Historical : If the Slipper Fits by Olivia Drake

[cheridith]

Rate: 4

Set in the 1830s, this is a well written historical romance murder mystery. The pages are dripping with the ancient ways of Royalty life. It accords a real sense of that time period. Olivia Drakes' vivid writing draws you into a world of castles, carriages, and plowfields. A wonderful periodic pieve that is a valuable teaching tool as a supplement to Social Studies.
The main character is a substantial figure through out the novel. She is strong, secure yet every bit a soft and gentle soul. The lead male role exudes the staunch essence of a rogue gentleman. A budding romance gentlely glows in the background of tumultuos events. Drake is careful to slowly build up the relationship in a sensible and plausible manner. The plot carries you along at a progressive pace. A peaceful read as its' pace doesnt leave you panting to catch up.
The villians are all villians can be! While a lot of novels like this focus on brutality and blood, this one focuses on tbe cunning and conniving of evil. The charactets are well drawn and I could not help finding myself cheering/booing along the way.
Unlike other romance mystery novels I have read, there is only one chapter that I had to censor for my eldest child. That one scene, however, was not as x-rated as others are. For an adult, I found it very poignant and brought back fond memories. A true love scene.
Filled with mysteries within mysteries, I was not bored figuring out the many twists and turns. A thrill to read. I highly recommend this to historical buffs as Olivia Drake is spot on with all the period goodies of the 1830s' world. Also, I highly recommend this for students. A wonderful novel that showcases that era.

-- 28 Dec 2013, 19:38 --

This is my first review. Can I get some feedback on it? Anyone else read this novel or any of Drakes other books?