Forgiven

A well written, enjoyable book with just the right combination of a history lesson and a love story, presented in a way that will keep you turning the pages to learn more. The frequent changes in settings take a bit of attention to follow, but the characters are worth following.  A few twists are thrown in to make things interesting.  I'm finding myself to be quite a fan of historical fiction!

A story of love and war that takes place in late 19th century in New Zealand and South Africa during the Boer War.  Richard and Rachel are lovers who are separated by the demands of war, and the story depicts the struggles they both go through during this awful time of warfare and hostilities. A riveting historical novel of a time and place that although filled with bloodshed and combat, seems a much more peaceful time than our present highly volatile time. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction.

This story set in the space of one year from1898 and 1899 giving us two protagonists from New Zealand. It takes us back and forth between Richard Wilson’s adventures in South Africa during the Boer War and his meeting and growing relationship with Rachel Purdue before leaving for war. The story weaves back and forth with chapters sharing military adventures and chapters that capture the growing romance between Richard and Rachel. We follow along from the beginning of their courtship, separation between them due to the war and their reunion.  The details and research for this book...impeccable.  Highly recommended.

My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

At last, a historical romance novel that is historically correct, how refreshing. Geoff Lawson takes us on a journey in which we follow the romance of Rachel Purdue and Richard Wilson of New Zealand, two people who have to overcome their social standing disparity to be together. This is set during the Boer War of 1899 where Richard heads to war with the attitude of a romantic but soon finds out how brutal war can be. As Rachel anxiously awaits Richards return we follow everyday life of New Zealand in the late 19th century; a country I personally had little knowledge of, it was rewarding to learn new things about another culture. Conflict, rite of passage, romance and war, this book has it all and it's told in a very engaging manner.

This is an exceptionally well written book that I couldn't put it down. This is Historical Romantic Fiction at its very best. I highly recommend you give this book a go it will transport you to a different time and place and for me that is what reading is all about.