This was a good book. Like overall, that's just the feeling it gave me. It was a solid good read that I enjoyed, but perhaps not one that stuck around for me.

It just flows so well. This was one of those books that was utterly engaging. The story kept me drawn in entirely the whole time I was reading. I love a book that feels that engrossing, regardless of what it's about. If it holds my attention every page, it's done what I'm looking for. I really liked the development of Hetty as a character. I loved getting to see her learn and begin to think for herself throughout the book.

My main issue for this book was just how focused on the romance it was. I knew there was a romance in this, but I hadn't realized that the romance was the entire plot. Everything else that happened was either secondary to or supporting the romance story. I like romance, but I generally prefer when it's an important secondary element instead of the main story. If you really like a romance (romance plot line, not romance novel- this isn't a romance novel), I think you'd probably get along with this book better than me.

My other main issue was that while the main character, her love interest, and their relationship were really well developed, it felt like the secondary elements of the story fell flatter. The main character had an interesting relationship with her best friend, but that part of the story never felt like it was as developed as it could have been. I felt that way about all the secondary elements. Everything relating to the main storyline was so well done, but everything else felt like it needed a little more time and depth to create a well rounded story. It was so disappointing to me because there were a lot of elements that could have been great.

I'd definitely recommend this if you like a historical romance. It was compelling and well written and full of interesting characters. I even cried a bit at the end and I love a book that makes me cry.