Brenda Novak's stunning debut novel, OF NOBLE BIRTH, is a fast-paced historical romance, a High Seas adventure with walk-off-the-page characters so vital they'll steal your heart from the first page! This is one I could not put down. Ms. Novak pulls out all the stoppers, proving herself to be a most skilled wordsmith with her vivid portrayal of characters, time and place. Darkly handsome but marred Nathaniel Kent comes boldly alive, making our hearts race as we follow him along the path to attaining his life-mission: exacting revenge on his noble but utterly cold father. Seamstress Alexandra Cogsworth is his ideal match, and as with Nathaniel, Ms. Novak has created an endearing character, one you'll root for from the moment she walks onto the page. This is one novel without any flaws, everything works just right, casting a magical spell as you read. Ms. Novak sweeps you so thoroughly into her character's lives and world, you'll imagine yourself right there with them. I could almost breathe in the tangy salt air, picture myself aboard Nathaniel's ship, even half-expected to see his shipmates standing in the shadows as I read -- so real are these story-people. Yes, this one has it all: superb characterization, excellent motivation, worthy goals for her hero and heroine, and a fast-paced and gripping plot. OF NOBLE BIRTH offers a vivid story-world to escape to, a romance that will make you believe in love again, and an ending in which everything comes together so beautifully you'll close the book with a great sigh of satisfaction. Don't miss this one --- it'll be sure to win a place of honor in your heart and on your keeper shelf.
