Summary: Revolution of Hearts by Rhonda Gibb Hinrichsen
Secrets, spies, and hidden love.
Which will strike first?
Born to a life of wealth and status, Mademoiselle Dacia de Prideux is every
inch the glittering aristocrat. However, her brother, Marcel, is an outspoken
political activist, and with the country on the verge of the French Revolution,
he has made dangerous enemies—one of whom takes Marcel’s life. When Dacia is
accused of the unthinkable crime, she finds refuge with her dear friend
Marguerite St. Just, who believes there is one man with the means to help: the
wealthy fop, Sir Percy Blakeney.
Intent on rescuing people from perilous circumstances, Richard Harris, wealthy English landowner and member of Sir Percy’s league of gentleman heroes, has been assigned to protect Dacia. Hiding her in plain sight and masquerading her as a housemaid at his estate, Richard soon comes to trust the beautiful woman under his protection, and their feelings for each other grow stronger each day. But Marcel’s murderer will never stop pursuing Dacia, and she will need both her cunning and Richard’s connection to the legendary Scarlet Pimpernel to survive (from Amazon).
My review of this historical romance
When French aristocrat Dacia de Prideaux escapes Paris and her brother’s murderer by the skin of her teeth, she has to hide as a maid in wealthy British landowner Mr. Richard Harris’ household. Dacia feels safe for a while, but Richard’s privileged lifestyle soon puts her life in danger and she has to flee again.
Revolution of Hearts is the standalone by Rhonda Gibb Hinrichsen, set in Paris 1789 at the start of the French Revolution. Aristocrat Dacia de Prideaux’s brother is murdered by a corrupt police officer. As Dacia was present when the murder happened, influential friends protect her from being the next victim by getting her boat passage to England. Aware she has fled Paris; wealthy landowner Mr. Richard Harris hires her as a maid in his household. He is impressed by her attitude and work ethics while she is trying to maneuver her new life below stairs. Richard goes about the ordinary lifestyle of the privileged not knowing it puts Dacia’s life in danger. Soon she is on the run again.
Main character is French aristocrat Dacia de Prideaux, aka Louise Bertrand, seems amazingly adaptable. I thoroughly enjoyed following her impressive personal development through the story as she has to learn a completely new mindset, speech and ways to tackle her new life as a maid. She is my absolute favorite of this story.
Supporting character is wealthy landowner Mr. Richard Harris who seems caring and kind to people high and low having been influenced by his late mother. I found him a likable character with his very own secrets.
My favorite part of the story was the descriptions
of life in Mr Harris’ household which reminded me of Downton Abbey with an
added twist of drama and danger towards the end. My least favorite part was
description of Dacia’s brother’s murder and corrupt police blaming her for the murder
and chasing her through Paris.
Both Dacia and Richard guard their secrets like
life depends on it. Feelings start to sneak up on them as Richard asks Dacia to
help him with an “in-house project”. I
found this a thoroughly amusing and entertaining part of the book, which made it
feel real that a romantic relationship would develop between them.
Readers who enjoy stories with historical settings mixed with intense drama and romance would find A Revolution of Hearts a captivating tale. I would have loved to see a movie based on this story. Similar authors to explore might be Sarah M. Eden or Sarah E. Ladd.
Thank you to publisher Covenant Communications and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Conclusion:
This thrilling story is about the French
aristocrat who has to flee Paris following her brother’s murder and hide as a
maid in a wealthy English gentleman’s household. It offers a thoroughly captivating
vibe fit for a movie, and a surprising twist towards the end. I am totally
impressed by this new to me author and will definitely be on the look-out for
Rhonda Gibb Hinrichsen’s next release.
Rating:
5 stars / 5
Main
reasons: great entertaining plot, engaging characters.
Book Details
Print Length : 247 pages
Publisher : Covenant Communications (November 2, 2020)
ASIN : B08FNW5QM2
Where to get your copy
Author
Award-winning author, Ronda Hinrichsen (also writing as Kathleen Marks) and her family own a small farm located between the beautiful Rocky Mountains and the Great Salt Lake where she regularly sees eagles, hawks, owls, and ducks. Lots of ducks. She is the author of independently and traditionally published romantic suspense, non-fiction, and speculative books as well as numerous magazine articles and stories for children and adults. She also enjoys teaching about writing in conference and classroom settings. To learn more about Ronda, visit her website at rondahinrichsen.com
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