The Windflower was
the product of the husband-wife writing team of Sharon and Tom Curtis (in some editions writing as Laura London), and some
believe it was their best. I can tell you this: this pirate romance set in in 1813
during the War of 1812 is one of the finest historical romances I have read. It’s
a classic.
Originally published in 1984, it was reissued in 1995, and
can be obtained in paperback (used). Though you may have to pay a premium,
as I did, to get a good copy, for fans of the genre, it is not one to pass up.
It’s a keeper among keepers.
It tells the story of innocent, sheltered Merry Wilding, an
American living in Virginia with her maiden aunt. Merry has a talent for
drawing faces from memory, a talent her brother, an American spy will use to
his benefit, exposing her to pirates and worse. Then, on her way to England
with her aunt who wants Merry to have a better future, she is kidnapped.
Taken
to a pirate ship, she meets the English pirate Devon, who remembers her from a
night long ago where he encountered her in a tavern. He holds her captive,
believing she is involved with his enemy who was also on the ship Merry was sailing
on. Protecting her brother, she will not reveal who she is. Devon is intelligent,
beguiling and smooth and innocent Merry is powerless to turn away his kisses. The
whole crew of pirates comes to love Merry and to teach her many things as she
blossoms from shy girl to strong woman.
The writing is superb, the characters courageous,
heartwarming and very special; the descriptions of the environs vivid; the
metaphors numerous and well done; and the story a wonder to read, and re-read. The
plot is intriguing. You will be swept away on a pirate ship to experience many
adventures, battles at sea, storms, death, outrageous humor and love. I thought
the writing gifted.
Here’s a sample from one scene; I bet it moves you though
not a word is spoken:
“His fingers whispered over her
face, seeking and slowly stroking nerve points, knowing where, how long, how
much to caress. Her skin gained color under his touch; her eyes became
enormous; her throat tightened. By her nose his little finger encountered a forgotten
tear. Gathering the sparkling drop, he smeared it slowly over the curve of her
lips and blew it gently dry. One hand came lightly to rest on her neck; the
other supported her cheek as he sought her with his kiss.”
Here’s another:
“Tragedy dwelt like a blue flame
in her big eyes; the shallow pulsebeat in the golden hollow of her throat was
luffing like a spanker on a vessel that was hauled too close to the wind. He
had seen the look before on women about to be raped, and he found no charm in having
it turned on him.”
If you love pirate romance—or even Regency period romance
set mostly outside of England—this historical romance will not disappoint. Alas,
you must buy it used but it is available. It's worth it... it's on my Top 20 list. Put it on your keeper shelf. That’s
where it belongs!
Thanks for reviewing this one. It is available as an e-book by Laura London at Amazon UK, for £2.99. I'm looking forward to the experience!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'll add that link for my UK visitors.
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