Stormswept by Sabrina Jeffries

A book set in Wales 

and 

written by the author of the first historical romance that I ever read:

 Stormswept by Sabrina Jeffries

 Blurb:

New York Times bestseller Sabrina Jeffries reignites a daring love affair in this intriguing tale of desire and deception—originally written as Deborah Martin and newly revised for today’s audience. The first wedding night that Lady Juliana St. Albans spent with the dark and daring Rhys Vaughan was intoxicating, the heady culmination of her new husband’s driving hunger and her own awakened sensuality. When he mysteriously disappeared the next morning, she waited for him in hope and desperation. And when he was finally proclaimed dead in a shipwreck, she bitterly mourned the loss of her love. The second wedding night that Juliana spent with Rhys Vaughan was six years later, after he returned to claim her just as she was about to wed another. This Rhys was different—bolder, harder, and convinced that she’d betrayed him. Only their blazing passion remains from their years apart. But is it enough to light their way through the maze of mystery, menace, and mistrust—to the love they once shared and would have to find again?


Everyone who likes to read historical romance, knows that there are many books about the Highlands and the Highlanders or England and its Dukes and Lords and whatnots. Like Scotland, Wales has its own history of a fight for freedom and the right to preserve their culture, but despite that fact,  Wales is very rarely a topic of those books. This is one of the many things that make "Stormswept" so special.
What makes it even more special is the fact that it is extremely well told, gripping, shocking and romantic as well. It has an interesting plot full of betrayal, love, second chances, mistrust, hard truths and, well, in the end it all comes down to trust, doesn't it?

I couldn't put the book down, I was so upset by some of the things that happened and especially by the actions of Juliana's brothers and their ruthlessness, I could never have imagined the length to which they went for their own gain - even against their own sister. Oh, and of course I was also worried for Juliana seeing that Rhys was so set on revenge when he thought that she had betrayed him and had condemned him to six long years in hell.

Once more a book where I was also furious because of the power the men had over the women and the few chances women had to create their own life. In this case it is also about the English against the Welsh and about the restrictions against the Welsh and their culture.

Apart from the story that I really loved (and reread more than once since I've read it the first time) I enjoyed the view on Wales and its history, I loved to read about their life and their fight. Those who've read other reviews by me, might have noticed that I always enjoy a challenge. So naturally a book about Wales and its history (even nicely wrapped up in a romance) calls for a search for more information - and I enjoyed reading about it and learning more about this beautiful country.
"Stormswept" is a wonderful and well written romance with amazing and very authentic characters that I can wholeheartedly recommend, I really loved this book.

★★★★★