Lady Rebel

Even in her visions, Amanda never saw the face of the man who was to be her destiny…

Elizabeth Wilde has fallen on hard times; her husband has died, and their Virginian Plantation has fallen into debt due to the civil war. Andrew, her dearly loved son, is a Confederate soldier, but he is missing and is unlikely to still be alive. Elizabeth’s father, the Duke of Wyckham sends young Lord Brandon Huntington across to America to accompany Elizabeth and her daughter, Amanda, back to England. It is their only hope of a comfortable life yet Elizabeth is aware that her fiercely independent daughter, Amanda will be hard to convince. Amanda has always been regarded as an oddity by neighboring families. In her youth she was open with her premonitions some of which had proven true, so she was looked on suspiciously. Her love and care of stray, injured animals is another unique trait.

Amanda is caught off guard by the handsome masculine presence of Brandon, the man who is to act as their protector. He is the most beautiful man that she has ever seen; his clothes and bearing confirm his noble English breeding. Unerringly, he is kind and appears to be attracted to her. Brandon is also quite obviously a man who is used to obedience and meekness in a woman and is unprepared for her headstrong behavior. Her inner fire and spirit are signs of a passionate soul, one that he is tempted to taste. Amanda has a strong bond with her twin brother Andrew. She does not believe that he has died and she refuses to leave her homeland, at least until he is located. She is sure that she would have sensed his passing and has had a vision that he is under the care of a young woman. She cannot leave not knowing, so decides to run away to find him. After Brandon carries her off the train she knows that she will be forced to abandon the search for Andrew. The romantic figure has unwittingly become her greatest obstacle.

Linda Prine’s debut novel brings together two survivors who find it hard to stay just friends when they are truly falling in love. Responsibilities and vows of duty cannot change the course of their deep feelings for one another. Romantic moments in this book are sweet and mainly implied, but the passion and desire is clear. The heroine’s independent nature leads her on many adventures and it is fortunate that she is usually rescued before any damage is done. The combination of her naivety and rebellious behavior is used as the plot progresses and could be the cause of her own downfall. The characters of the hero and heroine are quite realistic; their two very different personalities bring out the best and worst in each other, drawing the reader into the story as the relationship grows. Secondary characters will also endear themselves to the reader, especially the increasing menagerie of injured animals. Lady Rebel provides an excellent insight in a family affected by the American civil war. A young woman who is coming to terms with a psychic ability during a time when it was viewed as sorcery makes this tale unique. An enjoyable historical debut!

Reviewed by: Naomi