Reviewer Comments: Elise Cooper is a spy for the colonists during the Revolutionary war. Despite being forced into the position and all the danger that it holds, Elise enjoys what she does and helping her fellow rebels achieve a free country. She never expects to actually have to defend herself against British soldiers or to have a fellow spy turn traitor. When Elise accidentally shoots the spy she knows as Hawk, it leaves a scar on her soul. She hopes that with time God will forgive her and help her to forgive herself.
Drake Amberly, Duke of Hawk Haven, arrives in South Carolina as soon as he learns that his younger brother has been murdered by a rebel spy. He vows to find the spy known as Fox and to see him hang for killing his brother. Drake is determined that no one learns of his true purpose so he pretends to be just a merchant looking to increase his shipping business with the colonies. Drake doesn’t expect to be attracted to Elise and to find her presence soothing.
Ms. Capshaw’s ability to bring her readers into the time periods that she writes about is staggering. I felt as though I really was in 1780’s South Carolina at a time when neighbors weren’t sure if they could trust their neighbors. She builds a love story between two unlikely people against this background of turmoil and suspicion. By having her two main characters on opposite sides of the fight, Ms. Capshaw shows what it was like for families that were torn about where their loyalties should lie and what communities went through when they were also divided. The suspicion and danger that existed for people, especially women, at this time is abundantly clear.
The romance that builds between Drake and Elise has so many layers to it. Not only is Elise lying to Drake about her role as a spy, but she is also keeping her relationship with a slave secret from him as well. Elise has learned to not trust men and that background appears in her relationship with Drake as she questions whether or not his love is real. Drake also has baggage. His first wife wed him for his money and title despite being in love with another man. His fiancée betrayed him with another man. Drake’s trust in women and their honesty is also shaken.
The way in which these two people find trust and honesty and forgiveness lies with their faith in God. Elise’s faith is strong and unshakeable. She is quietly devout and believes that God will stand with her. Drake, on the other hand, has lost his faith. It is only through knowing Elise that he begins to allow God back into his life. God’s presence in this story is pervasive without being invasive. Ms. Capshaw quietly inserts him into the story in a natural and spiritual way. It feels right for her characters to have such faith.
