Lady Constance is a woman haunted by the past and when she comes face-to-face with her nightmare, she runs away. Desperate to escape, she pleads with Sir Robert to take her to her sister’s home. He agrees to protect her at all costs. She’s not sure she believes him but when in his presence, peace fills her. When her past follows her to her sister’s home, she has no choice but to align herself with Sir Robert in matrimony.
Something has put the fear of God into Lady Constance, Sir Robert would stake his life on it. He agrees to a spiritual marriage but the more time he spends with his new wife, the harder it becomes to keep his hands to himself. He made a vow, though, and he’ll keep it. She challenges his mind and his agnostic beliefs, so much so, he wonders if she’s his other half. Can he convince her to share her dark secret, so they can become one or is he doomed to a loveless marriage?
This is, by far, the greatest of the three books in this series. From the first page, I connected with Constance. Her self-loathing touched me deeply, as if she was reliving events in my past. Her disbelief in her own beauty and her pushing away Robert so he wouldn’t discover how tainted she is sprung emotions in me I haven’t felt in years.
The antagonist (I won’t reveal who it is so you can be as shocked as I was) is one of those characters you hate with every fiber of your being. Their abuse of their power and esteem to punish women like Constance rang true to history and was accurately portrayed.
This is more than a historical romance, it is a story of faith lost and restored once again. Shadow of the Swan will transform you and reaffirm the power of love.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley in the hopes I'd review it.
Favorite Character/Quote: Sir Robert. I loved everything about him but especially his patience with Constance. He takes it slow and in the end, their love is well worth the wait.
My Rating: 5+ stars