Jennifer Lindsay, Hale, 2005,
£18.99
hb, 223pp, 0-7090-7825-0
1812: Young Jem Riseley is
serving in Wellington’s army in Spain. Riseley is an excellent soldier serving
in the 95th Rifles and is promoted to ensign then transferred to D
Company. The young soldier has a secret which handsome Captain Tony Dorrell
uncovers. When the pair are trapped
behind French lines, they embark on a series of adventures and eventually reach
an understanding. Back in London, the
two face further perils, both in the drawing-room and at the theatre.
This novel has been penned by
two authors, though it is difficult to tell as there is no change in the
writing style throughout. The focus is firmly on Jem and Tony’s relationship,
though this reader would have liked to see the story start with Jem’s army life
before meeting the Captain. Fans of romantic adventure will enjoy this novel.
S Garside-Neville