First published in 1977, this story is
set in the exotic locale of Nicaragua, Central America during the years 1855-1857.
It tells of Eleanora Colette Villars from an aristocratic New Orleans family. Because
of her brother’s folly, she loses her home and ends up following her brother to
Nicaragua where he has joined the mercenaries serving William Walker, an
American who is trying to take over the country.
Colonel Grant Farrell, head of Walker’s
private military, takes Eleanora’s brother as hostage, forcing Eleanora, an
innocent, to pose as his mistress. Then he holds her prisoner in his home
without even clothes to wear. She even begins to make excuses for the colonel
(he’s a half-breed Apache with a poor childhood).
Once her brother is released and she is
free, Eleanora doesn’t tell her brother she was raped and, when her brother
wounds the colonel in a duel, she returns to Colonel Farrell’s house to tend
his wound. While tending the colonel, Eleanora introduces herself as his
mistress, apparently resigned to the role. (He has such a low view of women he will
not offer her marriage).
Impressed with Eleanora’s medical
knowledge, the local doctor invites her to tend the wounded American
mercenaries. She takes on the task and, for her valiant efforts, is dubbed “the
colonel’s angel.” But she has rivals who seek Eleanora’s demise.
The writing is excellent. Blake really
makes you feel like you’re in the hot, dusty streets of Nicaragua in a
tumultuous time. I could suggest you might want a map, too, so I’ve included
one. Blake has obviously done much research for the book and it is seamlessly
woven into the story. The scenes as they tramp from Granada to the coast
through the jungles and rivers are very well done, and very realistic. The
characters are richly developed, too. (Luis was one of my favorite characters.)
This one will capture you, I promise.
Buy on Amazon
 |
| Original cover |
Note: The ebook cover shows the heroine with blonde hair; it
is actually red. (See original cover to the right issued under the author's name, Patricia Maxwell.)
This book is part of Blake’s Love and Adventure series, part
2:
Surrender in Moonlight
Notorious Angel
Golden Fancy
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