Category: Adult
Genre: Romance, Suspense
Content: Strong Language
When Eve North returns
to Athmore after three years’ estrangement from her husband, Justin, she
finds the great and sprawling English estate—and Justin
himself—considerably changed. But Eve has changed as well. She knows the
mistakes she made in her marriage, is prepared to admit culpability in
their separation, and now dares to win back his love. But for all Eve
knows, for all she remembers, and for all she’s ready to face, she still
enters Athmore dangerously unaware of what awaits her.
Athmore has its secrets—and those who protect them, including Justin;
his brother, Marc, who once preyed on Eve’s emotions; and Justin’s new
fiancée, a cool manipulator who now has everything she wants. Eve’s only
ally appears to be the old family gardener who has carved from the
green-black yew a topiary garden in the form of a magnificent chessboard
as both a masterpiece and a warning.
Years ago as a teen I went through my mom's old books and found Phyllis A. Whitney's book Snowfire and I read it. I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I wanted to get back to reading something vintage and try something similar to Mary Stewart's books. I saw this book and thought, why not? Now I did try reading Whitney's book Dream of Orchids last year, and I just couldn't get into it, so I was a little worried that my fond memories of reading and enjoying Snowfire were maybe a bit too fond. It has been a long time after all, and I was a teen when I read it, so maybe my opinion of it would change if I read it again. Anyway, I decided to give this one a chance.
Overall I liked this book. I thought the mystery was good and it did keep me guessing up to a point. I eventually figured things out though. The main problem I have with romantic suspense books that were written in this time period (1968), is that the male love interests seem to always be so hard to like. The one here was so darn grumpy and would not communicate what he was really feeling or thinking to the main character until it was almost too late. I don't like when book characters are supposedly in love with each other but constantly argue or put each other down. In the case of this couple, there's history between them. They are married and have been separated for a couple of years, and it's no wonder it wasn't working out, and I found very little reason for the main character to still be in love with him. So for that reason I liked this one but didn't love it.
I still plan on reading more from this author when I feel in the mood, but I so far have not enjoyed her books as much as I've enjoyed Mary Stewart's.
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