Ann M. Beardsley
Scribes World Reviews
This book is well written, and while set in a historical period, is not so overwhelming in historical detail that it becomes a hindrance to the romance. Perhaps it could best be described as a "romp through history," but that doesn't quite do it justice, as it kept me up past my bedtime. The characters are engaging, and the author has done a good job making Angelica true to the era of which she writes, rather than simply setting a modern-minded woman in the midst of 18th century America.
Faith V. Smith
Author of "Viking, Go Home" and "Immortal Justice"
Waldron depicts the era of America's bid for freedom, using the conflict to bring her hero and heroine together against all odds. Sweet.
from Blogger News Network
October 5, 2007
It begins straightforwardly enough at an elegant ball, seeming to be just another romance novels; the beautiful and spirited heroine, the studly and devastatingly attractive yet mysterious hero and the menacing, Snidely Whiplashesque villain determined to assault the heroines’ virtue.
. . . It’s rather like biting into a cake covered with sweetened whipped cream and instead of having it turn out to be something light and crisp, discovering that there is a historical novel underneath, like a dense and solid slice of fruitcake.
But rich historical fruitcake it is; deftly written and very well researched, if concealed under a layer of romantic frosting which might initially put off the fans of straight historical novels. . .
The fact that there was a clash of cultures between the Dutch and the Scotch-Irish settlers, just as much as a clash of politics, adds a layer of complexity not usually found in straight romance novels. The details of 18th century living - food, cleanliness, conditions of travel on horseback and personal safety - are also addressed in more depth than usual. The device of Angelina’s bluebird quilt patches, to which she continues adding at every stop, all during her adventure is a clever linking device. Even when they reach her uncle’s farm, there is no safety for either one of them. There is still a war on. Jack and Angelica’s participation in the messy business of divided loyalties and near-civil war is obligatory. And thereby hangs the rest of the story; somewhat less of a fluffy costume romance and more of serious historical. But not to fear - the ending is mostly happy, just as the first chapter promised.
October 5, 2007
Celia Hayes, aka “Sgt. Mom”, is a freelance writer, who lives in San Antonio and blogs at The Daily Brief. Her latest book, “To Truckee’s Trail” is available here. More about her other writing is at her website, www.celiahayes.com.
INDEPENDENT HEART is a story filled with an old-fashioned creativity that grabs the heart and transports you to a time that allows the reader to get a feel of the surrounding of the scenery along with the characters and the ordeals they encounter. Times were not always plenty and situations oftentimes harsh but with the love of a good woman or a brave man, obstacles could be victorious. Jack and Angelica were in-depth characters that I rooted for all the way to the end.
Juliet Waldron has a style of writing that emits sensation throughout her words. She weaves a story through a war that does not paint a pretty picture but it depicts the truth surrounding it and how people still had dreams and lifelong ambitions in life. This story has heart and the characters make it a lasting read more than once. Ms. Waldron�s beautiful words are elegant and make this story a classic.
Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual
Reviewer: Linda
November 3, 2005