4 1/2 Stars From The Romance Readers Connection
Emma is a somewhat protected young woman in St. Louis in 1808. She has drawn the attention of the “most handsome man west of the Appalachians,” Eric Montclaire. When he declares his love and requests her hand in marriage, her parents arrange a lavish wedding. But there is trouble almost from the start.
At the same time, Eric is arranging to travel west to open new trading posts and increase his monetary wealth. He has contacted a cartographer, Luke Bowen, and hires him for the expedition. Emma is dismayed when Eric decides to take her on this trip. She had hoped to have some time away from her physically and emotionally abusive husband.
At the center of the novel is a diary of the Lewis and Clark expedition, written by a young explorer, Robert Frazer. Eric Montclaire will go to any length to acquire the diary and the novel begins with Mr. Frazer’s murder.
I have to admit that I couldn’t quite see where this book was going to go as I read the prologue. But, honestly, this turned into one of the best inspirational novels I’ve read in a long time. The author portrays the pain of domestic violence in a timeless fashion that is applicable to the present. As the expedition winds its way west, Emma and Luke become more aware of Eric’s evil plans and the role he took in Mr. Frazer’s death. The book culminates in an exciting trial. Through it all is Emma’s developing faith and the growing love between her and Luke, forbidden because Emma is married.
I strongly urge you to read this excellent novel. I could not put it down and while the descriptions of Emma’s experience are disturbing, they contribute to our understanding of Eric Montclaire as a damaged and evil man. At the same time, Emma emerges as a survivor. Try not to miss this one!
Reviewed by: Jeri Neal
Rating: 4 1/2
Here is another review of Angel’s Den http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2010/01/angels-den-by-jamie-carie-review.html
And here is a special interview with Kim Ford of Window to My World Blog. The contest is over but the interview was fun!