Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran

Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran

First I offer a little background on my Meredith Duran experience. Having seen many positive comments and reviews of her books, I purchased all three books as they were released. However, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, I didn't sit down and read one of them until I met Ms. Duran at the RWA book signings. Superficial isn't it?

Secondly, I read the books in reverse order. I read WRITTEN ON YOUR SKIN first, then BOUND BY YOUR TOUCH and then, DUKE OF SHADOWS, her first book, last. In each book the writing is beautiful, flowing, with all the subtle layering and texture I so enjoy in a good historical.

However much I enjoyed the books I have to say DUKE OF SHADOWS is my favorite. Multiple times I'd stop and re-read passages that were so wonderfully written. At a couple of points in the book I got that feeling one gets when listening to beautiful music or seeing art that speaks to them in a personal way. I even remember telling GG how gifted Ms. Duran is.

As avid readers we see and hear all the time about watching for this author or that author as an up and coming writer to watch. Meredith Duran gets my vote. I can only see her getting better and better and I'm going to predict she has a long and successful career in the publishing world.

Now about the book...

On her way to British India to marry, Emmaline Martin meets with tragedy. Her intended, a soldier serving in India and the son from a neighboring estate back in England, is neither gentle or kind to Emmaline in her circumstances but remains stubbornly adamant they proceed with the marriage.

Having survived loss and societal ostracism Emmaline is not inclined to proceed with the marriage and seeks the assistance of another outsider, Julian Sinclair. Julian is described on the back cover as "the dangerous and dazzling heir to the Duke of Auburn." While Julian is tolerated due to his wealth and position, he has no illusions about people's opinions of him. Unaware of the particulars of Emma's circumstances, Julian is cynical and suspicious when approached by what appears to be a spoiled British debutante for help to get back to England.

The story begins in India amid the Indian uprising of 1857. Beautifully written with wonderfully layered and sweeping historical anecdotes, I just plain loved this book. With Ms. Duran's words I was able to picture the time, the place and horror of Emmaline's circumstance. I mourned loss and separation with both Julian and Emmaline. Through it all Ms. Duran's words flowed over me like music and poetry.

This is definitely a circumstance where an e-book could not possibly capture how I feel when I pick up this paperback look at the cover, browse through the pages, and am immediately delivered back into the moment and time of my reading experience.

If you love richly textured historical romance told with obvious love and care, you will adore this book.

My Grade = A

Stuff that happened yesterday...

It appears you are stuck with me posting in lists...

1.  Still haven't read Beanie's first comic narrative.  It's only 7 pages and I've read a page and a half so far.  *dun*dun*dun*  Will he forgive me??? Be scarred for life? Stay tuned.

2.  Shmoo has more jackets, hoodies and coats than the next 3 people you know.  Not kidding. Take one guess what his first "tip" purchase was?  A leather jacket! He's killing me.  I told him I'm going to start charging rent, that way I'll get a leather coat. 

3.  I went to the doctor's.  It appears I'll be trekking to Scripps to get my little bit of skin cancer removed. Apparently the nose is problematic. In my case the where seems to be more significant than the what.  I'm fine.  A little freaked (cuz it's gross) about the upcoming procedure, but not scared.  Does that make sense?

4.  I ate Cocoa Puffs for dinner.

5.  At Shmoo's insistence GG & I watched the trailer for THE WOLFMAN.  Wow!  Check it out. I was reluctant too, but it looks kind of interesting. Any thoughts?

6.  I received two cards in the mail.  I arrived home from work after 7 PM to find two cards addressed to me from my sisters.  Nothing at all to do with my nose, just lovely thoughts from my seesters.  Very nice.  Very welcome.  Love you M and N!

7.  Commiserated with GG over the fact we not only need new tires for his car, but also rims to the tune of $900.  The money goes out of the savings waaaay faster than it goes in.  Rims ordered.  Pockets empty.  Blerg!

8.  Finished BOUND BY YOUR TOUCH by Meredith Duran.  Why'd I wait so long?

Poster Girl

I took all of today off from work at the last minute. What does that mean? Well, I didn't have a specific plan for today, just a plan to get my last minute stuff done for the weekend without being crazy, rushed or, did I mention crazy?

However, being the Poster Girl for Stuff Happens, I instead have been playing on the internet. Joyfully playing. Blog hopping and googling to my heart's content. All of which means I didn't write the post about WRITTEN ON MY SKIN by Meredith Duran that I set out to write when I sat down this morning.

Nor did I start some sort of post for Access Romance. Nope. I played. I even *whispers* Twittered a little bit. I know! I'm such a loose cannon!

Time to get back on track and ready for the Stairsteps and the new little baby in the family, happy little GW, to arrive. Can't wait. Although I have a couple loads of laundry to do, a bathroom to clean, a rug to vacuum, some bruschetta to make and much painting and spakling to make myself presentable.

Wedding rehearsal is tonight. I found out yesterday I'm facilitating it. Power! So heady!