UPON A MOON-DARK MOOR
By Rebecca Brandewyne
Lovespell Historical Romance
September 1999 re-issue
ISBN# 0-505-52336-1
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here to buy this book}
Rebecca Brandewyne proves herself again
as one of romance's greatest storytellers. "Upon
A Moon-Dark Moor" shot to the top
of the best seller list in 1988 when it was
first released, and it will, no doubt, be just as popular with
its re-issue. This is a unique accounting told through the eyes
of the heroine with striking detail to history in the early
19th century. In true Brandewyne style, the tale of Margaret
Caldwell will take the reader on a wild ride though the English
countryside without have ever leaving the comfort of the readers
own home.
Margaret Caldwell was orphaned at birth with
a mother dead in childbirth and a father who just barely acknowledges
her existence. It's not until her father remarries in Maggie's
tenth year that he takes any notice of her at all. Underneath
his veneer of false affection Maggie knows in her heart the
contempt he really feels for her. Her new stepmother is determined
to transform Maggie into the likeness of her own daughter,
who Maggie just barely tolerates. Maggie grows to appreciate
the changes in herself though. But her whole life is destined
to change when her cousin Draco comes to Hycliffe Hall. There
is an instant and strange bond between the two that will take
years for this young girl to understand. But when she does
will it be too late for them?
Draco is the only son of Maggie's uncle. After
years of seclusion, when many thought him dead, Maggie's uncle
is coming back home to die, bringing his illegitimate son
with him. But Draco is not welcome by Maggie's father. After
his father's death Draco is lucky to have the stable roof
over his head and a hot meal every day. If it weren't for
his ways with horses Draco is sure that his uncle would turn
him out. When he meets Maggie he's torn with his hatred for
his uncle and his undeniable love for his cousin. He must
keep his feelings to himself though as Maggie is betrothed
already to Esmond. Their friendship grows over the years though
and Draco and Maggie learn to lean on each other in their
troubles. When Maggie discovers her betroths infidelity it's
Draco she runs to for comfort. Draco vows as he takes Maggie's
maidenhead that he will love and protect her always. But Maggie
is still in love with Esmond, and Draco must find a way to
make her see what Esmond is doing to her and how much he,
himself, loves her unconditionally. He prays that Maggie will
realize his love for her and come to understand her own true
feeling before it's too late.
"Upon A Moon-Dark Moor" is more than
just a romance. It's a coming of age story, a story of survival,
and a great historical accounting of life in southern Cornwall
in the 1800's. Ms Brandewyne tells this story through the eyes
of Maggie Caldwell as if she were reading from her own personal
diary. Maggie recounts at least ten years of her life beginning
at age ten as the only daughter of a wealthy tyrant. Each page
is gripping in character conflict, local and national history,
and detailed scenery and lifestyle. "Upon A Moon-Dark Moor"
is a must read for anyone no only looking for a thoroughly rich
read, but also a romance told in the most classical sense. Rebecca
Brandewyne's books are an integral part of any true romance
aficionado's book collection and an excellent introduction to
the romance genre. Like all of Ms Brandewyne's historicals "Upon
A Moon-Dark Moor" is a 'must read' and does not deserve
a lower position in anyone's TBR pile. Move it to the top. There's
no reason to save the best for last!!
