Reviewer: Lori Graham
Title: Hawk's Passion
Author: Elaine Barbieri
Publisher: Leisure/Dorchester Publishing
ISBN: 0-8439-5637-2
Release Date: August 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1866/Texas
Overall Rating: 4.8
Sexual Content Rating: Sexual
Language (Profanity) Rating: Extremely Mild
Violent Content Rating: Mild with a touch of moderate
Elaine's Website: None Found
It all started in 1858 when an orphanage was burned to the ground with some children still inside. One little girl rescued some but went back for her little sister. The fire became too hot and she was burned. A passing couple found this little one wandering the road and after discovering she had no one, they took her back to New York City with them. The little girl couldn’t really argue because her first memory was waking up with this couple. They were all she knew and they loved her dearly.
As a young woman, however, Elizabeth Huntington (the name the new couple had given her) is dealing with the loss of her father and the ill health of her mother. While this couple never hid the fact she was adopted from her, she is beginning to wonder even more about who she is and where she came from in the world. Her mother encourages Elizabeth to follow her heart and find out more. She even sends her in the first direction—Galveston, TX. This is where the orphanage was that burned. So while the records are gone maybe…just maybe…someone will remember something. Plus, her mother has been holding onto the one thing that didn’t burn that night. A pendant the young child was wearing with an inscription and a ship’s name on it. So, Elizabeth has two clues to work from and a desire to try.
Upon arriving in Galveston, Elizabeth discovers that the city did not fare well during the war. Evidence of how hard it was hit is everywhere and in many ways it saddens her. However, she will not be deterred in her mission. She begins by going to the ship docks to see what she can discover there. One of the shipping company owners becomes quite interested in her, especially after seeing the pendant. Elizabeth can’t really see though that the true thoughts running through the mind of this Simon Gault. Jason can, however. Jason’s hatred of Simon runs deep and he is determined to show the city just who this man really is. He is surprised by the appearance of this young woman and finds himself wanting more and more to protect her. When push comes to shove, which man does Elizabeth believe?
Hawk’s Passion had me from the first chapter—to be honest, from the prologue. Whose heart wouldn’t go out to a little girl who has lost her entire world. Her parents are gone and now her three siblings are gone and she is left wandering – alone, burned and with no memory of what little she had once had. Talk about a true underdog. The reader cheers when she is adopted by this couple and watch how they shower her with their love and help create a strong, independent young woman; maybe a bit naïve and spoiled but certainly more than she could ever have hoped to become.
In spite of losing everything, Elizabeth shows incredible strength, courage and determination and you don’t feel sorry for her. There are times you wonder about the smartness of a decision she makes but you certainly can never say she sits on her laurels and waits for the world to take care of her.
I can’t wait to read more of the series and am seriously thinking about looking for the first book of the series to get caught up. Keep in mind you don’t have to do so. Hawk’s Passion is a strong, read alone book but you find yourself caught up with this little family from the orphanage and wanting to now more. The best kind of series!!!
Lori
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