From the author of the New York Times bestseller Firebird comes this richly detailed historical novel of an unconventional tailor’s daughter who is swept up in a suspenseful drama of passion and intrigue.
When a fever leaves her deaf at the age of sixteen, shattering her hopes of marriage, Veda Grenfell turns her exceptional talent to her father’s prestigious Savile Row tailoring firm. She matures into a woman of eye-catching beauty, but it is her indomitable spirit that earns her the admiration of Harry Breadalbane, heir to an earldom. When passion turns to betrayal, Veda abandons her beloved Savile Row and sets off on a treacherous journey into a world of deception, murder and madness.
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"My favorite book of the last few months. Great story--I never knew where it was going and was completely enthralled. It wasnt amazing writing but I felt she wrote the romance well. Very clean. Frankly, I can't think of anything I didn't like. 4.5 stars."
— Jessica (4 out of 5 stars)
“A rich dance of a novel with every ingredient of the popular romance.”
— Philippa Gregory, New York Times bestselling author“A stunning novel…Janice Graham leads the reader to dark places and, through the strength and talents of her heroine, reveals moments of almost unbearable yearning.”
— Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author“Engrossing…The redemptive ending will please fans of the genre.”
— Publishers Weekly“Fans of the author’s previous books and readers of gothic novels will enjoy Graham’s delicious details of high society and star-crossed love.”
— Booklist" Excellent historical romance with a touch of Pride and Prejudice. "
— Jen, 2/12/2014" Borrowed from Mary, a good old fashioned story. No real twists or turns... the kind of book you read in h.school english. I liked the story, which seemed epic in its telling. But a bit predictable and hard to get sucked into. "
— Andrea, 2/12/2014" I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Wonderful, rich detail and I was really able to relate to the main character. It was one of those that I couldn't wait to find out the ending, but I hated to see it end. "
— Amber, 1/29/2014" This novel sounded interesting and I am interested in historical novels, but it wasn't as good as expected to be. Some parts were interesting, but my mind kept wandering. I was expecting another "Winter Rose" and was disappointed. "
— Brandi, 1/22/2014" A charming story that has a great deal of unfulfilled potential. The jacket makes the book sound more exciting than it is, like it moves more quickly from exciting event to event, but it reads more like a diary of an uncommon woman during the Victorian period. "
— Pam, 1/20/2014" This book started a bit slow to me, but once I got in to it I loved it! It seemed kind of like a modern Jane Austen to me. "
— Heidi, 1/8/2014" Loved this book but wasn't crazy about the ending. "
— Linnja, 12/28/2013" A poignant story. I truly enjoyed this book. "
— Heather, 12/20/2013" i love the ending!! veda and harry :D "
— Romalyn, 12/19/2013" I listened to this as an audio book...not recommended for children, though. :) I loved the first 2/3, but thought the ending was a little hard to believe. LOVED the main character. "
— Rebecca, 12/15/2013" A nice diversion. I love the imagery that Graham conjures up with her descriptions of the fabric. "
— Jennifer, 12/8/2013" This was alright. I enjoyed the story, but it could have used an edit. It just kept going.... Perhaps we didn't need her *whole* life. There is anything particularly compelling here in terms of craft, characterization or theme. "
— Christie, 11/25/2012" Would have given it 4 stars had I not found myself skimming the tailoring descriptions to get to the story. Otherwise a really good book. "
— Christy, 10/16/2012" melodramatic Victorian soap opera, and I totally mean that as a compliment "
— Sarah, 4/2/2012" very well done, very well written. "
— Leona, 3/18/2012" So a far a pretty sad book "
— Mariah, 11/19/2011" The story was very interesting. I love it. "
— Miah, 3/7/2011" I would have given 4 and a half stars if possible...the only thing I didn't like was the end - it all tied up too quickly and too perfectly. "
— Amanda, 2/21/2011" I listened to this book and it was a nice little love story from the 1800's. I was able to vacuum, run the blender and disposal, and lose concentration and still follow the story. "
— Robin, 12/15/2010" Borrowed from Mary, a good old fashioned story. No real twists or turns... the kind of book you read in h.school english. I liked the story, which seemed epic in its telling. But a bit predictable and hard to get sucked into. "
— Andrea, 7/21/2010" Loved this book but wasn't crazy about the ending. "
— Lynn, 2/12/2010" I would have given 4 and a half stars if possible...the only thing I didn't like was the end - it all tied up too quickly and too perfectly. "
— Amanda, 2/2/2010" I liked this book until the very end... <br/> <br/>Spoilers ahead! <br/> <br/> <br/>Seriously! She forgave him for keeping her son from her for more than a year! What the hell was wrong with her? He was a pretentious jerk! "
— Maggie, 1/30/2010" So a far a pretty sad book "
— Mariah, 7/29/2009" FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC book! Loved it from the very first page. Loved the characters, the honesty, the setting, the ending - ALL OF IT! Absolutely loved it. One of the best books I have read in a very long time. "
— Maria, 7/5/2009" Good victorian romance. Really would give 3.5 stars but we'll give it the benefit of the doubt. Wasn't crazy about the deafness thing, would like to try another of her books to see how it goes. "
— Andria, 6/20/2009" It was very Jane Eyre-ish. "
— Beverly, 6/17/2009" A poignant story. I truly enjoyed this book. "
— Heather, 4/14/2009Janice Graham, a Kansas native with an MA in French literature, studied film at the University of Southern California and English literature at UCLA, after which she began a career as a screenwriter. She lived abroad for more than fifteen years, primarily in Greece, Israel and Paris. She currently resides in Florence, Italy.
Traci Svendsgaard is a veteran of a twenty-five year voice-over career. In addition, she and her husband, Lars, host The Retro Lounge on Jefferson Public Radio. They live a simple life in Southern Oregon.