(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Amidst the carnage of Gallipoli, British nurse Claire Nightingale meets Australian Light Horseman Jamie Wren. Despite all odds, they fall deeply in love. Their flame burns bright and carries them through their darkest hours, even when war tears them apart.
Jamie's chance meeting with Turkish soldier Açar Shahin on the blood-stained battlefield forges an unforgettable bond between the men. It also leaves a precious clue to Jamie's whereabouts for Claire to follow.
Come peacetime, Claire's desperate search to find Jamie takes her all the way to Istanbul, and deep into the heart of Açar's family, where she attracts the unexpected attention of a charismatic and brooding scholar.
In the name of forgiveness, cultures come together, enemies embrace and forbidden passions ignite – but by the breathtaking conclusion, who will be left standing to capture Nurse Nightingale's heart?

Let's get this out of the way right now - I have never read a bad Fiona McIntosh book. Every book she sets the standard so high. There aren't a lot of authors I can say that about...

If you are a fan of historical romance novels, then this is probably right up your alley. There is an overwhelming sense of - I don't know what to call it - honesty in this story. I felt it throughout Claire's story. Her love, her choices, her questions - all of it felt like emotions I would have also felt in a similar situation.

Also, the historical details are always superb in McIntosh's novels and this book is no different. I really am in awe of her ability to drag me into the timeline from the very first page. There aren't a lot of authors who can do that.

So why not 5 stars? Well, that's complicated. It's almost those intangible things that always seem to be a problem. I found, at times, this story to be a little overly "sweet" - I understand it is a romance novel but it did get a little into saccharine territory. Also, there were a few moments, through the middle half of the book where I thought the narrative was dragging just a little bit. Nothing dramatic but a sense of "Come on...don't spoil it..."

But, you know, they are really minor issues when taking the whole book into consideration. And they are just personal opinions. I have no trouble at all recommending this book!


Paul
ARH