Review & Giveaway: Salt Bride by Lucinda Brant

   “When the Earl of Salt Hendon marries squire’s daughter Jane Despard, Society is aghast, convinced the Earl has lost his head over a beautiful face. But Jane and Lord Salt share a brief secret past, one that caused mistrust, heartache and misery. Four years on, they are forced into a marriage neither wants: the Earl to honor a dying man’s wish, Jane to save her stepbrother from financial ruin. Beautiful inside and out, the patient and ever optimistic Jane believes love conquers all; the Earl will take some convincing. Can the newlyweds overcome past prejudices and sinister family opposition to fall in love all over again?”

In my opinion historical fiction is one of the most challenging genres to do well. One must not only develop a well written and inviting story line with engaging characters and a finely executed plot…but all while keeping a reader’s undivided attention and this must be done while also keeping true to a specific time period and it’s factual and manufactured authenticity within the story. Not an easy endeavor by any means. However it is an attempt that is very well accomplished in Australian author Lucinda Brant’s Georgian historical romance Salt Bride. 

The somewhat tragic tale of the lovely but fallen Jane Despard and her seemingly unwilling suitor Lord Salt Hendon is one that is not only well-researched and perfectly paced but also simply beautifully written. Rarely do I find historical romances that allow just enough “romance” to entice my more feminine sensibilities without going overboard sentimentally or taking things too far in the opposite direction and becoming a lurid tale that would make any reader of that time period or any other blush. Not so with the enchanting Salt Bride which manages to find a perfect balance between romance, lust and the ever sought and often illusive idea of true love.

The story itself revolves around a moment of youthful passion and the years of confusion, treachery and yet never-ending love that follow. Both the hero and heroine of the book are strong characters that readers will immediately connect with and have a vested interest in their happiness or lack thereof. The tale itself is one of originality and creates layer upon layer of well executed and perfectly engrossing fiction for lovers of the historical genre.

I myself was lucky to come into contact with Lucinda during my Georgette Heyer celebration in August when she so generously wrote a fabulous guest post for Stiletto Storytime. I cannot say how glad I am that I did otherwise I might never have been exposed to her work. After devouring Salt Bride I will now be looking into her other works immediately. Brant’s talent is undeniable and I can’t wait to get lost in more of her wonderful storytelling. Dare I admit…I enjoyed Salt Bride more than many of Georgette Heyer’s own beloved works and that is high praise indeed. To learn more about Lucinda and her work you can visit her website here.

 Book Giveaway

As a special treat thanks to the extremely generous Lucinda Brant one lucky reader of Stiletto Storytime will win their very own hardcover copy of Salt Bride to curl up and enjoy at their leisure. Giveaway ends midnight EST November 29, 2011. This giveaway is open internationally. Winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by e-mail address. Good Luck to all and Happy Reading!

To enter simply comment below and share your favorite historical time period of which you enjoy reading about and why? Are you a dedicated regency fan or does the civil war period tickle your fancy? I would love to know and any favorite book suggestions are always welcome as well.

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