4 stars

Very much an Elizabeth Barrett Browing vibe with the hero perhaps having an obsessive autistic? trait. I am of an age of being aware of their story without having to read the author's notes at the end of the book.. Like the poetess our heroine writes poems and is published. The hero is a favourite nephew of an aristocratic hermit. He is helping him sort out his library. Tobias writes to Sophia and a connection is established. Elizabeth has had health issues and her widowed father is again obsessively prossesive.

Unlike the Brownings this story has a better outcome. I enjoyed the writing but perhaps because it seemed like a slightly more benign retelling of Robert and Elizabeth's romance I wasn't that taken with it. Perhaps a younger audience who isn't aware of the Browning romance will enjoy it more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

The book had strong potential with its intriguing plot and engaging characters. However, once the main antagonist was introduced, the story began to feel disjointed and forced, losing some of its initial charm.

This was a strong start to the Ladies of Munro series, it had that historical romance element that I was looking for and enjoyed the feel of this world. The characters were everything that I wanted and was hooked from the first part this journey. Elizabeth Donne wrote this well and had that charm that I was looking for. I’m excited to read the next book in the series and from Elizabeth Donne.