Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Review: MY LOVE, MY ENEMY by Jan Cox Speas


Set during the War of 1812, My Love, My Enemy by Jan Cox Speas is a story of conflicting loyalties and how the fate of individuals can diverge from the fate of nations. Ranging from America to Bermuda, France and England, the story is a cornucopia of historical detail interwoven with a fast-paced adventure story and, of course, romance.

In 1813 Annapolis, Maryland, Page saves suspected British spy Joss from hanging by Americans furious at the encroachments of the occupying British. As they sail back to her father's house, the British capture them. Page, now a prisoner, is forced to sail away from her home. But the British Joss protects Page from the harsh realities of nations at war. Love blossoms between these two people separated by national loyalties. But individuals compose nations, and Page and Joss must decide if their love can surmount their differences.

I love stories that combine rousing adventure and tons of accurate history with the romance. Ms. Speas succeeds on all accounts. Without ever being intrusive, she weaves history, sea lore, adventure and romance into an exciting tale of the choices people at war must make. Joss was a little too much of an overbearing superman for my taste, and Page too reckless and too young (eighteen). But the characters are true to their era, and the novel, written in 1961, is also a reflection of its time.

For those of us who like action and adventure with our romance, My Love, My Enemy is a welcome addition to our libraries.

Thank you all,
Linda
ARC provided by Sourcebooks

3 comments:

Kaye Manro said...

I love the title of this book. And the premise sounds really good as well. Thanks Linda!

catslady said...

It sounds interesting. I like the idea of the different settings - a little bit of this and that!

Linda Banche said...

You're welcome, Kaye. This book is different from many romances.

Hi catslady, this books goes all over the map, and it works!