The Crimean peninsula is often in the news of late. With ports on the Black Sea, it has historically been a desirable piece of land and a hot spot for war.
My book Lady Gallant takes you to the heart of the action, where Florence Nightingale, the first British war correspondent, Tolstoy, Mary Seacole, and Nurse Posey, all fight to survive in the turmoil of war.
Josie was prepared for many things when she decided to go to the Crimean Peninsula, but she was not prepared for Garrick Allen. Josie’s first meeting with Garrick is less then cordial. His manners and appearance are more than a little rough, but something about him intrigues Josie. After the death of her fiancé, she never expected her heart to be stirred by another man. Is Garrick her second chance for love?
Garrick Allen doesn’t want anything to do with women and romance. He lives his life as a loner, free from attachments of any kind, and that’s the way he likes it. He was completely unprepared for a woman like Josie. She’s beautiful, smart, strong, and more than a match for him. Garrick soon finds himself thinking about her more then he’d care to admit. Will Garrick open his heart to Josie or close it off forever?
As if life on the Crimean Peninsula wasn’t complicated enough for Josie, Danford Smythe enters the picture. Danford is wealthy and makes it clear that he is interested in Josie. While Danford seems like a perfect gentleman, something about him makes Josie uncomfortable. Is Danford more then he seems, or is just Josie’s imagination?
I truly enjoyed getting to know Josie as a character. Her devotion to her soldiers and all human beings is admirable. She manages to thrive in an environment that has defeated many others. Garrick is the perfect hero for Josie. He is the classic tough guy with a soft heart. I loved watching his tough exterior slowly melt away to reveal the caring man underneath.
Danford Smythe also proved to be an interesting villain. Throughout the story, I thought I had his character figured out. However, at the end of the story, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Danford still had a few tricks up his sleeve.
When I first picked up Lady Gallant, I have to admit that I was only vaguely familiar with the Crimean War. I have read many stories set against the back drop of various wars throughout history. I was intrigued at the possibility that this story might offer something fresh. I was not disappointed. It is clear throughout the text and the notes at the end of the story that Ms. Rifkin researched her setting in order to make it as clear to the reader as possible.
I must also add that I enjoyed reading the quotes from various historical figures at the beginning of each chapter. I found them interesting and thought-provoking and they all seemed to fit the tone of the story well.
