The Rogue's Redemption
by Ruth Axtell Morren
Published by Steeple Hill
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Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
It may be coincidence that Major Gerrit Hawkes meets Miss Hester Leighton at a masquerade ball, but he never expected her to see through his roguish veneer to the wounded soldier inside.
Major Hawkes can’t figure out why Miss Leighton evokes such protective feelings in him, but he can’t imagine using her as he’s done with so many other women. Instead, he takes Hester under his wing and helps her navigate the ballrooms at other social events of London.
Hester quickly comes to admire Major Hawkes–and has trouble believing it when her chaperon cautions her about the man who is rumored to have ruined many a young woman’s reputation. She sees the shadows in the Major’s eyes and wants to help him find God – the only One who can offer the Major true peace. When Hester must leave London and return to America with her father, she risks leaving her heart to a rogue who denies that he wants it.
After Hester’s departure, Major Hawkes finds himself even deeper in despair than before. He has only one hope of finding the peace that he so desperately seeks – leave everything and sail to America to find Hester. But will her father, and Major Hawkes’ past sins, be too much for him to overcome?
Morren has a wonderful talent for making historical fiction come to life. From the sights, sounds, even the characters’ insights and motivations, it is obvious that the author has done her homework. However, each detail is included in such an unobtrusive way that the reader who doesn’t really care about historical accuracy won’t be overwhelmed with information.
While the dialogue in this novel fits the time period of nineteenth century England and America, it is also witty and at times, revealing.
The romance thread is definitely one of the major focuses of the book, but Morren also gives both the hero and heroine their own obstacles to overcome. You will identify with Hester and her struggle between honoring her father’s wishes and following her heart. And I believe Major Hawkes’ search for peace and battle with his own mortality will touch many hearts.
Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended!
Author’s Web site: http://www.RuthAxtellMorren.com