When Aurelie Harcourt’s father dies in debtor’s prison, he leaves her just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. Her new family greets her with apathy and even resentment. Only the quiet houseguest, Silas Rotherham, welcomes her company.

When Aurelie decides to complete her father’s unfinished serial novel, writing the family into the story as unflattering characters, she must keep her identity as Nathaniel Droll hidden while searching for the truth about her mother’s disappearance–and perhaps even her father’s death.

Intriguing, compelling, and romantic, Politano pulled me right into the story and kept piling on the drama so I had to keep reading. A unique voice and writing style, it all came together in an entertaining read. This isn’t my favorite historical time period to read, but Politano’s writing and creativity might make me a fan. I’m looking forward to her next book!