Reviewed by Francine
I admire Jude Knight’s rebellious author streak, for her
novels are never run–of-the-mill plots. Unkept
Promises is no exception, in which Mia and Jules’ encounter one another in
the strangest of circumstances.
Whilst events unfold that lead to marriage, Mia is far from
ignorant to Jules’ former life and the subsequent responsibilities he has
elsewhere. Although their marriage is not unusual for the period, the
circumstances of it require gentlemanly retreat in honour of her young years. In
some respects Jules is a reluctant hero, though is most definitely a man of his
period in history and has borne no guilt in acquisition of a mistress. After
all, he is a bachelor when he meets Mia, and as a British naval officer in the
years of the Napoleonic Wars he is well travelled. Nonetheless Jules
unfailingly bears responsibility for all that his cohabiting with a mistress has entailed.
Thus a long gap ensues from Jules sailing out of British waters 1805 to 1812,
when Mia now all grown up takes ship to Cape Town (South Africa).
Initially
her discovery is disheartening, and sadness prevails within his home, and most
of all anger boils over and she takes command of the household. Upon on his
return from sea hidden truths gradually emerge and soften her heart toward him.
Strong minded she is and ultimately determined to make of the marriage she
entered into with sense of due purpose. Even when things go awry back in England
Mia’s stoicism and love wins through despite frightening and deadly experiences
that threaten both her and Jules very existence, neither knowing if the other
is safe and alive. As always a thoroughly enthralling read from Jude.
