Historical
Kate and the Soldier
By Pamela Denise
Jun 15, 2009 - 9:47:23 PM

Kate Millbrook had spent her life at Westerly since the young age of four. She and her brother Phillip, two years older, had been placed into the guardianship of their Uncle Thomas, third Earl of Falworth, after the death of their parents. Having been only a distant cousin, Kate has always been grateful. She has come to think fondly of the family and has fallen in love with Westerly in her years there. She, Phillip, and the earl’s illegitimate son, David, formed a close friendship early on and spent most of their time together. When her brother and David left for the war when she was fourteen, she felt alone.

Six years later, David has returned home from the Napoleonic War, nursing an injury that he received from saving one of his comrades-in-arms. He makes his way back to Westerly at the request of his ailing father. David was not to keen to be back in his childhood home. Though he loved the land dearly, he was uncomfortable facing his stepmother and siblings who’d always seen him as an outsider. The only thing he looked forward to was seeing his dear friend Kate, whom he had practically adopted as his own sister when they were younger.

Kate can not believe that the stranger that has come to stand before her is the same David from her youth. He is now aloof and haunted by memories from the war. As she spends time with David upon his return, her childhood infatuation is replaced by an adult’s love toward her suitor. David is thrown off by the changes in his little Kate as well. He had carried with him the memories of the fiery fourteen year old girl and returned to a blossoming woman of twenty. His sisterly feelings develop into something not so innocent, but he dares to hope for anything more.  Can David overcome the nightmares and guilt he carries from the war to gain a chance at happiness with Kate?

KATE AND THE SOLDIER is a memorable Regency romance.  The hero and heroine’s relationship took a while to build out beyond admitting more than friendship – it was not instant lust. Barbara Bell does a nice job rounding out her characters; both the main characters and the secondary characters have distinct characteristics that make this an enjoyable read. There is a treat in store for you when picking up this novel.