by Christina Courtenay
'Trade Winds' is Christina’s first novel and as expected when you read a book published by Choc Lit, the hero, Killian Kinross, is irresistible.
'Trade Winds' starts in 1732 in Gothenburg where Jess van Sandt feels sure she’s being duped by her calculating stepfather, who for some reason seems determined to foil any attempts by suitors to marry her.
Killian Kinross, a strong, worldly Scotsman with family problems of his own, travels to Gothenburg with a letter of introduction from his grandfather, Lord Rosyth, to Jess’s stepfather who immediately gives him a job. Determined to find a way to make his fortune and prove to his grandfather that he was wrong to doubt him, let alone disinherit him, Killian jumps at the chance to travel to the Far East on an expedition with the Swedish East India Company.
Before going he is asked by Jess’s stepfather to accompany her deep into the countryside where she is being sent as a punishment. Desperate to be free from her controlling stepfather, Jess proposes to Killian, suggesting that a marriage of convenience between them can benefit them both financially as well as allowing her to be rid of her nemesis once and for all.
They marry in secret and Jess, scared of her feelings for Killian, rebuffs him. Hurt and frustrated, Killian goes to his ship and can’t wait to set sail to China. Unbeknown to him, Jess isn’t his only problem. Killian also discovers that he has to contend with his cousin, Farquhar, who, wracked with jealousy, is determined to stop at nothing to ensure Killian isn’t around long enough to become Lord Rosyth’s heir.
Everything about this book is enjoyable, from the gloriously haunting cover to the beautifully written story inside. The descriptions of places, people and lifestyles so cleverly interwoven throughout 'Trade Winds' made me feel like part of Killian and Jess’s world as I read their intriguing story. I wanted them to be together, but couldn’t see how it was ever going to work despite their mutual, though secret attraction to each other. Their own personal difficulties with each other and the outside dangers they have to overcome make this a book to savour.
Reviewed by Debs Carr
16 comments:
Please pick me, looks like a fab read.
It's a lovely story, isn't it? (Don't pick me though - I've got it!)
Pick Me, please! And many congratulations on publication day - a really exciting day for any author, I am sure...
Thank you so much for this lovely review! I'm absolutely thrilled that you liked my novel!
Sounds a great read. I'm hoping, please pretty please that you'll pick me over on your blog!
Congratulations Christina on publishing your first novel!
Kat :-)
Lovely review Debs. Absolutely makes me want to read it.
And congratulations to Christina.
Thanks for your lovely comments and those who are entering the competition.
It's a lovely book. Congratulations to Christina.
That seems like a fabulous read! I'd love that book. Historical novels are a big favourite of mine!
Pick me, please. Pretty please. A wonderful review, too!
Thanks Gaelikaa and Ellie, your names will be added to this 'hat' too.
Lovely review, Debs. It's an excellent book, I loved it - and Killian, the hero. (Don't include me in the draw, as I have already have a copy.)
This sounds such an enjoyable read with lots of adventure, and historical fiction is my favourite. Yes please pick me for the giveaway copy!
kath - thanks for commenting.
Joanne - I've entered you into this comp too, many thanks.
Pick me, please, please, please.
Terrific review, Debs.
XX
Thanks Suzanne, I'll enter you and thanks Helen for posting my review here.
You're welcome, Debs. And thanks for popping by and good luck to everyone else.
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