“Out of the Bower” Review

Hello Friends!

I feel like I have been reading this genre a lot this year, and I’m loving it. So… Ready for a historical romance novel?

“Out of the Bower“, written by A.E. Walnofer, is a Historical Romance novel, the first book in the Durbin Family series, published on 25th December 2020.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and A.E. Walnofer for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

London, 1817: When Barclay Durbin, a young street preacher, encounters Honora Goodwin, injured on a London street, he doesn’t know she has just escaped from Titania’s Bower, a brothel. Taking her to his ancestral home to recover amongst his family, he falls in love with the vivacious girl and comes to believe that she is divinely appointed to become his wife.

Honora begins to feel similarly and knows that the good-hearted gentleman’s attentions would likely ensure her future happiness, but she is intent on liberating Celia Woodlow – the friend she was forced to leave behind at the Bower. Telling Barclay only parts of her own story, Honora enlists the besotted young man to help her.

When their plan goes awry, Honora realizes that only the truth can deliver them from the emotional and societal maelstrom in which they find themselves. But if she divulges all, what will become of Honora and Barclay’s budding attachment? And will Celia ever gain her freedom?

Out of the Bower tells the tale of a forbidden romance, an ardent friendship, and the ever-essential redemption of self.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Potential Trigger Warning: One incident of sexual assault in this book is described in limited and nongratuitous detail

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About the Author

A.E. Walnofer spends weekdays mobilizing the soft tissue and synovial joints of patients, and weekends typing out stories that are incessantly brewing inside her head. There are lots of these tales and she hopes to share many more of them with you in the future.

Social Media Links: Website | Goodreads

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My Review

I’m always looking forward to explore more historical books, because every author gives a different feel to the story and explores different elements of history. This book ends up following not only the dynamic between the different classes, but it also opens a window to the lower class back then.

Honora was just trying to find a job, yet things aren’t as they seemed. It’s through her eyes that we follow this heartbreaking and emotional storytelling. Her background was emotional, yes, and at times overwhelming, I didn’t even knew what to think in the end. I had to reflect on all elements and aspects of the plot, setting and characters.

Then there is Barclay (love his name, by the way). He was an amazing character, a man of God. His presence gave the plot a balance, and brought some different elements thanks to his dreams, his family and the background.

Having Honora and Barclay fall in love, seeing their plans, Honora’s goals of helping her friend… It was all a fantastic journey, full of drama, romance, friendship, strength, struggles, redemption. It was the connection between the characters and the ups and downs in the story that grabbed my attention.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It addresses a darker side of our history, related to topics that aren’t usually talked about in story. Having it in this historical romance, it was refreshing and thought provoking. I can’t wait to see what else will happen in this series and related to this family.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews and basic promo/spotlight posts.

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Love,

Jess

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