I really didn't care for Catherine for a big part of the book. She is behaving like an idiot and a stubborn know-it-all. Losing someone can surely make you feel like the world should stop and she behaves as if it really has for at least half a year. We get it, you're devastated, you lost the love of your life (or so you think) and it sucks, but wasting six months of your life lying in bed drugged and bemoaning your fate can't possibly be helping you!

I figured out Glynneth's secret almost as soon as she appeared and I really didn't care for her at all, throughout the book. The only part that I wasn't expecting was (view spoiler)[that the stupid vicar was her father (yet another character I didn't really care for, along with Julianna and her sister) (hide spoiler)].

Moncrief, despite his weird name was a strong character and probably saved the book for me. Their marriage was sudden and unexpected when it happened, but I understand his reasons especially considering his situation. He is in love with a woman who thinks of him as a complete stranger and mourns her deadbeat husband whom she fell in love with because of the letters Moncrief wrote to her in his place. Complicated situation and understandably frustrating for him. He is unbelievably patient, though, and gets extra cookie points for that.

The build up until the revelations is realistic and enough tension between our two heroes to make this book enjoyable.

This was the first book I've read by this author and I'll probably check more of her work.