Review - The False Light - Historical - Coming in April 2010

The False Light - Diane Scott Lewis

On the eve of the French Revolution, Countess Bettina de Jonquiere flees to England.  Stripped of her aristocratic status, separated from her mother, her father dead, the young woman travels to Bath, carrying an important packet supposed to aid the royalists.  She’s terrified when she arrives and finds no one there to meet her, and the envelope she’s secreted all the way is empty. 

Penniless and stranded, she meets a brash young woman who convinces Bettina to travel with her to Cornwall, promising a job at the local Inn.  What choice does she have?  In addition to her assigned daily drudgery there, the misplaced countess takes on a teaching position, hoping to earn money enough to travel to London and find her mother. 

Everett Camborne, the uncle of the lad Bettina tutors, is rumored to have murdered his wife. Local gossip isn’t about to stand in her way of earning, and whether or not the tales are true, Bettina finds herself falling in love with this handsome aristocrat. She soon discovers the problems associated with his past predict a doubtful future.  He’s not free to marry until he proves his wife dead, and to do so, jeopardizes his freedom. But what about the child she’s carrying.  Is the babe destined to be labeled a bastard?

Both hero and heroine have their share of problems and danger.  A ruthless brother-in-law threatens the relationship Everett cherishes with his nephew, yet the smarmy man holds the key to clear Everett of murder charges.  Bettina’s being stalked by revolutionaries who believe she knows the whereabouts of a fortune left by her father—misplaced beliefs, at that.  Everett becomes her savior, and just as she’s seeing light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, black clouds move in and darken everything again.

Diane Scott Lewis has woven a wonderful historical tale in The False Light. Even if you’re not one for English or French history, you’ll find yourself thoroughly fascinated with the manner in which Ms. Lewis peppers her story with historical facts enough to teach you a thing or two—and in the most interesting way. This review is based on the ‘unedited’ ARC but it’s hard to imagine the story being any better.  The author’s descriptive talent draws you in and makes you walk in Bettina’s shoes. You’ll smell the sea air and feel the breezes whipping through your hair. You may even cry at the heroine’s frustrations.  Can’t get any more involved than that. 

 Whether you like romance, mystery, or historical, the twists and turns in Ms. Lewis’ novel will keep you reading.  If you find yourself hungering for more about the young countess, you’ll be pleased to know that book two, Without Refuge, is in the works.  Be prepared to say, “I’m a Diane Scott Lewis fan!” 

This book is being released on April 7th by Eternal Press.  To find out more about Diane Scott Lewis, please visit her website.