The Captain's Lady by Louise M. Gouge

My first impression upon picking up The Captain’s Lady by Louise M. Gouge was one of elegance. From the sophisticated cover, to the rich time period filled with elegant silks and powdered whigs, to the graceful writing style ringing of merry old England, everything about this novel bespoke culture and refinement. Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historicals are breaking out of the mold of prairie romances and westerns to explore interesting times and places that are sure to please. This book will easily hold its own among the finest historicals being produced today for the CBA market.

The novel opens in the exquisite London home of Lady Marianne Moberly, daughter of Lord Bennington, during the time of the American Revolution. When Captain Jamie Templeton returns from the colonies for a visit, she is sure they will find a way to marry and be together despite their class differences. However, Lady Marianne has no idea that Captain Templeton has actually been sent by revolutionary forces to spy on her father in hopes of gaining government secrets.

The Captain’s Lady offers adventure, romance, and intrigue. Amidst all of that, it is layered with rich subplots and well-rounded minor characters. The book is a spin off from Ms. Gouge’s first Love Inspired Historical, Love Thine Enemy. While it works well as a stand-alone novel, the reader can also feel the depth of understanding for the connections between the many characters, locations, and situations that comes from an author creating an entire world in which a long-running series can take place. Just beneath the surface of this adventurous romance, lies the sense of an ongoing family saga that provides additional power to the story.

The conflicts in this book are organic to the plot. The tension never feels contrived or forced. The plot itself is well paced and resolves beautifully while still leaving possibilities for future spin offs. In addition to all of these merits, the book has a lovely spiritual tone. The hero and heroine are both true heart-felt believers longing to serve God, yet pulled apart by divided loyalties. In the midst of this, they seek God’s plans day by day and find opportunities to reach out and bless others despite their own crises.

This book is not just for Steeple Hill readers. I think any lover of romances or historicals will enjoy it immensely. The quality of this book is unquestionable. I give it a very high recommendation. Louise M. Gouge has found a new fan.