A Silent Ocean Away - Book Review

"A Silent Ocean Away"

By DeVa Gantt

Although this is an historical romance, it is not a bodice-ripper. Set in Richmond, Virginia, in 1837, it is a charming, intriguing, family saga with endearing characters. Heroine, Charmaine Ryan, is immediately likable and admired for her strength and perseverance. Some characters are not so endearing, however.

Eighteen-year-old Charmaine escapes from her life of poverty and fear when she is hired as a companion by a kind, prosperous Richmond couple, who love and nurture her. Eventually, they all travel to the tropical island of Les Charmantes, where Charmaine takes the post of governess to the young children of wealthy landowners, Frederic and Colette Duvoisin.

The children are delightful. Charmaine quickly befriends Colette Duvoisin, who is lonely and much younger than her husband. Colette earns the reader's sympathy and admiration as her personal, emotional, pain and secrets are revealed. There are countless other secrets in the Duvoisin family, however, and the reader is allowed an occasional peek or clue as the story unfolds.

Very little is discovered about Frederic Duvoisin. We are given glimpses of a misunderstood man who is at once angry, vengeful, tender, vulnerable and enigmatic. Mysteries abound in this book and the reader may very well like and dislike the same characters. There is no shortage of plotters and schemers, and, along with Charmaine, the reader will need to discern which can and cannot be trusted.

This book is the first part of a trilogy. I was impressed by the listing of the cast of characters and their relationships and by the interview with authors, Debra and Valerie Gantt. In the interview section, the sisters allude to symbolism in the book which serve as hints to the sources of the secrets. The historical details are accurate and it's a lively read that flows well.  There is also a preview of Part II.

A Silent Ocean Away is a mixture of adventure, mystery, romance, and suspense.

My grade: A

Paperback: 416 pages

Publisher: Avon A (October 14, 2008)

Language: English ISBN-10: 0061578231