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The War of 1812 and an American woman in the Court of St. James . . . .
Erica Langston lives in a comfortable home and her father owns a thriving business, showing no outward signs of the struggles and fears faced by her Acadian forebearers. Everything is perfect in her world. Her dad entrusts her with business matters, since her brother has no head for numbers, and she has discovered a new business venture her family will profit in. Then one terrible morning when the family is still in their nightclothes, British soldiers march on the city of Washington to torch government buildings. Someone sets fire to the Langston business and in the ensuing panic; her father is hit over the head by a British soldier and dies in Erica’s arms.
Major Gareth Powers will never forget the beautiful young woman who confronted him in the streets of Washington after her father’s tragic death at the hands of his men. He’d given no orders to attack civilians or non-government buildings, but in the panicked masses crowding the streets, he could hardly be held responsible. His men had orders and the Americans were hindering them from carrying them out. Even after he returned to England and took a job as a printer, he still remembers the young American’s grief.
After her father’s death, Erica’s family business struggles. She discovers the British still owe her father money and she needs it for the family to survive. She takes a trip to England, hoping to recoup the monies owed. A U.S. diplomat in the Court of St. James puts her in contact with Gareth and his friends. When the banker refuses to listen to her pleas for the money, Erica tells Gareth her troubles and he introduces her to the one man who might be able to help. Can he? What will Erica have to do to get her family’s gold? And who has placed a price on her head?
I read the Song of Acadia series which Mr. Bunn co-wrote with Janette Oke. I had no idea this book would be a continuation of this series. The first book of a new series, Heirs of Acadia, THE SOLITARY ENVOY is a must read for those who read and loved the Song of Acadia series. THE SOLITARY ENVOY easily stands alone, so even those who haven’t read the previous series will not feel left out.
Even though Erica is likeable, I found her a bit larger than life. Women didn’t have the rights men did in 1812 and I found it a bit unrealistic that she could go into the world of men and expect to be listened to. She took over in many areas and was everyone’s answers to prayer, which is a bit far fetched. Gareth, on the other hand, is a loveable hero, even if he was a bit sickly after the war. I hoped Erica would be able to help with her family’s financial struggles and forgive Gareth for being there when her father was killed.
Readers will fall in love with THE SOLITARY ENVOY and will want to keep an
eye out for the sequel THE INNOCENT LIBERTINE due out in the fall. I
couldn’t put this book down, and highly recommend it to anyone who likes
historical Christian women’s fiction.
Reviewed by Laura
for The Road to Romance
February 28, 2004
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