A Will of Her Own [Mass Market Paperback]

HK always writes wonderful reviews and she has detailed the story wonderfully so I will defer to her review. My comments are geared more to the enjoyment of the book. Will Trevaron is actually exiled from england and his family by his grandfather who believes Will abused his fiancee. Will won't defend himself as he thinks his grandfather should have faith in him without need for explanation. Since he broke the engagement he feels Lily can use whatever story she wants and so he keeps silent.

That, among family, is a bit far fetched and starchy but pride is an encumbering emotion. Will goes to America, and is rescued and cared for by a young woman who loses her job over her conviction to help him. He remains friends with her over the next 5 years even "helping" her to marry an injured, grieved widower with 3 adorable children. When her "husband"dies she is left in poverty and unable to provide for herself or the children. Will has received a dictate to return to england to his "rightful heritage" out of necessity not forgiveness. But he has little trust for women in general and no wish to fall into his grandfather's control so he solves Maggie's problem and his. They marry. Before this can happen 2 more "accidents" occur and Maggie once again saves Will's life medically. Will is very slow in thinking that these accidents aren't accidents!!! when it's pretty obvious to the rest of us. Eventually Maggie and Will and the 3 precocious but adorable kids set sail for england in a 2 room cabin. The dialogue in this story is delightful. The children hit "trigger points" as children do and the adults, both of whom have 'issues' try to be honest with each other. Both have had traumatic pasts that need to be faced but are deeply held secret. The writing is excellent and when Maggie faces the duke and other pretentious english elite with her forthright manner of speaking, it is too funny. She is a strong woman and incredibly vulnerable as is Will but she doesn't let anyone interfere with those she loves, no matter what. When she finally comes to realize why Will won't defend himself she confronts his family. Of course the bad guy is found after perilous moments and the ending is as it should be. The "honor" issue is a bit overdone and its a stretch that after being abused by an employer and married for several years, maggie still goes to Will as a virgin...and he never comments on it! It surprised me. Although this isn't my first pick to re-read as it's pretty standard fare, I still plan to keep it as it is an enjoyable light read..

Heartwarming romance with a hero and heroine who are good people-no courtesans or rakes here-just two decent people who've been hurt in the past and must learn to love and trust.

The story starts in England, travels to America, spends a great deal onboard a ship, to finally end back in England. Mild bedroom scenes, a formulaic but interesting mystery, and lot's of familiar relationships abound.

If you are a fan of "nicer" or Christian romances, but without the religious aspect, then you'll enjoy this book.

4 stars.

I must say, I was very impressed. This is the 2nd novel I have read by Griggs, and absolutely love the way she draws you into the characters' lives! A Will of Her Own had a much more lengthy love scene than Whatever It Takes (her previous novel I read), and I realized it was because of the CHARACTERS. Genius! Griggs doesn't just incorporate certain boughts of romance just to have it there-- she genuinely customizes it to the characters. In all of the novels/fiction I have read, Griggs is the first author I have come accross to accomplish this so well. That alone is worth reading all of her works.

England, 1824: Will Trevaron is banished from his family and his estate due to circumstances surrounding his broken engagement. A man of honor, Will lets his family (and most of England) believe he battered his ex-fiance, when actually he caught her in the arms of her lover. Will then moves to America where, over a course of six years, he becomes a very successful business owner. When he receives a letter from his grandfather stating he (Will) has become the rightful heir of Lynchmorne, return to England and find a wife, Will has an idea of his own...

Maggie Carter is a recent widow and long time acquantance of Will's. Saving his life nearly six years prior and instantly taken with him, Maggie is surprised when Will proposes a marriage of convenience. By accepting she is able to recover from debt, save her stables and most importantly her stepchildren. Maggie then finds there may be much more involved than first expected--for both of them.

When Will is attacked in an alley and nearly killed the day before their wedding, Maggie is forced to begin to come to terms with the way she really feels for her soon-to-be husband. While Maggie nurses him back to health, Will also realizes his feelings may be more than attractiveness and friendship. Still, because of occurances in their pasts, Maggie finds it difficult to fully trust Will on many levels. Does Will have the patience and tenderness it takes to uncover the truth and draw Maggie out of her shell?

There are plenty of other interesting happenings as well. For instance: Is the attack on Will any relation to the fire that destroyed his business less than a week before? If so, who is responsible? How will the children adjust to all of the travel and changes? Will Will stand beside his wife when it comes to his family? Surprise after surprise, Griggs delivers way more than anticipated.