secret from her parents.

Each day, Harriet heads out for a walk which takes her to Costille House. There, she directs a team of men doing the renovations. Slowly, things come together. Of course, while working at the House, she and Augustus spend a lot of time talking and discussing the changes. Naturally, this leads to an attraction between them that cannot be denied. Oh dear. Augustus is an Earl and Harriet is, although wealthy, simply a Miss. There is no way they can have a future together - or is there?

This is a delightful book. I really liked Harriet and Augustus. They are “real” people and share a good sense of humor. Don’t miss this one. The author has penned yet another great story.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Augustus Lawton, Lord Berkley is utterly incensed. His deceased, bitter wife converted his beloved Costille House into a modern Victorian monstrosity, out of spite.

Harriet Anderson is gifted with a phenomenal memory. She can recall the minutest details. The timid daughter of a tin mine owner was offered ten thousand pounds to restore the Costille House to its former glory. It's highly improper but the money would mean extrication from her humdrum life and heartless parents.

The hero is far from endearing. He had a tough life under his father's tyrannical thumb. He left his wife, chosen for him by his contemptible father and settled in America. When he came back, his purpose is to sort out his cherished house and solve his wife's murder.

The heroine is clever, resourceful and with a sense of humour. Their attraction was mutual but Augustus sees Harriet so far beneath him. He deemed her good enough for a mistress but never as his Countess.

The hero redeemed himself in my eyes with his epic grovelling to win the heroine's trust and affection.

They need each other to weather the storm of a scandal - a commoner marrying into aristocracy.

Jane Goodger is new author to me. I look forward to reading more of her books.

I read an eGalley from the publisher. My review is honest and impartial

3.5 maybe 4 stars

This is the second book in The Brides of St. Ives series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title.

The book opens with Augustus "Gus" Lawton, then Viscount Greenwich returning to England after a two year stay in America. He left shortly after his marriage to Lenore and has returned to hopefully work things out with his wife. The night he returns he finds a ball in full swing and to his complete horror, his medieval home has been redecorated in Victorian fashion. He is livid and has a very loud, very public argument with Lenore in which he says he could kill her for what she had done to his home. The next morning Lenore is found dead. Gus is cleared of any involvement in her death and it is ruled a suicide.

Two years later, he still has not restored his home because he cannot remember exactly how it was before and he fears he will make it worse. He is having tea at a local tearoom when he overhears some ladies playing a "memory" game and is stunned that the young blindfolded woman at the table is able to recall any detail the others ask of her. He introduces himself - he is now the Earl of Berkley - she tells him that they have already met and then he vaguely remembers her, but he vividly remembers her older sister Clara. He waits for her when they leave and asks for her help in restoring his home. He offers her a fortune and says he needs it restored in time for his Christmas ball - where he will be selecting a bride.

Harriet Anderson is the younger daughter of commoners, her father made a fortune in mining and her mother is desperate to be accepted by society, embarrassing so. Harriet has a gift, she is able to recall everything she see in perfect detail. She is often overlooked in favor of her gorgeous older sister Clara and unlike her mother, Harriet knows that she will never be accepted by the nobility and will most likely never marry, she would like nothing more than to buy a cottage and live on her own. Gus' offer could make that dream come true. She agrees to take a look at the changes his wife made and goes with him to his house. She is shocked at the complete change in the house and agrees to help him. She returns home and makes a detailed list of what the house looked like before and what needs to be done to restore the house to its former glory.

Gus is happy that Harriet has agreed to help him and looks forward to getting started. He hopes she doesn't get the wrong idea and think that he might want to marry her - because she is so far below his station - something he could overlook if she was attractive, but she is not (Oh, isn't he a prince among men?) But he does find himself thinking about her lovely eyes and her plush lips, more than he should because, you know - she's plain. When she shows up the next day, he makes it clear that her help must be kept secret - he has no desire to be trapped into a marriage with her. He tells her that the house must be finished in time for the ball (about 2 months away) because his future bride will be attending and he wants the house to be perfect for her. He then announces that he is leaving for London and will be back in a couple of weeks and hopes to see some real changes when he returns.

While in London he considers getting a mistress, because he has been too long without a woman and that can be the only explanation for his fascination with Harriet, because she is way too skinny and plain for his taste. He ends up visiting his grandmother and asking for her help in selecting a bride. He returns to St. Ives and is pleased with the progress Harriet has made. Later she takes him to the barn to show him something she found, on the way there her hair gets wet by the mist in the air and he becomes fascinated by her curls and he can't believe how lovely she looks. He asks what her Christian name is and tells her that she should be called Catalina. She laughs and says that her sister is the lovely one and he tells her that her sister is lovely, but he is not attracted to her and asks her what she would do if he kissed her.

Harriet goes back to the house and begins to wonder about all the changes Lenore made, they seem temporary and that gets her wondering what happened to her. She visits the tower where she died and thinks that there is no way she could have killed herself. She then goes to the library and finds Lenore's journal, while looking at it, she finds a secret pocket in the cover and discovers letters - letters that make it clear that she did not kill herself. She shows them to Gus and they hatch a plan to find the killer. He tells her she will have to attend the ball and she will be Princess Catalina, Harriet likes the idea and tells him she will consider it. She is excited and wants to share her news with someone, she decides that her friend Alice would be the perfect person. Alice cautions her to guard her heart.

Later while arranging paintings, Gus approaches her and they kiss. He then asks her to be his mistress - she refuses. But after thinking about it, she suggests they become lovers - just until the ball and then they will part as friends, no tears, no emotions. He agrees and they embark on a heated affair. Harriet knows her heart will be broken because she is falling in love with him. After their first tryst, Gus tries to end things, because he is not sure he can stick to their agreement. But his lust overrules his common sense.

When her parents return unexpectantly, she knows that she will not be able to attend the ball and sends Gus a note. He wants her there and sends an invitation to her family, just so she can attend. Her mother is in alt and thinks that the earl is interested in Clara. The night of the ball Gus singles Harriet out. He knows that he can't live without her and tries to get her alone to talk, but they are interrupted by her mother. Later they put their plan to find the killer into action, only to be disappointed. Gus then asks Harriet to dance the opening set with him, much to his grandmother's dismay. While they are dancing, her parents create a scene and Harriet must take them home. She is heartbroken, sure that he was going to ask her to marry him and knowing that her parents ruined any chance of that happening now. The next day Gus goes to see her and tries to tell her that he loves her, but it leads to a huge misunderstanding and she tells him that they agreed to have an affair that ended the night of the ball and asks him to leave.

A few weeks later, Harriet discovers something that may reveal the identity of the author of Lenore's secret letters. She sends it to Gus. Gus is still reeling from Harriet's dismissal and even the discovery she made isn't enough to lift his misery. He asks his friend Henderson (Alice's husband) for help and then realizes why Harriet refused him. He hopes it is not too late to make things right, because he knows he loves her.

This book was good, but I really had a hard time liking Gus and even his grand gesture at the end of the book wasn't enough to sway me. The book is well written and flows very well, there are some amusing moments, steamy love scenes, a bit of angst, a clever "who dunnit" and a very sweet HEA.

I would happily recommend this book, even though I didn't care for the hero, I really enjoyed Harriet and her sister Clara and am looking forward to the next book.

The Earl Most Likely by Jane Goodger is book Two in "The Brides of St. Ives" series. This is the story of Harriet Anderson and Augustus 'Gus' Lawton, Lord Berkley.
I have not yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Harriet is overlooked by her parents as they think because of her 'plain' looks that she would never be able to marry. Instead they look to her sister Clara to make a popular marriage, which is fine with Harriet. Harriet dream is to find her own place and have independence in life.
Gus did the marriage of convenience but shortly after that marriage his wife made it clear that she did not want him so he up and left for America. Gus stayed there for several years before coming back to try again to make it a go of his marriage. But his wife ended up passing away and he found his house was totally changed into something he can not stand. Gus approaches Harriet who he learns has a photogenic memory to help him restore his home. Harriet when asked to restore the Costille House cannot refused because with the money she will get from fixing it up with be enough to get her the Independence she so desires.
But neither knew that working together to restore the house would bring them to have feelings for each other.

4.5 Stars

No one seems to notice Harriet Anderson, because her older sister, Clara, is one of the most beautiful women around. Even her parents focus all their attention on Clara, hoping she'll make a successful marriage that will elevate their family status in society. The Andersons obtained their wealth from a tin mine, and the girls' mother is a truly awful social climber. Harriet is shy to begin with, but due to her mother's constant belittling, she has withdrawn even further, only feeling at ease with her sister and her small circle of friends. Harriet does have a unique talent - a photographic memory. When the Earl of Berkley overhears Harriet and her friends playing a game which tests the accuracy of Harriet's memory, he believes he's found the answer to his prayers.

Augustus Lawton, Earl of Berkley, is widowed, and his brief arranged marriage was a farce. When his new bride showed her contempt for him, he left her at his beloved Costille House and traveled to America for two years. When he returned home, determined to confront his bride, he found that she had transformed his historic home into a modern feminine frilly nightmare. Shortly after, his wife dies, and Berkley is determined to restore his home to its previous glory, only to find that his wife burned the detailed plans, and he is clueless as to how to proceed. He asks Harriet if she had ever toured his home while it was open, and it happens that she did - twice. He makes her a financial offer that will allow her to live independently of her horrible parents if she will agree to oversee the restoration of Costille House, and she agrees.

Berkley is not very likeable at first. Though he tells himself that he doesn't really want his title, and enjoyed his time in America when he was just known as "Gus," he still has a snobbishness that lets him look down on Harriet. He knows it's time for him to marry and father an heir, and he's determined that only a blue blooded society lady with an impeccable family background will do. He also belittles Harriet in his own mind, calling her plain and skinny.

Strangely enough, after Harriet's initial wariness wears off, she becomes at ease in Berkley's company, and begins to amuse him. Soon he begins to find little things about her attractive - her lips, her eyes, her hair, when it's unbound. Eventually he gives in to the temptation to steal a kiss, which Harriet greatly enjoys. Though he struggles with his honor, Berkley finally asks Harriet to be his mistress, and she refuses. However, she's not averse to being his lover for the duration of time she will be working on his home's restoration.

Harriet has no illusions about herself, and she's aware that she will probably never receive a marriage proposal. She also knows that she's developed strong feelings for Berkley, and decides to enjoy passion while she has the opportunity. They arrange their meetings at an abandoned cottage, and begin their no-strings, no-regrets affair. Though Berkley is cynical about love, he finds that he is falling under Harriet's spell, and he doesn't think he can let his "Catalina" go. I greatly enjoyed seeing the change in Berkley, even as he fights himself and what he thinks is correct and proper for his title.

I hate the treatment that Harriet received from her parents. To them, she may well have been invisible. They spared no expense for Clara, yet even left Harriet at home in the country with servants as they traveled to London. It seems that no one could see Harriet's beauty behind the shabby clothes and the severe hairstyle. I love that Berkley's eyes were finally opened to her, and the self confidence that it gave Harriet.

THE EARL MOST LIKELY is one of those books that I loved reading and devoured in one sitting. I enjoyed Berkley's character growth and Harriet's blossoming. Author Jane Goodger has written a well paced, engaging, and romantic story, which didn't shy away from all the social hurdles that this couple will face if they are to have a future together. I heartily recommend this well written and delightful book.

I began to lose interest in finishing this book at the halfway point. It had started off fine then began to contradict itself - Harriet's parents were first mentioned as merely ignoring her then later on Harriet mentions more cutting things and this before they humiliate her in front of the hero during a lunch.

There were also little "sand in the Vaseline" historical irritants such as the Earl referring to his butler as "Mr. Pearson" The staff would do that but to his employer, the butler would be "Pearson."

Then Harriet discovers evidence that might mean the Earl's first wife was murdered instead of committing suicide and both she and the Earl are seemingly giddy with anticipation at playing detectives. It's distasteful in Harriet but the Earl? This is his first wife. Granted he didn't love the woman but his whole attitude is more gee wiz academic exercise instead of stunned "OMG, my wife could have been murdered??"

There is just something about Goodger's writing that always draws me in. In this case it was being able to see just how much the hero loved the heroine way before he even realized it. It was exciting to watch him work through his feelings and repair the many times he bungled things up.
After hearing how plain wallflower, Harriet Anderson, has an amazing photographic mind, Augustus Lawton is eager to hire her to restore his home to its former glory after his deceased wife destroyed it.
Harriet, who is looking to escape her parents constant insults, can not turn down his ten thousand pound offer.
Lord Berkley, does not remember meeting the shy Harriet years before, but he quickly starts paying attention to her as she jumps into her job and commands respect from those working with her on the restoration project.
The pair grow fond of each other but are aware it can just be a temporary romance as Augustus must find an acceptable wife from a good family.
When the time comes to part will misunderstandings ruin what they had begun to build?
I loved Harriet as she proved she was a bold woman when given the opportunity to speak for herself. She was at ease with Augustus and her winning personality showed through her exterior flaws. Augustus thought he knew what he wanted in life but Harriet throws a wrench in his plans. This couple was a perfect compliment to each other and it was enjoyable to watch them work through what they really wanted in life.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Earl Most Likely is the second book in The Brides of St. Ives series by Jane Goodger. Harriett Anderson is considered to be such a plain jane that her own family have no hope of her ever making a match. Her one redeeming feature is considered to be her eidetic memory, not something a prospective bridegroom is looking for.

Augustus Lawton, Lord Berkeley has given up hope of restoring his family home after his late wife turned into a garish modern monstrosity. He chances upon Harriett and her friends making a game of her extraordinary memory and he does not hesitate to offer Harriett a large sum of money if she can help him restore his home.

This is a compelling romance with just a dash of intrigue. I loved Harriet as a character, she is strong, independent and unafraid to go after what she wants. Lord Berkeley is difficult to warm to, he fights his feelings for Harriett unwilling to see himself with a plain jane commoner. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

4.5 Stars
Augustus Lawton, Lord Berkley, returns home from America to find his disgruntled wife has completely remodelled his beloved Costille House & he wants nothing more than to restore it to its former, historically correct, glory. Harriet Anderson’s remarkable memory will be invaluable in repairing it and in helping him solve his wife’s murder. Yet as they work together, Augustus finds that besides her uncanny gift, Harriet possesses other priceless qualities.
I really enjoyed this book, I found myself smiling most of the way through it. Gus & Catalina are lovely, their attraction is there from the start & although she realises what her feelings are he takes quite some time to realise how he really feels. This is the first book I’ve read by the aythor & now eagerly wait Clara’s story & I’ll be also reading the first in the series.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Romantic, heartwarming, amazing!! I have just turned the last page and my heart is smiling! I so enjoyed this book that I read it straight through and it is 2:00 in the morning! This is a story of Beauty and the Beast but in the opposite direction. The hero being the Handsome one and the heroine being a plain jane ( or so at first sight!) Our heroine Harriett Anderson is thought plain to the point of no one noticing her.,even her family But she did have a special gift. A photographic memory so she could recall even small details from years ago! Augustus Lawton, Lord Berkeley overheard her speaking to her friends and sees an example of her recall and knows she may be the only one to help him restore his Costille House. His late wife had remodeled the castle into a modern home nightmare and he enlisted Harriett with her memory for detail to help restore it to it's former glory. What starts as a business transaction slowly turns into something else as Gus uncovers Harriett's true self and inner strength and beauty. Do not want to give the story away, but this will be a book I put on my to be read again shelf,. I cannot wait to go back and read the other books by this author. She pulled me in with her descriptions and almost palpable emotions.. I would give this more than 5 stars if I could!!