Drawn to Perfection
Drawn to Perfection is set in the Welsh Marches of the 1750s. Caelica’s mother is ill, her brother faces trial for forgery and her clergyman father is hated by his parishioners. Caelica catches the eye of a rich landowner’s son, and she is aware that the family fortunes could be restored if she was to make a good marriage. She is a shy girl, quite a complex person who is controlled by those around her. Should she let the circumstances of her family shape the future for her?
The novel is a lovely evocative read which is very descriptive, and with very good dialogue which is in tune with the era. It moves at a good pace to keep the reader engrossed and has well-drawn, believable characters. It has been well researched, and the author obviously has an interest in and a love for this period. The chapters are quite long, but this fits the writing well. Secrets are kept, relationships are strained and sacrifices made.
The cover is intriguing but did not initially draw me to the book; however, once I opened the cover, the story drew me in from the first page. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it for a wide audience. It would be suitable for readers of historical fiction, family sagas, romance or mystery.
