A Question Of Honor
Nita Abrams’ first book is an anomaly in two senses: it is marketed as a historical romance, but the physical aspects are much tamer than in most books in the genre, and it also features a Jewish heroine. The action begins in Spain in 1813, where the hero is a part of the Duke of Wellington’s battle against Napoleon. Captain Drayton, who has no background in espionage, is asked to venture behind enemy lines to gain crucial information. When he is wounded, he is sent back to England to recuperate, which he does in his sister’s house. He is vexed and intrigued by the new governess, Rachel Maitland Ross, who has done wonders with her charge, but who seems very unlike a proper governess. When Drayton is asked to help the war effort again by finding out who is passing British information to the French, Rachel and her brother unfortunately appear to be implicated.
This brief outline ill serves the rich and complex plot of the book. Rachel’s role is a large one, and much of the suspense lies in her circumstances. The author shows very clearly the great difficulty Jews had with the prejudices of English society at the time, and explains further in a historical note. I eagerly await the next book by this promising author.
