Thursday, 30 July 2015

To Tame The Wind, by Regan Walker - Blog Tour Review

To Tame the Wind, by Regan Walker
Agents of the Crown, Book 0 (Prequel)
Published: Via CreateSpace, May 9, 2015
Pages: 285 Kindle, 285 paperback
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, Author

Paris 1782… AN INNOCENT IS TAKEN
All Claire Donet knew was the world inside the convent walls in Saint-Denis. She had no idea her beloved papa was a pirate. But when he seized Simon Powell's schooner, the English privateer decided to take the one thing his enemy held most dear... her.

A BATTLE IS JOINED
The waters between France and England roil with the clashes of Claire's father and her captor as the last year of the American Revolution rages on the sea, spies lurk in Paris and Claire’s passion for the English captain rises.

This is the prequel to the Agents of the Crown trilogy but can be read as a stand alone.
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Claire is an Ursuline convent girl reared in Saint-Denis, France, but she has a spirit like no other nun-to-be that belies her promise to a dying friend. Caught up as a pawn in her father’s nefarious activities, Claire finds herself suddenly living aboard the ship of privateer, Simon Powell.

In this historical romance novel, the author intertwines historical elements of the times into the story adroitly. It was interesting to learn, for example, that convent girls of the time were actually well educated and in the book this will stand Claire in good stead.

Regan Walker also blends in historical elements of the French assistance in the American war for independence seamlessly, and this runs as an interesting sub-plot to the story. It is not so widely known just how much France helped the 13 colonies gain their independence but there is much of the matter in To Tame the Wind.

The story just draws you in inexorably and I found myself reading into the night about Powell’s efforts to regain his stolen ship and men. Claire is a wonderful, independent miss who at the same time makes the most of her situation.

If you were ever kidnapped by a sailing privateer, you’d want it to be gentleman Simon Powell. I love that the romantic attachment between Claire and Simon is very gradual, and natural. It is expertly interwoven into the story line which initially is focused on Simon reclaiming his ship and crew but then grows into the relationship between Claire and Simon.

It is a little too convenient how Simon steals Claire away the second time, but you just love it anyway.  

This is a Happy Ever After feel-good enjoyable read, with quite a sentimental ending. Well written, and the historical elements don't overwhelm the story at all.  4.5 Stars!

To Tame the Wind is actually the prequel to the Agents of the Crown series, and Book One which follows is Racing With the Wind.

Regan Walker writes historical romance that sweeps you away... She can be found on the internet here:


3 comments:

  1. Kristin, Thanks so much for the great review. I'm delighted you liked To Tame the Wind. I do want my readers to feel good and enjoy the adventure along the way!

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  2. Thanks for visiting Regan; glad to host for such a lovely story. Best of luck on your series!

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