Follow the Heart

GIVEAWAY

DACUS, KAYE
FOLLOW THE HEART

Set during the Industrial Revolution and the Great Exhibition of 1851, Follow the Heart is a “sitting-room romance” with the feel of a Regency-era novel but the fashions and technological advances of the mid-Victorian age.

Kate and Christopher Dearing’s lives turn upside down when their father loses everything in a railroad land speculation. The siblings are shipped off to their mother’s brother in England with one edict: marry money.

At twenty-seven years old, Kate has the stigma of being passed over by eligible men many times—and that was before she had no dowry. Christopher would like nothing better than to make his own way in the world; and with a law degree and expertise in the burgeoning railroad industry, he was primed to do just that—in America. Though their uncle tries to ensure Kate and Christopher find matrimonial prospects only among the highest echelon of British society, their attentions stray to a gardener and a governess.

While Christopher has options that would enable him to lay his affections where he chooses, he cannot let the burden of their family’s finances crush his sister. Trying to push her feelings for the handsome—but not wealthy— gardener aside, Kate’s prospects brighten when a wealthy viscount shows interest in her. But is marrying for the financial security of her family the right thing to do, when her heart is telling her she’s making a mistake?

Mandates . . . money . . . matrimony. Who will follow the heart?

My Review:

This is Kaye Dacus at her absolute best! What a captivating read! She's captured the essence of Austen and channeled a bit of Gaskell to create a 21st century masterpiece set in Victorian England.  Follow the Heart is definitely in the 'rabid-read' category. I just ate this up and am ready for a second helping!

Dacus has done a great job with historical detailing.  It's in the descriptions, the conversations, the annoying protocols. Delicious stuff with which to weave a fascinating and infuriating tale of love and sacrifice. I was invested in Kate's outcome from the first time I met her. I loved her, flaws and all, even if she made me cringe a time or two.And stalwart Andrew works well as the impossible love interest. The author has made a classic tale fresh and invigorating.


There is also a bonus second romance involving Kate's brother which was just as much fun to read about. If you are looking for a book to carry you away into another time and place, Follow the Heart is just the book for you.

Giveway Opportunity:
 

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Follow the Heart, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 19 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!