Love Thine Enemy

Title: LOVE THINE ENEMY
Author: Louise M. Gouge
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical
July 2009
ISBN: 978-0-373-82815-9
Genre: Inspirational/historical

Colonial Florida is far removed from the British Colonies, yet, even in the tropics unrest stirs as the loyalists and the colonists begin their preparations for war. Rachel Folger is a mere shop-keeper’s daughter, yet she is a colonist sympathizer, and wants to do her part to help them gain their freedom from the crown. She is attracted to the new plantation owner in her colony, but he is English…and she wants nothing to do with any Englishman.

Frederick Moberly has been appointed to care for this plantation, and he hopes to gain his father’s approval by doing so. But as the youngest of four sons, all wealth will go to his oldest brother. If Frederick fails, he’ll be appointed a position in the Royal navy. And someone is determined to see Frederick fail, including posting outright lies to Frederick’s father.

As war becomes more and more a reality, Rachel’s and Frederick’s attraction for each other grows. But they are still standing on opposite sides of the issue. Will Frederick gain the courage to claim the woman he loves before war tears them apart?

LOVE THINE ENEMY is the first of Ms. Gouge’s historical romances written for Love Inspired. I love her writing style and her historical knowledge of this time period is evident. I’ve read all of Ms. Gouge’s books so far (including her longer stories) and I never fail to learn something when I do.

Rachel and Frederick are both realistic characters who won my sympathy early on. Rachel wants to do her part for independence, but she’s afraid to be too outspoken with all the British soldiers roaming the town. Frederick is English through and through, but even he is dismayed by the liberties the British soldiers take with the colonists, taking whatever they want, whether they need it or not, even if the colonist is obviously poor and struggling. I enjoyed reading LOVE THINE ENEMY and am looking forward to reading future books by this talented author. A letter from the author, as well as discussion questions, are included at the end of the book. $5.50. 272 pages. Available at www.steeplehill.com