4 out of 4 stars
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The Devil Take Tomorrow by Gretchen Jeannette is a historical romance set in the time of the American Revolutionary War.
Ethan Matlock works for Mr. Robert Sinclair, a British Loyalist. He has been tasked with ferreting out spies for the British. Maddie Graves is the ward of Mr. Sinclair. She is sympathetic toward the Americans. She takes great risks to further the cause of the rebels. But all is not as it seems. Both armies are rife with spies. Are Ethan and Maddie truly whom they claim to be? Where do their true loyalties lie?
While Ethan is working for Sinclair, he falls in love with Maddie. Is this true love? Are they both simply using each other to ferret out information for their cause? Who can be trusted?
The plot develops the idea of an assassination attempt, by the British, on General Washington. This plot is carried forward by steadily increasing the suspense as more characters are introduced and the situation becomes more complicated. The third person omniscient point of view allows readers to draw conclusions as to which characters are revealing their true identity. All this makes for a mood of drama and mystery.
I felt that the pacing of the story was very well done. The doubt created around the different characters and their true loyalties piques the interest. The romance that develops between Ethan and Maddie is also tender, producing a fine balance with the suspense of the spies and their activities. The author draws you into her writing and makes you want to keep reading to discover the true spies and whether the romance will develop or fail.
The descriptions of Philadelphia and Valley Forge are clear and accurate. The living conditions of the Continental soldiers and their dedication to the cause, in spite of harsh conditions, are superbly portrayed. The reader is also reminded of the medical conditions of this time period. Gunshot wounds and other injuries were treated with the few medications available at the time. Infection and death were frequent and expected.
The only minor point that I found confusing was the relationship between Robert and Maddie. I wondered about his initial treatment of her and the change in his behavior later on.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The writing was interesting and accurate. It was refreshing to read a well-edited text with very few spelling or grammar errors. Readers who enjoy historical romance will be enthralled with this book. The author has done an excellent job of researching the time period and this comes through in her writing.
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The Devil Take Tomorrow
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