Enid Maclean has been estranged from her husband, Stephen Maclean, for nine years. But when she is told he is dying, she agrees to go nurse him. She finds him under heavy guard at an English estate. He has been horribly wounded by an explosion in the Crimea which killed the man he was with. No one will tell her exactly what he was doing, but his companion was a spy and there is still a threat on his life.
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Despite her resentment and anger over her husband's abandonment of her, her pride in her nursing skills takes over and she works tirelessly to save her husband's life. As he recovers, he cannot remember who he is. Enid tells him he is her husband, but she is confused. He still has the same fascinating green eyes and a Scottish accent, but the irresponsible, selfish gambler now seems more mature, determined and even noble in his thoughts and actions. Even sex with him turns out to be far better than she ever experienced during the short time they had been together nine years ago.
An attempt on Maclean's life causes them to flee to Scotland. As Enid remains in daily contact with Maclean, she begins to suspect he is not her husband.
The review of this Book prepared by L. Watson
Avon, Mar 2002, 6.99, 384 pp.
ISBN: 0380819635
In 1843 London, Enid MacLean survives the collapse of her marriage by becoming a companion-nurse to ailing Lady Halifax. Enid buries her past though there remains a lot of speculation about her. However, her idyllic arrangement ends when she learns her husband Stephen is dying and needs her. As expected of a wife, she goes to help him with his final days though she hates him.
Considering her spouse is a wastrel, Enid is shocked to learn that Stephen is near death due to a bomb explosion in the Crimea. Though barely recognizing her husband due to the excessive injuries, Enid takes over his medical care. When he begins to recover she finds his personality has changed dramatically from the man she once loved. Perhaps the brush with death is the cause, but Stephen is kind and gracious, and soon Enid realizes she still loves her spouse, but begins to question whether this nice man could even be her husband?
LOST IN YOUR ARMS is a Victorian romantic rendition of the movie Sommersby with a different ending. The story line is exciting as Enid struggles with nursing a person she loathes, but in spite of her independence she still performs her duty as defined by society's edicts. The plot works hooking the audience who need to know what will happen as the relationship between the lead couple changes as Stephen regains his health. Christina Dodd provides historical romance fans with her usual affable novel.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner
