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Du Cormier Saga #1
Bitter Bonds
Brutally torn between duty and his heart, Henri Du Cormier never expected to be completely enraptured with Adrienne Beaumont, the sister of his betrothed. As the new owner of St. Esprit, Henri knows he must work his way into a tight-knit society, and spurning his fiancée will do the complete opposite. However, there are hidden secrets, black magic, and voodoo entwined like poisonous vines into the Louisiana plantation. Will Henri end up cursing himself in life and love?
Adrienne Beaumont is anything but ordinary in a world of demure, Southern belles. Desiring little more than to be rid of a vengeful older sister, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to the mysterious Henri Du Cormier. As their lives grow increasingly entangled, will Adrienne give in to the burgeoning attraction, or will fate play another card?
Adrienne Beaumont is anything but ordinary in a world of demure, Southern belles. Desiring little more than to be rid of a vengeful older sister, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to the mysterious Henri Du Cormier. As their lives grow increasingly entangled, will Adrienne give in to the burgeoning attraction, or will fate play another card?
Unknown Binding
Published May 13, 2016
23 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Heather Osborne
29 books128 followersHeather Osborne was born and raised in California. She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Victimology, as well as coursework in Early Childhood Education. In 2009, she moved to Scotland. Heather has been writing short stories for as long as she can remember. She also has written and directed several plays. In her spare time, Heather enjoys reading, writing (of course!), theatre, as well as caring for her young son.
She also reviews for Readers' Favorite.
She also reviews for Readers' Favorite.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 19, 2016
After having read The Soldier's Secret by this author, I was keen to read some more of the same. Again, set in America, but this time pre civil war, this historical romance has so much more to it than a tale of forbidden love.
One of the authors best talents is getting the reader into her character's heads. Not just the main characters either, but a number of the supporting ones too. You get access to their thought processes and reasoning, and then a range of emotions in different circumstances.
The main part of the story is a love story, but there are also the repercussions in the family and in wider society. I liked how race relations, social standing and voodoo all play a part in the tale. It all gave the book something extra to make it stand apart from more generic romance novels.
A very enjoyable read.
One of the authors best talents is getting the reader into her character's heads. Not just the main characters either, but a number of the supporting ones too. You get access to their thought processes and reasoning, and then a range of emotions in different circumstances.
The main part of the story is a love story, but there are also the repercussions in the family and in wider society. I liked how race relations, social standing and voodoo all play a part in the tale. It all gave the book something extra to make it stand apart from more generic romance novels.
A very enjoyable read.
May 6, 2016
I had the great pleasure of beta reading this book and although historical romance is not my preferred genre, I was instantly drawn into the world of pre American civil war, I absolutely loved the characters and they were so well written I was enthralled by them, I loved the aspect of the supernatural which was expertly weaved into this tale it has everything you could look for in a tale of bitter rivals, sisters and the lives they led which will leave you enthralled, I couldn't put this book down and read it all in one sitting, hopefully the author will follow this up with a book about the next generation of this family and the changing times and turmoil which will no doubt make excellent reading
February 8, 2021
3*** for the voodoo part
May 5, 2016
Bitter Bonds is a historical fiction novel set in the deep south of America, 20 years before the war of independence. I will mention that this is not a genre I would usually go for, but I needn’t have worried. From the first few pages I could tell that this author was passionate about this book.
The characters are rich and detailed, and the pacing is perfect, with the history researched perfectly. I could almost imagine myself living in those times, with the rich aristocracy lording it over the slaves.
The main story centres around a young couple who fall in love, but it’s never that straightforward is it? I won’t give any spoilers here. I also loved the way that voodoo magic was integrated into the plot, and how it influenced the lives of the slaves.
Now, every book needs a bad guy, or in this case a bad woman, and the author has done a fantastic job with her. She is truly despicable and hateful, one of the best villains I’ve read in a while.
All in all this was a brilliant read. A solid five stars from me.
The characters are rich and detailed, and the pacing is perfect, with the history researched perfectly. I could almost imagine myself living in those times, with the rich aristocracy lording it over the slaves.
The main story centres around a young couple who fall in love, but it’s never that straightforward is it? I won’t give any spoilers here. I also loved the way that voodoo magic was integrated into the plot, and how it influenced the lives of the slaves.
Now, every book needs a bad guy, or in this case a bad woman, and the author has done a fantastic job with her. She is truly despicable and hateful, one of the best villains I’ve read in a while.
All in all this was a brilliant read. A solid five stars from me.
June 7, 2016
Copy Received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for an honest review
"Bitter Bonds" by Heather Osborne was a very rich and refreshing read. I love both romance and historical fiction so this was an easy sell for me. I usually read stories set in England during the Regency period, this story is set before the American Civil War. There was a surprise to this story that I was not expecting, the supernatural element. I think if done right this can add to the story, and Osborne made it work and made it fit. This story drew me in with its sweet characters and fight for young love. Fun and quick emotional read!
"Bitter Bonds" by Heather Osborne was a very rich and refreshing read. I love both romance and historical fiction so this was an easy sell for me. I usually read stories set in England during the Regency period, this story is set before the American Civil War. There was a surprise to this story that I was not expecting, the supernatural element. I think if done right this can add to the story, and Osborne made it work and made it fit. This story drew me in with its sweet characters and fight for young love. Fun and quick emotional read!
June 3, 2016
This novel sparked from a sub-plot in Misfortune I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it!
March 4, 2021
I couldn't put it down
Brilliant story with so many twists and turns keeps you hooked till the end well done and thank you again
Brilliant story with so many twists and turns keeps you hooked till the end well done and thank you again
January 16, 2022
Bitter Bonds
This was a very different read for me. I don't usually read books/stories on voodoo , but this one was interesting and kept me entertained.
This was a very different read for me. I don't usually read books/stories on voodoo , but this one was interesting and kept me entertained.
July 25, 2019
Having recently come into money, Henri Du Cormier agrees to an arranged marriage without first meeting the bride’s family. Finding himself drawn to his brides younger sister instead, Henri faces a dilemma. Should he give in to propriety in an effort to fit into a tight knit society of the elite or follow his heart? His decision will have far reaching consequences leading to jealousy, sibling rivalry, black magic and voodoo and ultimately murder.
Bitter Bonds is a historical fiction novel set in 19th century Louisiana approximately 20 years before the American Civil War. Depicting the forbidden romance between a Southern Belle and a newly monied plantation owner, this novel touches on many social issues at the time such as social standing, racial relations with a touch of voodoo in the background for good measure.
The characters were well developed. We have a truly despicable villain in Francine who is completely lacking in any redeemable qualities. I actually breathed a sigh of relief when she got her comeuppance. It was the supernatural aspects that drew me to read this book however, and the author managed to weave those into the plot as well as the treatment of slaves by their plantation masters rather impressively. I genuinely felt transported back in the 19th Century. This was my first introduction to the author and hopefully won’t be my last.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Bitter Bonds and I am voluntarily reviewing it. D Michelle’s narration was warm, clear and concise with excellent pacing. I recommend this book for fans of historical romance set during 19th century Louisiana with shades of voodoo, then this is for you.
Bitter Bonds is a historical fiction novel set in 19th century Louisiana approximately 20 years before the American Civil War. Depicting the forbidden romance between a Southern Belle and a newly monied plantation owner, this novel touches on many social issues at the time such as social standing, racial relations with a touch of voodoo in the background for good measure.
The characters were well developed. We have a truly despicable villain in Francine who is completely lacking in any redeemable qualities. I actually breathed a sigh of relief when she got her comeuppance. It was the supernatural aspects that drew me to read this book however, and the author managed to weave those into the plot as well as the treatment of slaves by their plantation masters rather impressively. I genuinely felt transported back in the 19th Century. This was my first introduction to the author and hopefully won’t be my last.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Bitter Bonds and I am voluntarily reviewing it. D Michelle’s narration was warm, clear and concise with excellent pacing. I recommend this book for fans of historical romance set during 19th century Louisiana with shades of voodoo, then this is for you.
June 16, 2020
You know there are going to be some issues when I start a review with “Where do I start…”
Let me get it out there that I thought the story was good. I enjoyed it overall even though it left me with several questions. These questions involved things that were… not necessarily the opposite of what I know, but different, per that time period. See below.
Now the biggest issue I had with this “audiobook” was the narrator. I’ll say it now, I wouldn’t recommend her. I don’t know if she’s new to narrating, which I imagine is the case, but no thanks. She needs major work. I don’t like being mean in my review, but there are certain narrators that I’ve listened to over the years who leave me wondering: “Why did you think of becoming a narrator in the first place?” I’m sure finding a good narrator who can bring more to your story while also not costing a small fortune is the goal for an author. It’s like I always say, a narrator can make or break your story. The only reason I continued to listen was that the story sounded interesting but the narrator only detracted from it.
There were so many issues with this narrator. 1. I felt she talked too fast. I tried slowing the audiobook, but then it just didn’t sound right. The majority of the time she went from one sentence to the next with no real pause or break in between the sentences. I think had the author found a narrator who could easily do an English/British/French accent (more sophisticated voice) would have done wonders for her story.
2. Her voice was too common for my liking (Yes, that’s a personal opinion). Maybe it’s because a good majority of historical non-fiction that I’ve listened to uses a narrator with umph, or someone with a little more to their voice(s). Someone who is able to do accents, even subtly, when the story takes place in London or the early-American years is good. I could easily imagine her doing plays with the cheesy quality she used for the characters, specifically Adrienne and Francine (the females). Really, her only plus was that she changed her voice when it came to the servants. Otherwise, the characters sounded the same. The females just had more “energy” when they spoke.
3. There were words throughout the story that were mispronounced. It’s 2019, if you aren’t sure about the pronunciation, Google is your friend. For example, “Adrienne.” I don’t know how many varieties of “Adrienne” the narrator used but wow. And she had Henri pronounce it so the middle syllable had the most emphasis. “Canapes” was pronounced as can-a-pays. “Madam,” one of those words that are not really pronounced how it’s spelled, was pronounced as ma-dam. “Ritual nights” was “Rigual nights.”
Questions/Comments:
Near the beginning when we learned Francine was going to be married off, there was a part I was confused about. I listened to it twice but still… We know Francine would be marrying Henri Du Cornier. When her friend Rosalind arrived, she told Francine that Henri had come into money. Francine thought, “She hadn’t considered that.” Um… hadn’t her father already told her he’d come into money? Why else would she be marrying him? It wasn’t like her father would have picked out a poor man for her.
There was a line: “But I fear we will continue to fair.” This was said when Henri and Francine’s father were talking about business and marriage. Wanting to be “fair” would be along the lines of how things were currently going if not getting better, managing. Why would he use the word “fear” though?
Another questionable line: “She was prepared to keep the conversation polite and disarming.” Huh? I can’t remember who or what this was regarding. I think it involved Adrienne. Either way, it didn’t make sense to me.
My biggest question was regarding why Henri needed Francine to be accepted into society? He could have married Adrienne. Either sister should have been fine. Unless there’s some unknown law or what have you, after Henri married Francine and “beds” her, I no longer really felt bad for him. I mean he could have found a different family if he really wanted to, knowing how much of a pain Francine was. That was his choice not to. He didn’t even have to marry to be accepted (at least per what I know). He was a young bachelor with money. Nothing more needed to be said.
Another big question involved divorcing. With the knowledge I have, based on reading historical fiction/non-fiction, watching historical-related TV and movies, I’ve never heard of a man having to explain why he wanted a divorce. It has always been essentially, “I no longer what this woman.” End of story. That was why there were so many women getting sent to insane asylums back in the day or randomly dying, because their husbands were in charge and they could do and say whatever they wanted and other men would go along with it. The fact Henri needed proof that Francine was cheating on him just seemed questionable.
When Adrienne was possessed by the ghost (forgot her name), why does she want to give Adrienne’s body to Henri? Yes, Henri and Adrienne unknowingly love each other, but Adrienne losing her virginity without being aware…
Francine believed that Henri wouldn’t tarnish his good name by sleeping with another woman. Why not? Men slept around all the time. The one guy Adrienne was supposed to marry was proof of that.
We were told that Adrienne would have been outcasted had her relationship with Henri been discovered. How small was the town they lived in? She was an heiress essentially. She had property and money. Why would she have been an outcast?
Lastly, when Francine is pretty much left to her own devices at Henri’s house, Sabin ended up telling Adrienne that Francine wanted her. Why would she have lied? Yes, she feared for her mother but still. Adrienne could have brought help with them.
I received a free audiobook code in exchange for an honest review.
Let me get it out there that I thought the story was good. I enjoyed it overall even though it left me with several questions. These questions involved things that were… not necessarily the opposite of what I know, but different, per that time period. See below.
Now the biggest issue I had with this “audiobook” was the narrator. I’ll say it now, I wouldn’t recommend her. I don’t know if she’s new to narrating, which I imagine is the case, but no thanks. She needs major work. I don’t like being mean in my review, but there are certain narrators that I’ve listened to over the years who leave me wondering: “Why did you think of becoming a narrator in the first place?” I’m sure finding a good narrator who can bring more to your story while also not costing a small fortune is the goal for an author. It’s like I always say, a narrator can make or break your story. The only reason I continued to listen was that the story sounded interesting but the narrator only detracted from it.
There were so many issues with this narrator. 1. I felt she talked too fast. I tried slowing the audiobook, but then it just didn’t sound right. The majority of the time she went from one sentence to the next with no real pause or break in between the sentences. I think had the author found a narrator who could easily do an English/British/French accent (more sophisticated voice) would have done wonders for her story.
2. Her voice was too common for my liking (Yes, that’s a personal opinion). Maybe it’s because a good majority of historical non-fiction that I’ve listened to uses a narrator with umph, or someone with a little more to their voice(s). Someone who is able to do accents, even subtly, when the story takes place in London or the early-American years is good. I could easily imagine her doing plays with the cheesy quality she used for the characters, specifically Adrienne and Francine (the females). Really, her only plus was that she changed her voice when it came to the servants. Otherwise, the characters sounded the same. The females just had more “energy” when they spoke.
3. There were words throughout the story that were mispronounced. It’s 2019, if you aren’t sure about the pronunciation, Google is your friend. For example, “Adrienne.” I don’t know how many varieties of “Adrienne” the narrator used but wow. And she had Henri pronounce it so the middle syllable had the most emphasis. “Canapes” was pronounced as can-a-pays. “Madam,” one of those words that are not really pronounced how it’s spelled, was pronounced as ma-dam. “Ritual nights” was “Rigual nights.”
Questions/Comments:
Near the beginning when we learned Francine was going to be married off, there was a part I was confused about. I listened to it twice but still… We know Francine would be marrying Henri Du Cornier. When her friend Rosalind arrived, she told Francine that Henri had come into money. Francine thought, “She hadn’t considered that.” Um… hadn’t her father already told her he’d come into money? Why else would she be marrying him? It wasn’t like her father would have picked out a poor man for her.
There was a line: “But I fear we will continue to fair.” This was said when Henri and Francine’s father were talking about business and marriage. Wanting to be “fair” would be along the lines of how things were currently going if not getting better, managing. Why would he use the word “fear” though?
Another questionable line: “She was prepared to keep the conversation polite and disarming.” Huh? I can’t remember who or what this was regarding. I think it involved Adrienne. Either way, it didn’t make sense to me.
My biggest question was regarding why Henri needed Francine to be accepted into society? He could have married Adrienne. Either sister should have been fine. Unless there’s some unknown law or what have you, after Henri married Francine and “beds” her, I no longer really felt bad for him. I mean he could have found a different family if he really wanted to, knowing how much of a pain Francine was. That was his choice not to. He didn’t even have to marry to be accepted (at least per what I know). He was a young bachelor with money. Nothing more needed to be said.
Another big question involved divorcing. With the knowledge I have, based on reading historical fiction/non-fiction, watching historical-related TV and movies, I’ve never heard of a man having to explain why he wanted a divorce. It has always been essentially, “I no longer what this woman.” End of story. That was why there were so many women getting sent to insane asylums back in the day or randomly dying, because their husbands were in charge and they could do and say whatever they wanted and other men would go along with it. The fact Henri needed proof that Francine was cheating on him just seemed questionable.
When Adrienne was possessed by the ghost (forgot her name), why does she want to give Adrienne’s body to Henri? Yes, Henri and Adrienne unknowingly love each other, but Adrienne losing her virginity without being aware…
Francine believed that Henri wouldn’t tarnish his good name by sleeping with another woman. Why not? Men slept around all the time. The one guy Adrienne was supposed to marry was proof of that.
We were told that Adrienne would have been outcasted had her relationship with Henri been discovered. How small was the town they lived in? She was an heiress essentially. She had property and money. Why would she have been an outcast?
Lastly, when Francine is pretty much left to her own devices at Henri’s house, Sabin ended up telling Adrienne that Francine wanted her. Why would she have lied? Yes, she feared for her mother but still. Adrienne could have brought help with them.
I received a free audiobook code in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2019
Enchanting
This is a great book full of suspense and well developed characters. I hope some of these characters appear in future books.
This is a great book full of suspense and well developed characters. I hope some of these characters appear in future books.
February 18, 2017
There are historical romances and there is Bitter Bonds. I expected an entertaining love story and I got it: a romance between Henri, a plantation owner, and Adrienne, a Southern belle. But, Adrienne has an older sister who is anything but typical…
I was transported back to early nineteenth century Louisiana where the power of voodoo amongst the slaves held sway, and the slaves in Bitter Bonds are as well-drawn as their white masters and their families.
I lived and breathed the atmosphere, and so will you. No spoilers, but the end will take your breath away.
I was transported back to early nineteenth century Louisiana where the power of voodoo amongst the slaves held sway, and the slaves in Bitter Bonds are as well-drawn as their white masters and their families.
I lived and breathed the atmosphere, and so will you. No spoilers, but the end will take your breath away.
February 13, 2017
Hard to put down
Fantastic story. The setup got me hooked right away. It's hard to put down. Would make a great movie. I love the supernatural twist.
Fantastic story. The setup got me hooked right away. It's hard to put down. Would make a great movie. I love the supernatural twist.
June 8, 2016
Quick read with fun, historical aspects during pre-Civil War southern US. There are hints of voodoo, black magic, southern secrets, mean spirited sister, enchantment, attraction, love.
Adrienne was everything her sister was not. She was everything and more that Henri could have every dreamed of but it was her older sister that he finds himself betrothed to. That was a bit of a bone to pick for me. Sister rivalry can be sticky. This was handle with just the right amount of contention.
The written drew me in. The characters kept me enchanted and enthralled. I was fascinated to be in pre-Civil War Louisiana. The mix of supernatural, historical fiction, and romance was delightful.
**This ARC was provided via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
Adrienne was everything her sister was not. She was everything and more that Henri could have every dreamed of but it was her older sister that he finds himself betrothed to. That was a bit of a bone to pick for me. Sister rivalry can be sticky. This was handle with just the right amount of contention.
The written drew me in. The characters kept me enchanted and enthralled. I was fascinated to be in pre-Civil War Louisiana. The mix of supernatural, historical fiction, and romance was delightful.
**This ARC was provided via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
August 17, 2016
Riding the tide of society and a need to be accepted by the plantation elite, a man makes a horrid decision. It is a tale of two sisters and a beleaguered man who wants desperately to be recognized. The recognition of the elite is far more costly than he could even imagine. Set in the pre-civil war South this tale gives an insight into the relationship between the slaves and their masters. If you have never stood on a balcony in the heat of a summer night and listened to the drums, this book will give you a taste of that feeling. Good read.
December 13, 2016
I loved this book of 19th century Louisiana. It had everything you want in a historical novel of that period: Love, hate, betrayal, infidelity, scandal and redemption. A touch of black magic and murder adds marvelously to the story and plot. It is very well written and fascinating, and the story held my interest from start to finish.
May 28, 2016
This was a very intriguing book! A fun quick read, which is my favorite kind. It's a different type of book than I usually read, but I really enjoyed it. :)
October 15, 2023
mysterious
What a great enticing story. Legend and curses and Bayous and Vodoo the perfect Halloween story. I really wished it was longer.
What a great enticing story. Legend and curses and Bayous and Vodoo the perfect Halloween story. I really wished it was longer.
January 16, 2021
“Bitter Bonds” takes place in 19th century New Orleans and tells the tale of the Beaumont family - Arnaud and his two daughters, Adrienne and Francine. The two young women could not be more different and find themselves in a precarious situation when a new man moves in next door.
Overall, I enjoyed the main book. I thought that the character development was well done and the novel well-paced. The main characters of Henri and Adrienne were multi-layered, relatable, and complex. Several of the ancillary details were also detailed and memorable including Sabine. But the best development is with Francine’s character. I don’t want to give anything away, but her character is truly something else. While this was a romance novel at heart, it was also interspersed with intrigue and voodoo which kept the story different and moving along. There were parts of the book that I found to be a little confusing and unclear. But overall, I found the story to be entertaining and romantic.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed the main book. I thought that the character development was well done and the novel well-paced. The main characters of Henri and Adrienne were multi-layered, relatable, and complex. Several of the ancillary details were also detailed and memorable including Sabine. But the best development is with Francine’s character. I don’t want to give anything away, but her character is truly something else. While this was a romance novel at heart, it was also interspersed with intrigue and voodoo which kept the story different and moving along. There were parts of the book that I found to be a little confusing and unclear. But overall, I found the story to be entertaining and romantic.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange of a fair and honest review.
July 27, 2016
I adore Ms. Osborne's Rae Hatting mystery series, but I hesitated a while to agree to read and review Bitter Bonds, as I am not a big fan of hitorical romance. Now I am kicking myself as I absolutely adored this story set in Louisiana in the early 1800's about the daughters of a titled plantation owner, an arranged marriage to one of the daughters with the newly monied man who had purchased a nearby plantation. Add in a nice dose of gris gris and other voodoo, and you have an extremely complelling story that I simply could not put down. It was all I could do to put it down for a hour or so of dinner and family time. I rarely get so driven to see a story through so quickly, made even more exceptional by the fact that I am nursing the worst book hangover I have ever had, so I was wondering if I would be able to do any justice to this one at all, but felt it was my duty to give it a try. So much ado about nothing; this one sucked me in almost immediately. It is nearing midnight as I write this, after picking the book up around three this afternoon.
Adrienne could not be a sweeter character, and her older sister Francine could not be more vile. When Henri du Cormier enters their lives, no one would guess how he would turn their lives upside down. In turn, he could not know what great joy tempered by what appalling angst could be brought into his life as he tried to make a name for himself in the newly American Louisiana territory.
Though I do not tend to enjoy historical romance, or paranormal, I have always had a fascination with New Orleans and the lovely plantations surrounding it. Ms. Osbourne was able to take us into the heart of it all, in it's early days. This was set in the time that slavery was still legal and expected of society, but we got to see the two lead males of this story and one of the leading ladies treat their slaves very well. I was moved when the girl's father was writing his will and ensuring all his slaves would be given their freedom after he passed. I know it is not an easy subject for us to talk about in today's climate, but it was a part of our history, and I think it was very well presented in this book.
I fell in love with Sabine from the first appearance she made in this book. The same can be said for Bessie, Addy's best friend. I am impressed with the amount of time and research the author must have put in on this one to capture the feeling of the era. If I wanted to dissect all of the social commentary that slides its way into the pages of this tale, I would have to make this review much longer than it already is, but sufficeint to say, it intrigued me and held my interest. I loved Bessie's progressive attitude, and how up to date all of Addy's friends were with larger social issues.
I was equally fascinated by the voodoo ceremonies and such that made up a part of the book. There is not enough that I would truly consider it PNR, but the places it was included flowed perfectly with the storyline, and presented some very interesting twists and turns to the plotline. Some I could see coming early into the read, but others took me completely by surprise (while still making perfect sense with the rest of the book.) I have to say that in itself is a huge testament to the author's abilities - I read so much that, in general, not too many plotlines truly surprise me, and if they do, rarely do they stay true to what we know of the characters. Ms. Osborne managed to do both, seemlessly.
I will be more than happy to recommend this book to all readers of romance of any subgenre. Editing was superb, as was the flow of the story. The characters are well developed. Over all, it left me with the rush of finishing an epic saga, but still leaving me wanting more (I can be greedy like that ;-) )For the over 18 crowd only for some fairly detailed adult and abuse situations. I was given a copy for an honest review.
Adrienne could not be a sweeter character, and her older sister Francine could not be more vile. When Henri du Cormier enters their lives, no one would guess how he would turn their lives upside down. In turn, he could not know what great joy tempered by what appalling angst could be brought into his life as he tried to make a name for himself in the newly American Louisiana territory.
Though I do not tend to enjoy historical romance, or paranormal, I have always had a fascination with New Orleans and the lovely plantations surrounding it. Ms. Osbourne was able to take us into the heart of it all, in it's early days. This was set in the time that slavery was still legal and expected of society, but we got to see the two lead males of this story and one of the leading ladies treat their slaves very well. I was moved when the girl's father was writing his will and ensuring all his slaves would be given their freedom after he passed. I know it is not an easy subject for us to talk about in today's climate, but it was a part of our history, and I think it was very well presented in this book.
I fell in love with Sabine from the first appearance she made in this book. The same can be said for Bessie, Addy's best friend. I am impressed with the amount of time and research the author must have put in on this one to capture the feeling of the era. If I wanted to dissect all of the social commentary that slides its way into the pages of this tale, I would have to make this review much longer than it already is, but sufficeint to say, it intrigued me and held my interest. I loved Bessie's progressive attitude, and how up to date all of Addy's friends were with larger social issues.
I was equally fascinated by the voodoo ceremonies and such that made up a part of the book. There is not enough that I would truly consider it PNR, but the places it was included flowed perfectly with the storyline, and presented some very interesting twists and turns to the plotline. Some I could see coming early into the read, but others took me completely by surprise (while still making perfect sense with the rest of the book.) I have to say that in itself is a huge testament to the author's abilities - I read so much that, in general, not too many plotlines truly surprise me, and if they do, rarely do they stay true to what we know of the characters. Ms. Osborne managed to do both, seemlessly.
I will be more than happy to recommend this book to all readers of romance of any subgenre. Editing was superb, as was the flow of the story. The characters are well developed. Over all, it left me with the rush of finishing an epic saga, but still leaving me wanting more (I can be greedy like that ;-) )For the over 18 crowd only for some fairly detailed adult and abuse situations. I was given a copy for an honest review.
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