If there's one thing that every romance fan should hope for when diving into a new historical romance, it would most definitely be for the historical part to be done right. It isn't all that hard to write a steamy, heart-pounding romance, but to set it against a historical background that would not only be accurate, but also incredibly vivid, juicy and bursting with flavour - that, my friends, is a great accomplishment. No one does historical romance the way Genevieve Graham does. She weaves a fantastic tale packed with a sweetest kind of romance, breathtaking adventure, and just a tiny bit of magic, and she does it in the most superb, addictive way. Sound Of The Heart, just like Graham's previous novel, Under The Same Sky, is a pure delight, and everyone who loves a well-written, spellbinding, and swiftly moving historical romance will love, love, love it!
The novel kicks-off with the Battle of Culloden, just like Under The Same Sky did, only this time around Genevieve explores the adventures of Andrew MacDonnel's brother, Dougal. I absolutely loved reading about Andrew and Maggie in Graham's previous book, and you can only imagine how incredibly happy I was to know that now I'll get to meet and learn more about his brother! Just like Andrew, Dougal is not just another warrior caught in the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, he is fierce, devoted to his family and country, and he possesses a special talent that allows him to hear other men's thoughts and see the future in his dreams. The Battle of Culloden will change his life forever. He'll lose everyone he ever cared about and will be captured by the English army. He'll then manage to escape with the help of a young lad, Aiden, and he'll travel back to the highlands where he'll meet a girl that will steal his heart (and let me just tell you that you''ll be so surprised to learn who Glenna is!). It's the love for Glenna that will push him to travel across the seas to America, where he'll risk everything to get his love back.
Sound Of The Heart is a novel that will enchant you and sweep you off your feet! I loved how fast-paced and adventurous it was. The story flows effortlessly and doesn't let you catch your breath. The romance, too, is spine-tingling and sweet as honey, but its definitely the action and the fabulously depicted settings that ultimately made this book for me. It's remarkable how accurate and spot-on Graham's descriptions of fights and battles are - you would not expect a lady to be able to capture the heat, desperation and spirit of a battle so brilliantly. And yet she does it so well! You're instantly transported in the middle of a battlefield, and you can almost hear the cling of metal and all the war cries. Graham's writing style makes it easy to lose yourself in the story. Her characters are painfully authentic, their feelings and struggles - all too believable and heart wrenching. Before you know it, you'll be emotionally wrapped up in the plot and biting your nails!
I loved all the characters, but I especially enjoyed reading about Dougal. Some aspects of his personality reminded me of Andrew, some were totally different, but overall he was a fabulous protagonist that I came to love and admire. Not only is he steaming hot and build like a model, but he also has a beautiful soul and a lion's heart. There's just no way you could dislike him as a person, he's wonderful!
Sound Of The Heart is a book that I would recommend to everyone, regardless if you're a fan of the genre. It has everything a good book should have: sweeping love story, mind-blowing adventure, brilliant characters, engaging plot line and irresistible charm. Even if romance novels are not usually on your reading list, give this one a chance, you'll be surprised how much you'll enjoy it! I HIGHLY recommend it!
