Ransome's Honor

by Phee Paradise

Hello, Pixels. I'm excited to review Ransome's Honor by Kaye Dacus. It’s been a while since I read a book I couldn’t put down. It doesn’t have high adventure or deep themes, but I had to keep reading to see what would happen next. I kept telling myself I would read just one more page, one more section, one more chapter.

It is essentially a romance, but the love story unfolds gradually and the main characters act with integrity. Not so the villain. He is truly despicable, but part of the genius of the book is that some of it is told from his point of view and we get a glimpse into his character. In fact, the book moves easily between three characters’ points of view without any disruption to the story. It is set in early nineteenth century British society, which Dacus has clearly researched in depth, and the Royal Navy is almost another character. The plot hinges on a cultural convention that, as a modern American woman, I don’t get and made me want to shake the heroine, but it made sense within the story. In spite of this, she is smart, capable and has a strong faith. Most of the characters rely on God for guidance and comfort, but it is such a natural part of their lives that there is no sense that the author is teaching a lesson.

The book ends delightfully with a little humor and a nod to Jane Austen. I can’t wait for the next two books, but I hope they don’t come out too soon because I need to get some work done.

The first book in the exciting Ransome Trilogy is set in 1814 England. Julia Witherington must marry to receive a large dowry. The one man she despises is the only man her father approves of - Captain William Ransome. When the two enter a fake one-year marriage, the real adventure begins.

Kaye Dacus is an author and editor who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. Pursuing her passion for writing, she earned a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She is a former Vice President and long-time member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is also a founding member of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and writes contemporary and historical romances. To find out more about Kaye and her books, please visit her online at Kaye Dacus.