CAPTAIN WENTWORTH'S DIARY

Author: Amanda Grange ISBN: 0709082819 7/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: ROBERT HALE LTD.
Time Period: 1806 Somerset, England

It is 1806, and the Napoleonic wars are ravaging Europe. Frederick Wentworth, a brilliant young man with a flourishing career in the navy, is spending his shore leave in Somerset, where he meets and falls in love with Anne Elliot. The two become engaged, but Anne's godmother persuades Anne to change her mind, leaving Wentworth to go back to sea a bitter and disappointed man. Eight years pass, and peace is declared. Wentworth is no longer a young man with his way to make in the world, but a seasoned captain with a fortune at his disposal. He is ready to marry anyone with a little beauty who pays a few compliments to the navy—or so he says—until he sees Anne. Anne's bloom has faded, yet she has the same sensibilities and superior mind she had eight years earlier, and before he knows it, he is falling in love with her all over again. Can there be a happy outcome for them this time around, or have they lost their chance of love forever?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

CAPTAIN WENTWORTH'S DIARY by Amanda Grange, is one of those wonderful historicals that makes the reader feel as if they're right in the front parlor with the characters. Every detail is accurate and so well described that it can be seen, heard or felt. This is told in diary fashion, which is an almost addicting way to read a story. I kept thinking I'd read just one more entry, and before I knew it, the entire book was read!

This is a tale of a navy man who travels to his brother's home to spend some time ashore. Captain Wentworth doesn't intend to become attached to any of the young women who attend the parties and gatherings he accompanies his brother to. Quite the contrary, in fact. Frederick is rather determined to remain unattached, but when he meets a woman who captures his heart, he finds even the best intentions can be put aside. The pair doesn't initially find happiness, and the sailor goes back to his ship without having found a home for his heart.

CAPTAIN WENTWORTH'S DIARY is a story about second chances, seen from the view of the man who finds that even love lost may be re-found, albeit years later. As I said, this book held me captive. It is well written and I very much hope to read more by this author. Amanda Grange is a writer who tells an engaging, thoroughly enjoyable story!

Kay James