This week I’ve been reading another Kathleen E. Woodiwiss book – Ashes in the Wind.
It begins during the American civil war in occupied New Orleans with a dirty ragamuffin lad arriving on a steam boat. Things are not as they appear and the story in fact follows the trials of one Alaina MacGaren, a wanted spy to the Yankee army, but a kind hearted southern belle to the Confederates. She was forced by circumstances to leave her home and her old life behind and live in disguise as the boy ‘Al’.
Times are difficult and life hasn’t been easy for Alaina, having lost her parents and younger brother and many trials still lay ahead of her. The most interesting is presented in the form of Cole Latimer, a Yankee Captain, working in the army hospital in the city. He’s a committed surgeon with high standards, good skills and it proud to do his bit for the USA effort.
Not realising that the sprightly boy is in reality a beautiful young woman hidden beneath layers of dirt and jaggedly cropped hair, they form a reluctant relationship. War, honour and pride come between them. But beneath the jibes and the war of words and tempers between them a relationship that neither understands blossoms. Alaina is truly hurt when Cole is tricked into marriage to her hateful cousin Roberta, but she can’t admit to herself why and lets him go without revealing the truth. But the tale doesn’t end here and there is more to Alaina than Cole had ever guessed.
Go give this book a try.
It’s a great read and don’t let the cover put you off!
Rhian
xx
Love this book. Thanks again! I might have to start it again!