A Highland Duchess
Karen Ranney has long been one of my favorite authors, and she does not disappoint in her latest Victorian historical romance. Emma, the beautiful Duchess of Herridge, is called “the Ice Queen” by her detractors. When she returns to Chavensworth, her husband’s home, she discovers the Duke dead – much to her secret relief. She will not lower herself to make it known that she has been the victim of physical, mental and sexual abuse for her entire married life. No longer must she play the submissive, humiliating role of sexual slave to her domineering husband.
When she is kidnapped from her bedroom by a mysterious Ian McNair, the Earl of Buchane, she is liberated for the first time in her life. She can finally be herself. She falls in love, only to discover that he is to be wed. When her uncle forces Emma to accept the suit of a wealthy, callous man, she despairs of ever finding happiness.
Historical romances rarely address the subject of sexual abuse, but Ms. Ranney faces it with taste and delicacy. Adding a touch of mystery, she assures a good read with serious overtones. I would recommend A Highland Duchess.
