SYNOPSIS: When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater which is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.
An injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he’s glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can’t wait to leave behind. MY RATING: STAR RATING: 3.5 **** “MOVIE” RATING: PG – Few adult bits MY REVIEW:
The cover jumped out at me and I quickly wanted to know more about this novel. Bethany House publishing always has some of the best books to read and I’ve found some gems this year, specifically. The Captain’s Daughter is essentially about Rosalyn Bernay as she flees from false accusations thrown at her. Rosalyn ends up in London and eventually finds a position working for the theater where she finally finds a place to belong and people who will stick up for her. Nick Moran is one of these people who was also forced to leave something he loved: his army regiment in India. After saving Rosalyn a number of times, they each decide what they value most and where to find it.
The writing is superb. I really enjoyed Rosalyn’s character and her humble attitude towards her circumstances. Indeed, she grows throughout the book and though it might come off as conceited to some, Nick helps her remain in reality and is always there for her even when she doesn’t want him to. Nick’s character is valiant and courageous in any situation; always working hard for his family and fighting to return to his army regiment.
The reason I gave this book 3.5 stars is because of the lack of closure between Rosalyn and her demons that follow her. Without giving too much of this book away, she ends up losing her possessions and tries many times to find them again. The book never follows up on that before the end. Another sense of closure that I was looking for is more to do with Aunt Mollie and her staff, along with Mr. Huffman. Those obstacles seemed to just melt away without even letting the reader know about much. I felt like there wasn’t much of a crescendo with that particular trial Rosalyn had.
This is book one in the series of “London Beginnings” with books two and three about her sisters’ adventures as well. I might continue to read this series if I happen to see them on the shelves one day, but I probably won’t go out of my way to purchase.
I loved the book but was clearly upset that it didn’t give me closure from very important pieces of Rosalyn’s journey to success and happiness. Maybe I’ll look up the author’s other books and see what she’s done with them?
ABOUT Jennifer Delamere:
A history fan, travel lover, and outdoor enthusiast, Jennifer Delamere writes tales of the past…and of new beginnings. Her debut novel An Heiress at Heart was an RWA RITA® award finalist, and her follow-up, A Lady Most Lovely, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned her B.A. in English from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where she also gained fluency in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. An avid reader of both classic novels and historical fiction, she also enjoys biographies and histories, which she mines for the vivid details to bring to life the characters and places in her books.
Connect with her at www.jenniferdelamere.com.
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