Let's get this out of the way first: a good deal of the subtext (and some just plain text) is about a woman learning her place. As in: yes, Joanna, the lead character learns how to be a good little woman and submit to her man. Okay, fine, yes. BUT, for me, it was more about Joanna relearning how to love. I sometimes struggle with second books in a trilogy, as they frequently feel like filler. This doesn't have much action, but it deepens our knowledge of the characters in a really wonderful way.And it is a really beautiful love story.