Leap the Wild Water
Eli Jenkins has returned and Megan Jones intends to marry him, to turn back the clock and undo the bitter consequences of her mam’s meddling. This is easier said than done, however. Secrets stand in her way, secrets her brother Morgan had a hand in — secrets that even now continue to haunt him. He’ll not see his sister disgrace the family again. Nor will he let her actions threaten the farm he has worked so hard to retain.
Set in early nineteenth century Wales, this compelling novel is written in the alternating first person voices of Megan and Morgan Jones. As the narrative moves back and forth between Megan’s approaching marriage and the events of the past, a story of prejudice, ignorance and tragedy unfolds. Mam is a truly evil character, although at times her reasons for being so twisted are not apparent. I had hoped for a further revelation late in the narrative, but it did not come. Likewise, Morgan’s motives are a little unclear. Despite these character quibbles, I could not put Leap into the Wild Water down. The historical details were artfully incorporated, the descriptions of the landscape lyrical and evocative. Megan’s decision at the end of the novel was truly satisfying — though, sadly, we will have to wait for the sequel to see how the story unfolds. Let’s hope Jenny Lloyd gives it to us soon.
