I don't know if I just didn't read the description or what but this book is so far off of what I normally read. I had no idea what I was getting into so it was a bit slow at first (like the first 10%) Once I got into the story a bit more it became a lot easier to get through. Of course the gratuitousness sex scenes helped to keep my interest, but in seriousness there were plot twists galore, and I enjoyed the majority of them.

I liked the historical aspect of it, the inclusion of that era's responsibilities and problems. A few of the turns and twists I very much enjoyed, others were way more predicable, but over-all I enjoyed the experience.

The only thing I disliked occurred in the last few pages, in an attempt to wrap everything up in a nice little package I feel like there was just one too many strong coincidences. It's a book, it's fiction, I get it.... but it seemed like it could have been real and believable up until that point. ( )

Set early in the 18th century, this historical tale of New France tells of the trials and tribulations a young couple face. They wish to marry each other but their priest refuses, because, unknown to the young couple, the priest has been threatend by a prominent man of higher status whose attention has been fastened to the young bride-to-be. Naturally, the man covets the young woman for himself and sets out to make certain the young couple cannot be married.

The premise was very good - which is what attracted my attention to this book. The plot is complex, with twists, and turns and a large cast of characters that one almost needs a cheat sheet to follow closely, so marks off for that... The long, involved sequences between the parts with real action also challenged me to keep reading, and also caused me to mark down this book's rating. There were a couple of points near the middle of the book where I almost laid it aside forever. I kept on, because I wanted to know if the young couple overcame the difficulties, and how they managed to do so.

Large portions of this tale are forgettable, not something that makes the book stand out in my mind for recommendation. Though I normally love historical fiction, this book turned out to be less special than I thought it would be. Not recommended.

This book was provided to me free by the author in exchange for review. This review is being published on Dragonviews, Amazon.com and LibraryThing. ( )

Free ebook received in exchange for a review.

I enjoyed parts of this book. The characters fit the environment and limitations of 18th C Canada. They were engaging and interesting. The plot races along at breakneck speed and the author keeps the reader engaged and wanting to know what will happen next. I did not enjoy the graphic sex scenes, but that's a personal opinion. I'd recommend this book to other folks who enjoy historical fiction. ( )

In 18th century Canada, Overlord Seigneur Richard Tonnacour plots to satisfy his lust and take shy Emilie’s virginity through any means possible.

***

Set in the Saint Lawrence River area of New France during the 17th century, when women were only as valuable as their pedigree, this is a scenic twist on the “love conquers all” romance genre. It is an adult tale of depravity and blackmail that finds a shy but beautiful virgin separated from her finance as she flees Overlord Tonnacour’s unrelenting pursuit. Graphic sex, uncontrolled violence, kidnapping, blackmail, a small pox plague and religious enlightenment are just a few of the twists used to show who the characters are, how they think and how they react. There are numerous peaks and valleys in the action as the Emilie and Robert move from one unpleasant incident to another before finally marrying in an ultimately predictable outcome. ( )

Blurb: A compelling story of love and treachery, faith and loss, forgiveness and triumph in the turbulent world of 18th century New France. In 1702, Emilie Basseaux lives with her widowed mother in New France. On the eve of her wedding to Robert Lanzille, she catches the eye of the settlement’s unscrupulous overlord, Seigneur Richard Tonnacour who threatens to kill the parish priest if he performs their marriage. This sets off a catastrophic chain of events that turns her life, and that of her betrothed, into a desperate flight for their lives, separating them, and sending them straight into the arms of peril. Emilie and Robert’s plight sweeps them into the convents and taverns, the riots and small-pox epidemics of New France where they face death and discover the true meaning of love and forgiveness. The Blighted Troth is a retelling of the classic novel, The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi) by Alessandro Manzoni. Inspired by this epic Italian classic novel; a new and captivating tale in a new setting, a new century, and with new plot twists while remaining faithful to key story elements.

I've known this author for many years and read and enjoyed her books for the depth of character and description.
Ms Patzer is deeply passionate about her stories and pours all her talent into creating exciting stories for her readers. The Blighted Troth is another good example of Ms Patzer writing about a country she loves and an era that is intriguing and spectacular in his diversity. ( )