When Jonah Sinclair arrives at Ravenglass Hall, he finds a missing Count, a Countess clearly afraid and under real threat, a fiercely protective housekeeper, and Adam—a precocious but socially awkward little boy who will be his charge. Meanwhile, Faith, the Countess, is desperate to keep him at bay, and to keep her secrets hidden long enough to get her beloved nephew safely off to school before the funds for his tuition can be drained by the embezzling, blackmailing steward.
Lille Moore’s KEEPING THE COUNTESS is, on its surface, an interestingly gender-swapped variation on Jane Eyre, but it’s more than that. Given gender roles, norms, and laws in Victorian society, it isn’t and can’t be quite the same story; the Countess of Rochford does not have the absolute power over her husband, for example, as any man of her time had over his wife. Both sides are keeping dark secrets here, which helps to account for Sinclair taking the job at all—given that he is nowhere near as helpless or dependent as Jane Eyre was. Sinclair also has more friends and allies on the outside who can step in to help; but the problems they face are larger and more public because a missing husband mattered more to Victorian law than a missing wife. Moore deals with the differences with thoughtful, realistic intelligence in a way that heightens, rather than diminishes, the relationship at the heart of the novel.
The characters are well-developed and interesting personalities in their own right, and their romance flows believably and powerfully from their growing mental and emotional connection—as well as the physical attraction. Jonah is appealing in his devotion to justice and the right. Also, despite his clergy status, he’s more than willing to use his street-smart toughness to protect those he loves. Faith is a painful portrait of the resigned determination and endurance of a woman who has survived numerous storms and never quite expects the weather to clear, but is willing to do anything at all to keep those storms from the vulnerable child in her care. Still, she retains a frustrated, fierce hope that keeps her from completely giving up on life, happiness, and love—and that makes her a heartbreakingly lovable heroine. Supporting characters add charm, humor, and life to the story. Adam in particular is a well-written, appealing kid—well-balanced and neither too saccharine-sweet nor too serious and adult. For those who enjoy a good love story with two strong and caring partners trapped in a difficult situation together, KEEPING THE COUNTESS will fit the bill nicely.
Lille Moore’s KEEPING THE COUNTESS manages to provide a fascinating answer to the question, “What would happen if Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester had switched sexes?” while still telling a compelling, romantic, and suspenseful story.
~Catherine Langrehr for IndieReader