Title:
Gemstones
Author:
Janet Lane Walters
Published By:
New Concepts
Publishing
ISBN:
1-58608-392-9
Release Date:
February 2004
Format:
Electronic
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Janet Lane Walter's latest book Gemstones is a stunning tale of the differences between two cultures, English and Indian, and what occurs when two different cultures clash. After the death of her father, eldest daughter Nicola Gordon must take charge of her family, fifteen-year-old Elizabeth, a budding flirt, and ten year old Margaret, a hoyden of the worst degree. The three Gordon sisters live in India with their father, who was a gemstone dealer, examining rare and unique stones. He makes Nicola promise to go to England after he dies, because he fears that his scoundrel of a business partner, Fergus Crawford, will force Nicola into a marriage with him.
Nicola sets out for England and a family she has never known, and to a marriage she doesn't want to take part in, but must for the safety of her sisters. The Earl of Denmere, Drew Barlow, agrees to marry Nicola for the sake of his Aunt Aldora, who helped him escape from a devastating childhood that has left him emotionally scarred and starved for affection. He doesn't want any woman to control his life, and resists all of Nicola's attempts to form a strong relationship prior to the wedding. Drew has is highly suspicious of all women due to a mother who was very free with her love. He grew up in an atmosphere of terror until his aunt rescued him. He loves only his aunt, but Nicola hopes to change that.
Despite her fears about living in a new country, surrounded by a totally new environment and social situation, Nicola is a very strong woman who is willing to risk it all on Drew and the feelings he invokes in her.
Nicola and Drew are surrounded by an interesting cast of secondary characters and comic situations that relieve some of the tension caused by Drew's inability to overcome his fears. I highly enjoyed this novel, especially Drew's transformation from an embittered, hard man to a man who is willing to embrace Nicola, family, love, and a future of happiness. The only thing that was off putting in this novel was the many typos that should have been corrected by an editor. The typos annoyed me and interrupted my pleasure in the story. But, overall this was a wonderful story that shows how two very different worlds, two very different people, can come together through the healing power of love.Reviewed by: Sarah W.
