About the Author
Millions of readers have fallen under the spell of the lush, enthralling and bestselling novels by Celeste De Blasis. Tales of adventure and romance set against the sweep of history—all are storytelling at its finest. After graduating from Pomona College, Celeste devoted her life to impeccable research and spellbinding writing. A native Californian, Celeste grew up on the historic Kemper Campbell Ranch in the Mojave Desert, where she lived until her death in 2001.
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About the book
Alexandria Falconer gazes around the honeyed land of Wild Swan, the extraordinary horse farm she built up from nothing in the border state of Maryland. It has been Alex’s sanctuary through years of turmoil, and she has come of age in this land of opportunity. But the storm clouds of civil war are gathering, and Alex knows she has a choice to make to protect her family and maintain the precarious peace at Wild Swan.
When Alex’s son dies tragically, she is shattered. It is only through caring for her adopted daughter, two-year-old Gincie, that Alex starts to overcome her grief and find comfort with her beloved husband Rane once more. But when Rane is called away to aid the Union war effort, she is left bereft.
Alex’s heart is with Rane, but at home she has the sole responsibility of shielding Gincie and the rest of her family from the danger creeping ever closer to their door. When a charming soldier arrives at Wild Swan, Alex reluctantly gives him shelter, but the two form a bond and when news arrives of Gettysburg, she is torn with worry for men on both sides of the battlefield. With Gincie by her side, she undertakes a dangerous journey to fight for her family, her principles, and the man who holds her heart…
Review
This is the second book in the Wild Swan trilogy, and although it can be read as a standalone novel I would certainly suggest reading the first book A Wild Hope, too. It gives the reader a complete picture of the trials and tribulations Alex has to overcome and because it is a family saga it also gives a gist of the entire story as we follow the family through different generations.
In this book the world Alex inhibits is changed forever when the family experiences tragedy and betrayal on a certain level. Comprehending that she is unable to keep everyone she loves safe is perhaps one of the reasons she finds comfort in those who share her passion for the four-legged gracious animals she loves.
Set within the traumatic and turbulent times of the American Civil War in a country torn apart by differences that would divide families and a whole country, we meet Alexandria Thaine now Alexandria Carrington Falconer as she does everything to ensure her family isn't destroyed during destructive times.
Blasis combines the vibe of a bodice ripper with the important social and political issues of the era it takes place in and melds it with an intense family saga. She doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable reality of those times, although they are presented in a manner befitting the charm of the genre. Slavery, women's rights, the fate of immigrants and of course a war that was to change the landscape of a country and influence its people for many decades to come.
The breeding of thoroughbreds is linked intrinsically to the main character and mirrors the love, passion and idea she has of belonging and family. The horses are part of her legacy and very much a link to her past, present and future.
The result is a nostalgic read not because it is historical fiction, but because the genre is approached differently now in the 21st century. This has the feel of a certain style and voice that was popular a few decades ago when it was written, and indeed many a mini-series was made from books like this - not sure how many people remember North and South by John Jakes for instance. A specific type of romantic escapism that readers were eager to consume, perhaps just the right read to distract people from the worries we have in this era.
Buy A Wild Heart at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Bookouture pub date 8 Dec. 2020. Buy at Amazon com. At Hive. At Apple. At Kobo. At Google.
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