About the book:

 

Title: The Aura of the Crescent Moon

Author: Patricia Catacalos

Published: December 14th 2013 (first published January 23rd 2013)

Source: received from the author in exchange for a review

Format: e-copy

Blurb:

England 1854 – Charity appears as a mysterious, veiled woman insisting upon an interview with Hugh Morgan for the position of governess. Hugh was cuckolded by his deceased wife and no longer trusts women, doubting that ‘his’ child is truly his own and achingly withholds love from the little girl. But once the kind-hearted Charity lifts her disguise, she will teach Hugh to trust and love again.

Check it on: Amazon  & Goodreads

My Review:

 

This book is a lovely combination between romance and 19th century England, whit its customs and language, all possible throughout a fantastic writing. It also covers some important themes, such as family, reputation, unconditional love.

We have two main characters, each looking to start a new life: Charity, who’s running from her family, and Hugh Morgan, who’s trying to find room in his life and heart for a child that may or may not be his. Both characters meet when they need each other the most. The opening scene, when Charity requests an interview for the governess position is a good indication of their personalities and intelligence. There are two main themes on which I will insist upon in the following lines: family and pure love.

Hugh’s uncertainty if the child is actually his daughter has affected not only his relationship with her, but as well the innocent girl, who has been abused by her aunt. I appreciated how well the author has treated this subject, offering it the attention it deserves. The fear, the panic and sadness were very well expressed. Charity has to help the little child regain her confidence and Hugh to accept her and offer his parental affection and guidance.

We also have here the pure love element, the love that is beyond physical beauty, that grows in time and melts fears, that is based on respect and trust. I am an avid reader of romance books, so I really do appreciate seeing trust and respect coming forward.

The author has adapted the writing and the language to the 19th century English and has managed to draw attention to the customs from this period. The importance of reputation and as well the need for young women to marry a rich, titled man are just two of them.

All in all, I do believe this was an excellent read. I had so much fun and not a moment of boredom. The characters are complex and well developed and the plot has substance and meaning. Five stars and my big THANK YOU to Patricia Catacalos for gifting me a copy of this lovely book J

 

About the Author

 

Patricia Catacalos holds a BA in Theatre from Seton Hill University and a MA in Theatre from the University of Denver. Years ago, when still single, she acted in and directed plays in the Philadelphia area but suffered the fate of many artists, struggling financially. So, she entered a career in sales but her creative spirit needed to express itself. So approximately eight years ago, she started writing historical romances. Many of the historical romances have a subgenre of mystery and/or the paranormal. She discovered that writing historical romances and ultimately, mystery/intrigue is her passion. Currently, she has written twenty novels and novellas.

She has been happily married for twenty-eight years to a loving and supportive man with a Greek heritage (which influenced a couple of her novels) and they live in southern New Jersey.