The History in Historical

Another "following the drum" book. I've read a couple of Farrell's Regencies and she's a very talented writer. She hasn't written anything in quite a long time, unfortunately.

Red, Red Rose by Marjorie Farrell
(1999, Regency Historical) 12/26/05
Grade: 4

The illegitimate son of an Earl, Valentine Ashton ends up a Lieutenant in Portugal. He is determined to prove himself, and ends up rescuing Elspeth Gordon, the daughter of an officer. They become friends, and through the long winter, get to know each other - but can their friendship become love, as Val investigates a friend for possible treason?

Another excellent depiction of the war against Napoleon, this one with more of an officer’s perspective. This is Val’s story, from his beginnings as an orphaned bastard in England to his struggles with his family and duty in Portugal. The book really focuses on him, and he’s a wonderful hero - a bit tortured but brave and admirable. Elspeth is also a terrific heroine, but she’s a secondary character for most of the book - the focus is on Val and his troubles, and on a detailed depiction of life in camp during a long campaign. It’s only near the end that the romance really comes forward. A book to read for the history, not the relationships.

A bit disappointing, since Marjorie Farrell is known for her deeply emotional Regencies, and I was looking forward to more romance with my history. But it's worth reading for Val's story, even if it's not deeply romantic.