Book Review: Her Dear & Loving Husband

Her Dear & Loving Husband

By: Meredith Allard

Published By: Copperfield Press

Publication Date: April 2011

Page Count: 262

Buy it at Amazon or IndieBound

Source: Bewitching Blog Tours

Audience: Adult

I was originally drawn to this book because the summary claimed it had elements of Twilight and The Crucible. The cover also have me a sense of foreboding and I wanted a chance to explore that element further. Her Dear & Loving Husband combines some of my favorite topics - history, literature, the Salem Witch Trials, witches and vampires. I have often considered the possibility of other supernatural creatures existing in the town of Salem; I enjoyed Allard's integration of vampire lore into the famous town's history. She did a beautiful job of not only creating an intriguing story and characters, but I also learned more about the Salem Witch Trials as she threw in real historical figures such as Rebecca Nurse and Tituba. 

In addition, I liked that Allard admitted to drawing inspiration from Twilight, but she didn't write a book that followed that story arc. She created something that is truly her own. I didn't feel like I was reading an adult version of Twilight. The amount of historical research and creativity that went into this work ensure that Allard's work can stand on its own. I think it is an excellent addition into the modern vampire genre.

Also, the characters contribute to making this such an addictive read. I loved both James and Sarah. It was interesting for me to see their relationship evolve. The addition of a local coven of witches was also an interesting move. I suppose the Salem Witch trial judges would not have expected to see modern witches flocking to their tiny village.

Furthermore, I am always nervous to read books from Indie authors since you often have no idea about the quality of the writing. Allard writes like a seasoned professional. I was so excited to hear that this is going to be a series. I wasn't quite ready to leave James and Sarah's story behind. This novel has all the elements of a great read - romance, supernatural beings, and history. I couldn't put it down.

One Last Gripe: I did find it odd that James was all friendly with Geoffrey in the ending after being upset with him for so long and not trusting him around Sarah. 

My Favorite Thing About This Book: the historical components

First Sentence: I am looking lovingly into the eyes of a man, though I cannot see his face because it is featureless, like a blank slate.

Favorite Character: Sarah

Least Favorite Character: The Constable

Summary:

How long would you wait for the one you loved?

Her Dear & Loving Husband, the new novel from Meredith Allard, is part literary fiction, part historical fiction, part romance, and part paranormal fantasy. With elements of Twilight and The Crucible, Her Dear & Loving Husband is a story for anyone who believes that true love never dies.

James Wentworth has a secret. He lives quietly in Salem, Massachusetts, making few ties anywhere. One night his private world is turned upside down when he meets Sarah Alexander, a dead ringer for his wife, Elizabeth. Though it has been years since Elizabeth's death, James cannot move on.

Sarah also has a secret. She is haunted by nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and every night she is awakened by visions of hangings, being arrested, and dying in jail. Despite the obstacles of their secrets, James and Sarah fall in love. As James comes to terms with his feelings for Sarah, he must dodge accusations from a reporter desperate to prove that James is not who, or what, he seems to be. With the help of their friends, witches Jennifer and Olivia, James and Sarah piece their stories together and discover a mystery that may bind them in ways they never imagined. Will James make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Sarah and prevent a new hunt from bringing hysteria to Salem again?