I picked up this book out of boredom over 10 years ago, and was intstantly entranced by the story and the characters. It is more than a typical "romance" novel, as there is a good story, and much historical detail as well. I have re-read it many times since, and consider it to be the best of Ms. Small's books, even better than the first "Skye O'Malley" books! I highly recommend it.