Ransome's Honor

Title: RANSOME’S HONOR
Author: Kaye Dacus
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
July 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7369-2753-6
Genre: Inspirational/historical

Julia Witherington has long dreamed of marrying William Ransome, a man she imagines has spoken to her father about asking for her hand. But the evening she’s long anticipated comes, but instead of getting the proposal of marriage, William rejects her. William goes into the Royal Navy, and Julia returns home to Jamaica.

Twelve years later, William is home on leave, now a captain in the Royal Navy, but still just as determined to never marry. Julia has never forgiven William for rejecting her all those years earlier, and being around him again is just plain torture, especially when her best friend is married to William’s best friend, and Julia’s father adores William and invites him over all the time.

But Julia’s aunt desires Julia’s fortune and is trying to force her son and Julia together, one way or another. Is there any hope of Julia finding her own love?

RANSOME’S HONOR is the first book in Ms. Dacus’ Ransome Trilogy. It is a sweet romance, set in England before the Civil War period in the United States. Julia is an innocent young girl, living for the parties and the social engagements that will get her out and around William, and dreaming of the day he proposes. But when that proposal didn’t come, she allowed bitterness to eat at her, coloring her opinion of men and love.

It was interesting watching the characters develop and see their growth. I didn’t see much of a spiritual thread, but this is a good, unique Regency. The beginning is a bit slow, but the story does pick up toward the end. I’ve read Ms. Dacus’ contemporary romances, and I have to say I believe that her voice comes through better with these Regencies. I am looking forward to the others in this series. $13.99. 342 pages.