New Review: Shirlee Busbee’s THE SPANISH ROSE – Sweeping Saga from the Spanish Main and British Jamaica in the 17th Century

A sweeping saga from England to the Spanish Main and British Jamaica in the 17th century—it’s a great story. There are only two things that kept me from giving it 5 stars: the pace (which in places will seem very slow), and the heroine (who was too much of a brat at times). However, I loved the hero; he is noble, generous, tender with those he loves and constant. And, oh yeah, he’s a tall, handsome hunk with black hair and green eyes.

Set in the Caribbean in 1664-1668, this tells the story of two feuding families: the British Lancasters and the Spanish Delgatos. A long time ago, they became enemies when a Delgato man took as his unwilling bride Faith Lancaster, steeling her away to Spain. The Lancasters exacted their vengeance, as did the Delgatos their retribution—and so the vendetta has continued.

Maria Delgato, raised on the island of Santo Domingo, has the Lancaster blue eyes her Spanish relations hate. Gabriel Lancaster, who owns land on Jamaica, immediately recognizes them when on his return from London, Maria’s cruel brother, Diego, seizes Gabriel’s ship. Diego’s attack results in the death of Gabriel’s young wife and the capture of his 16-year-old sister. Gabriel becomes a slave on Diego’s sugar plantation, where he is treated cruelly. But Gabriel escapes, and 4 years later is planning his vengeance with Maria in mind.

If you like to be swept away to another time and place, this is a one you will like. Busbee, a master of historical romance, has done a good job, starting with an interesting time in history, and adding to an intriguing plot, lots of action and suspense and a compelling hero. If you can be patient with the slower pace, you’ll find it a wonderful dip into the past.