After reading 'Mist of Midnight' I was excited to see what Sandra had next, & 'Bride of a Distant Isle' did not disappoint. Thoroughly researched and written bringing a variety of historical true events into her fiction, not only do you feel like you're getting a glimpse into Victorian society, but also the harsh realities of the era. I loved the characters visits to the Great Exhibition, the discussions on trade & smuggling. How the desperate need to ensure the security of children, and future generations could lead to something as desperate as slander, murder or institutionalizing family members to get them out the way, to snag the inheritance is sickening, but likely very real to the time. I loved Marco's character - though felt very frustrated with his aloofness and apparent abandonment when Annabel was in her greatest need... Though all does get explained in the end. I loved the foreign angle with Malta, and the Maltese & Italian language spoken between the heroes was beautiful! I had hoped there would be some connection to the first book in this series, but it seems they are stand alone reads, with the only common factor being the location of the county & dates. Four stars instead of five, only because the pace was a little slow for me in the beginning. Fabulous story, fully recommend!

I received this book from Netgalley & Howard Books in return for my honest review.