With the lucky turn of a card, she ends up married to Drew O'Connor, a handsome farmer still in mourning for his beloved Leah. Drew only wants a maid to care for his home and four year old sister and definitely does NOT want a wife, especially an argumentative redhead (a colour he particular abhors) with a head full of book learning and hands totally inept in domestic skills. Constance only wants to get back to England as fast as she can to edit a mathematics journal, shocked that this place is so uncivilized that they wash their dishes in dirt.

Since they both want an out from the marriage forced on them, they agreed to keep it celibate so it can be annulled. But, Virginia in 1643 is a long way from England and nothing can happen till spring. In the meanwhile, the lushness of the country, the friendship and support she gets from Mary, another woman from the ship Drew had already purchased as a maid, makes Constance begin to appreciate both Virginia and Drew. Faced with the challenges and tragedies of colonial life, they learn to understand each other a little better and find joy in small pleasures. As spring approaches and feelings change, will they go their separate ways or will they change their marriage of convenience to one of love?

Right from the first page, first time author Deeanne Gist skillfully pulls us right into the sights and sounds of the period. She humourously develops the interplay between the two strong willed and very believable characters as well as weaving in an inspirational theme of how faith developed to sustain them in their adversities. Her work is well crafted, solidly researched, and she realistically portrays the tensions and concerns of the various settlers and the Pohatans whose land they are taking away. So, pull the bed ropes tight and snuggle up with this witty book, but you'll want to stay up reading all night instead of "sleeping tight"! Enjoy!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Audrey Lawrence
September 2, 2005