reviewsbyerin

Amelia Balfour has traversed the globe as a travel writer, an unusual position for a woman in Regency England. Now duty calls her home, as her younger brother Colin faces a life-altering surgery for his birth defects. The siblings, who were once close, have a touching reunion as they prepare for Colin's procedure.

Graham Lambert's desperation lands him a partnership with an unusual doctor. As the man prepares to operate on Colin, Graham balks at the man's techniques. Though his hands are largely tied, Graham attempts to oversee Colin's treatments in order to lessen the severity of the methods. His time with the Balfour siblings draws him close to each of them in their own way.

You know those books where you know more as a reader than the characters do? This was one of those for me. You watch from the perspective of knowing things have to turn out a certain way based on history and science, yet the exact way it will play out is a mystery. I came to care for Amelia, Colin, and Graham, and believe that you will, too.

This was my first Michelle Griep novel, but I can't wait to read more! I loved her use of language and the way she wrote this story with its Gothic style while also packing it with hope and light. My only small complaint was that the ending had a small deus ex machina aspect. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.