Book Review: A Silent Ocean Away

From page one of this story, DeVa Gantt (Debra & Valerie Gantt) managed to pull me into Charmaine Ryan's life.  I was transported from the here and now to 1800s Virginia and then to Les Charmantes, an island in the Carribean.  I felt sadness in some parts, laughed in others, and dislike for some of the characters of Charmaine's world.

Charmaine starts her "working" life at an early age as a companion to Loretta Harrington.  The Harrington's treat Charmaine as their own, especially after her father, John, murders her mother, Marie.  Early in the story, John runs from the crime and is not seen nor heard from, except in Charmaine's nightmares.

After learning of a Governess position on Les Charmantes with the wealthy Duvoisin family, the Harrington's provide Charmaine with an opportunity to start a new life.  They travel to the island and after a few interviews with Coletta, the three children's mother, Charmaine is hired and moves into the mansion.

Charmaine finds herself becoming entwined in the wealthy family's life and the mystery, adventure, and intrigue swirled with each page turned.  She comes to adore and is adored by the children and Coletta.  Frederic, the master and patriarch, treats her indifferently.  Frederic's illegitimate son, Paul, attempts to court her.  Agatha, Frederic's first wife's sister, is cruel and selfish.  Eventually John, the heir of the Duvoisin fortune, returns to the island and torments Charmaine relentlessly.

I found myself unable to put this book down until I finished the last page.   My only regret is this is the first book of a trilogy and at book's end there are many unanswered questions.  The next book isn't due for release until April 2009.  I definitely will be looking for the next books in this series.