This was not what I expected but so much more. Following the fortunes of a family owned pottery in the times of the battle of Waterloo. The Burkes and Meissener families joined in marriage are attempting to recreate the porcelain produced by the Germans. Lillian daughter of Burke and wife of Meissener ends up having an affair with the local lord in order to secure the funds they need for the expansion. This affair leads to a tale that spans the next generation also as her childrens stories and happiness are also affected by her decision. A multi generation tale which did not dissapoint.

enjoyable Recency romance for the hordes of Bridgerton fans. Regency reads are flying off the shelf with the release of the Bridgerton series. Nice addition with interesting elements of manufacturing.

I really have mixed feelings about this book. White Fire is a book about love, hate, passion, sin, and perception. This book draws you into the story of Lillian and Hanford and their quiet life of making pottery. But then Lord Jerreld comes along with his selfish desires and Lillian gives in. Throughout the story I was looking for a certain build up or ending to the story that never came. There was too much "I can, I can't" toward the end of the story. The characters were not as strong in the second half of the story as the first half. I enjoyed the story and I would recommend it. It just didn't leave me wanting more.

This is the second Janet Louise Roberts book that I have read recently and I have to say that I do enjoy them. These books are a little different to the usual regency romances that you often come across. This one is actually a saga rather than a romance, with the story spanning two generations and not all of our main characters get to find happiness.
It begins with the story of Lillian and Kingsley. She is the young wife of a potter. Her marriage was one made for the benefit of her parents and her husbands business and while her husband does show moments of tenderness, he is for the most part unappreciative of her and they do not love one another. She finds love and affection with local lord Kingsley, who uses his position and wealth to force her into becoming his lover, but ultimately they do come to love one another. The events of the rest of the book are, for the most part, the result of this adulterous love affair and it is more than Lillian and Kingsley that pay for it.
There is love and happiness at the end of this book, but not for our first couple. Instead, the next generation manages to find their way to peace and happiness.
I really enjoyed this book. I was drawn into the world and the characters and couldn't help but want to know how it would all play out. I do think that it won't be for everyone though. It moves quite slowly and much of the initial storyline is around the romance that Kingsley and Lillian have when they are both married to other people. If adultery is a deal-breaker for you, then this might not be for you. That said, there is a moral judgement in this book, as those who have acted this way do not get to be happily ever after. It's a shame in some ways, as in some ways these things are beyond their control and I think need to be taken in the context of their situation and the time that it's set.
Like the previous book, there are a few small things that give it away as being written by someone who is not British, but it's not big enough to spoil the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed White Fire and would be happy to read more of Robert's books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My First book by this author. This is a deeply drawn out historical romance. Not the usual ton stories. Spanning 2 generations, it’s the story of the village of Jerrolddeane and the potter family, Messers Burke and Meisser. The daughter and son from both families marry and the sage begins. Not a love match but a family bent to raise the pottery business to higher standards and begin the new trend in making porcelain objects. In comes in the wealthy Viscount Kingsley whose family has lived and taken care of the region for over 500 years.
The story takes a deep and unexpected turn here, an illicit love blooms between Young married Lillian Meisser and the married Kingsley and she bears him a daughter. From the here the story goes through an emotional roller coaster. Through it all the family stays tied together trying to keep the business afloat with the Nepoleanic wars and many lives are lost.
The bond between the daughter and Viscount after his own heir is lost in the war is poignant.
As the kids grow up, trying to hold on to the business, the new Viscount arrives injured for he too was at war. Each character is intelligent and well nuanced and make a deep
Impression on the reader.

A very well narrated saga every individual playing a crucial role and with a villain who is malicious and yes there is a happy ending. Definitely worthy of a read.