Absolutely delightful and sexy!
💙1870s USA setting
💗Both main characters are Jewish
🗡Intrigue
💋Twice-divorced and completely unapologetic heroine.
🚃Trains
🚞cave sex

And SPOILER ALERT:

Spoiler

A Virgin Hero

Felicia Grossman is writing some of the best "unusual" historical romances right now. I'm not typically drawn to the 1870-1900 time period, but Grossman and Joanna Schupe are changing my mind!

I've also never read a historical featuring Jewish characters, and this story shows the different ways one could be Jewish during this time period. Seeing David's struggle with being an immigrant, a non-native English speaker, someone who wears traditional Jewish religious items, and someone who had to flee his home because of being persecuted for his religious beliefs is fascinating. In a similar vein I liked the juxtaposition to Amalia's Jewish upbringing. Because she is American she is offered, as a woman, more opportunity to understand her faith. More education.

Besides the main couples' heritages, I also adore a heroine who takes charge of her life to the extent she can, isn't apologetic for her desires and wants, and has made mistakes and is learning from them. Amalia is twice-divorced for reasons and I loved that while David was jealous he never shames her.

I also really loved the second-chance aspects of this story. David and Amalia were teenage "lovers" (over the clothes only), and I just love when adults who have lived some of their lives can come back together with all that simmering angst still between them.

Plus trains! Makeup! Bustles! So many wonderful details to enjoy. A must read.

I received a free copy in exchange for a fair review.