The Briar and the Rose [Hardcover]

The story starts with the Marquess of Castlereagh returning to his home in Ireland after the death of his fiance in London. Shortly after his return, he meets a woman that's been taken in as a member of his staff, and to his shock, she looks exactly like the woman who died. He calls her to his library, hoping he's been granted a miracle, but he soon realizes this woman, Raven, is just a common Irish girl, who's suffered a tragedy so awful that she can't remember her past before the day she came to his estate.

After meeting Raven, Devan (the marquess) is freed from the dreams of the fire that took his fiance that he's had ever since the night in England when she died, only to begin having strange dreams of Raven, who calls out to him for help in these dreams.

Devan soon realizes that the only way to put an end to the disturbing dreams is to solve the mystery of Raven's past.

It's just beautiful how the author lays out the clues throughout the story and then ties up every loose end, and through it all Devan and Raven discover a precious love.

I loved this story! I could feel every heartache and victory these characters experienced. Devan and Raven are wonderful characters, but I also fell in love with the whole cast of characters, which I don't normally do. This book made me feel just about every emotion imaginable. There's passion and humor and drama. It's just a beautiful story all around.

Not only is it written very well, but the story is so original that I consider it the best historical romance I've read in a long time, and I read a lot of them. I think other readers who love historicals set in Ireland and England will love it too.

Raven has no memory before being found on the lawn of Dahlingham near death. The housekeeper, Mrs. Captain, probably would have turned her out as a crazy person, but Collette, her daughter, begged to be allowed to nurse the girl back to health. By the time Lord Castlereagh returns home from London, Collette has named her Raven, nursed her to health, and Raven has a position tending to the laundry and the garden.

Since Katherine's death, confusing nightmares tortured Devan. He knows that Raven and his is connected. He decides that by bettering Raven's life and helping her learn to be a lady, he would ease his nightmares of failing to save his love from the flames. Raven, somehow, held the key to it all.

Unknown to Raven or Devan, Raven walks in her sleep every night. Raven plays out the dreams of being a lady from two hundred years ago named Mairéad. Devan follows Raven's nightly treks, not realizing she is not awake or in some sort of trance. When questioned about the outings at a later date, Raven insists HE dreamed it all. He is left to wonder why she is lying.

Through it all, Devan's friend, Victor, Duke of Brookshire, visits almost daily. He adores Raven and even courts her. As Victor comes to understand that love has bloomed between Devan and Raven, he decides to give them a helping hand. After all, someone has to known some sense into the pair.

***** Fans of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, HEADS UP! You do NOT want to miss out on this author! Laura Mills-Alcott is quickly rising to stardom with her magical historical romances. This one will touch your heart and linger in your memory forever! I cannot urge you strongly enough to rush out and get your copy of this story. Best get hardback. You will not be able to read it only once in your life. This one will win awards! Absolutely unforgettable! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.