This books is an easy read. I love historical fiction--especially about Great Britain. This novel is written almost at a young adult level--nothing wrong with that--but it has been merchandised as an adult novel. Too much of the novel is telling instead of showing--not much depth--a lot of shallow narration. The story is an excellent one that could have and would have made a more serious adult read. The characters are appealing--but some are well drawn and others are quite flat. Some of the plot events that allow a happy ending are not only unbelievable--they are unsatisfying as well. I was very frustrated by its lack of depth, detail, and seriousness.