I stumbled onto this book at the library and liked it immediately. The narration was dark but interesting, evoking sights and smells that sent me right into the 18th century. The 1st person pov didn't bother me because I found Emilie's voice to be authentic and consistent throughout the novel. ...
When her fiance falls ill while serving in the Crimean War, Mariella Lingwood travels to Italy to care for him only to discover that her cousin, a volunteer in Florence Nightingale's nursing corps, has gone missing.
Mrs Shackleford surrounded herself with handsome men with whom she alternately flirted and became sorrowful as she talked about her lost son. Asa was seated between a Mr Blanning and a Mr Shatton, who said they were old acquaintances of the late Mr Shackleford from the Society of Merchant Venture...
I spotted her at once, near the kitchen, indistinct in the smoky restaurant, one foot resting against the wall, a lock of pale hair hanging over her brow. Though white with fatigue, she ushered another waitress out of the way. “Is there news?” “We are making progress. You have been an immense hel...