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Sea of Secrets Amanda DeWees Books

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Sea of Secrets Amanda DeWees Books

I agreed to read this book because it's written by a friend's friend. In a million years I never would've selected it from a stack of others, and I would've missed out. Sea of Secrets is a stunning and exciting historical novel about a young woman's introduction to the politics of nobility - including the intrigue of murder, suicide, and questionable motives (all the story-stuff we love to get lost in). It's written from Oriel's point of view; a perceptive yet naive young woman who stumbles her way into proper society after enduring a chilly childhood in her father's home. It's a romance - not usually my first choice, but the characters are so properly imperfect that I fell in love instantly. The duchess is beautiful, the hero is handsome and brooding, and the heroine blossoms step-by-tentative-step, exactly in a way most of us can relate to and recall from our youth.

I had trouble putting this book down. At one point, when my ereader battery threatened to turn off, I literally shouted, "NO!" in the oil change store. It shocked my fellow-customers but not so much as myself, when I was jolted back to 2012 America from the land of soothing ocean tides, blustery winter breezes, and the feel of taffeta against my skin.

Everything about this book is rich in detail and authenticity. Bravo, Ms. DeWees. I want more!


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Sea of Secrets Amanda DeWees Books Reviews

Reminiscent of Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights, "Sea of Secrets" is a gloriously dark psychological tale set in the 1850s that is all but impossible to put down. For fans of Gothic literature, Ms. DeWees weaves a decadent and satisfying story, written in such eloquent and authentic English prose, one must glance back at the cover to confirm it was written in the 21st century and not in an earlier time period. All the required Gothic details are present, the heroine in distress, a predictably gloomy English coastal setting, the well-drawn characters and a glimpse into familial madness, murder and intrigue. From page one I was swept back to the Victorian era and in to the life of twenty-one year-old Oriel Pembroke who, after her brother Lionel was killed in the Crimean War, is left alone with a viciously cruel father who disinherits and disowns her. Motherless and alone in the world, abused and despised by her father, Oriel uses her wits and strength of character to survive and finds solace from a relative whose name she discovered in a family album, Gwendolyn Reginald, Duchess of Ellsworth, her mother's stepsister.

Given a second chance at happiness, Oriel blossoms in her new life at Ellsworth where she is welcomed and respected. Ellsworth quickly becomes her safe haven, the place where she meets the enigmatic and darkly handsome heir and future duke Herron, a reclusive and tormented soul in whom she finds a kindred spirit she aspires to help. At times, Ms. DeWees's characterization of Herron, with his volatile temper is rather difficult to embrace. With the duke's erratic mood swings from gentle and considerate to cruel and vengeful, one cannot help but wonder why Oriel is drawn to the joyless man who clings to his grief like a life preserver. Bit by bit, buried family secrets are revealed with enough twists and turns in this Gothic mystery to keep readers on the edge of their seats. This book is not without fault, but Ms. DeWees's talent is evident and I look forward to savoring more of her literary works as she joins the ranks of celebrated authors throughout history.
If, like me and many others, you bemoan the passing of the gothic - if you reread Rebecca and Nine Coaches Waiting - if you wonder when formula written half chapter sex scenes and orgies started replacing a good mystery with a slow romance building in the background - if you find yourself in forums looking for contemporary authors comparable to Victoria Hold, Mary Stewart, Phyliss Whitney - then read this book.

Is it perfect? No. Could I write a review with quibbles about how characters were developed, about how details were handled, about - oh take your pick? Yes. Am I? No. Bottom line ladies - it's a dang decent gothic and go get yourself a cup of tea, a few biscuits, a comfortable chair, some soft background music, a shawl and/or lap throw (or even draw a nice hot bath and light a candle), and curl up and enjoy. Will you be breathlessly satisfied? Probably not - but I'll bet that like me you'll be content and all warm and feel good - AND you'll be checking this author out, hoping that she'll write another - if you please ma'am, we'll buy 'em if you'll write 'em!!!
I agreed to read this book because it's written by a friend's friend. In a million years I never would've selected it from a stack of others, and I would've missed out. Sea of Secrets is a stunning and exciting historical novel about a young woman's introduction to the politics of nobility - including the intrigue of murder, suicide, and questionable motives (all the story-stuff we love to get lost in). It's written from Oriel's point of view; a perceptive yet naive young woman who stumbles her way into proper society after enduring a chilly childhood in her father's home. It's a romance - not usually my first choice, but the characters are so properly imperfect that I fell in love instantly. The duchess is beautiful, the hero is handsome and brooding, and the heroine blossoms step-by-tentative-step, exactly in a way most of us can relate to and recall from our youth.

I had trouble putting this book down. At one point, when my ereader battery threatened to turn off, I literally shouted, "NO!" in the oil change store. It shocked my fellow-customers but not so much as myself, when I was jolted back to 2012 America from the land of soothing ocean tides, blustery winter breezes, and the feel of taffeta against my skin.

Everything about this book is rich in detail and authenticity. Bravo, Ms. DeWees. I want more!