BOOK REVIEW: The Highwayman’s Daughter by Henriette Gyland ★★★★☆

Gyland has published two novels; The Elephant Girl and Up Close, the latter won the 2011 New Talent Award from the UK Festival of Romance. So it is safe to say, she can write a romance novel.

So... Is it a crime to steal a heart?

This Georgian historical romance sets place in 1798, Hounslow. Jack Blythe is heir to the Earl of Lampton and a man who is ready to go far in life. But one late evening his stagecoach is held up by a masked highwaywoman, who disguised as a gentleman but flaunting a pistol in her hand. Although Jack expects his purse to be stolen, she takes much more than that. He recalls something strangely familiar about her and soon finds himself trying to win his cousin Rupert’s wager by tracking her down first. Throughout the story we see Jack and the highwaywoman enter into a game of cat and mouse and uncovering a complex sticky web of fiercely guarded family secrets.

The Highwayman’s Daughter is an exciting adventure story with an authentic feel of the Georgian period and developed characters. The main protagonists Jack Blythe and Cora Mardell are desirable and likeable characters who are good-hearted, strong and loving. Cora choice to become highwaywomen derives from her sincere devotion to her father. Rupert is a villain in disguise and yet the reader sympathises with how he feels and know the reason why he chose that path.

What I liked about the story was the chemistry development between Cora and Jack. Gyland didn’t chuck two people in a scenario and forced them to fall in love. The fact that they were so well matched was refreshing. My favourite part has to be every time Cora manages to wrong-foot Jack so many times. She escapes him, only to see him again. And I favoured Jack’s personality. He wasn’t this alpha male, trying to dominate Cora every time, as expected in the genre and setting. Rather he is a character that is comfortable, confident and aspects Cora of her past.

The setting and the story moved at a good pace and clearly, Gyland knows her history. I felt transported with the way she described the streets, the horses, the manors, the labour life, even the clothing. Although it is a love story, the reader does see the harsh side. Cora’s Uncle George, a convicted highwayman is held in Newgate Prison. His awful treatment, public executions and loss of loved ones really hits the reader.

With many true chick-lit novels, the ending is blinding obvious, but the journey is filled with twists and turns and is so overdramatic, I felt like chucking the book behind my bed. Plus all the who-slept-with-whom twenty years ago and who-fathered-whom mystery though cleverly done, it was frustrating. Also when Cora wanted Jack to honour her by making love to her, I didn’t get it and when Rupert monologue on how he planned to get back at Jack was so clichéd.

I would recommend The Highwayman’s Daughter to readers who love adventure with an authentic historical backdrop. Gyland’s writing style is easy and enjoyable. Her impeccable research into the period, the story setting and historical detail is clearly seen in the story. In general, The Highwayman’s Daughter is a decent read.

Rating 4/5
Publishers: Choc Lit
Publication Date: May 15th 2014
Genre: Romance / Historical Fiction