Book Review: Amarantha

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Amarantha     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Melanie Jackson
Class/Genre:   Romance
Leisure, Aug 2001, $5.99, 390 pp.

In the first half of the eighteenth century, gripped by illness impacting the poor and the aristocracy, the aftermath of the Jacobite Rebellion, and a long winter, London is not a city of joy this season. On top of that, the unwanted suit of Mister Delderfield sends wealthy but depressed Amarantha Stanhope scurrying on a visit to her odd, but scholarly Uncle Cyril, an expert on Celtic mythology and history in Cornwall.

Cyril tells Amarantha many stories about King Arthur and other Celtic legends that begin to perk up the sad and lonely Amarantha. However, meeting the rector of Bodmin Moor, Tamlane Adair is the real catalyst that draws Amarantha out of her despondency. There are secrets about him that make him even more interesting to Amarantha, who vows to learn what they are though she suspects simple smuggling to be the answer. What she finds out is inside her heart.

AMARANTHA is an exciting historical romance starring two strong lead protagonists and a cast of eccentrics, especially the heroine's uncle. The story line enthralls the audience with love's power to heal redeeming two lost, but for quite different reasons, souls. Fans will delight with Melanie Jackson's pleasant tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner