4 stars
James was wounded during the war in France, losing an eye and a leg. Because of his inclinations, his father told him that he is not allowed back in England, so he settles in Paris after a great uncle makes him his heir. In order to distract himself from how much his life has changed and what he saw and experienced during the war, James starts writing a book. Because his arm is also messed up, James needs a secretary to get it written. To that end, he hires Edmund. Edmund is a man of many secrets, and James becomes intrigued and wants to find out what Edmund is hiding. Edmund worries about what will happen to his family if anyone discovers their secrets. He needs the money to send his brother to an expensive sanitarium in Switzerland. James figures that the rest of his life will be lonely because the only men who are interested in him like to be compensated for it. Edmund admires James, but because of his family's past, he doesn't feel as though he is good for James.

This is the 3rd book that I've read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. The style felt as though it could have been written in 1919. Both James and Edmund were clearly drawn, as were the secondary characters. I did think that the near misses between James and Edmund went on a little too far, where they each thought the other meant something else and couldn't possibly have feelings for them. Altogether, this is an author I would recommend, as the style of writing changes to reflect the story being told. ( )

Excellent.

Review to follow. ( )

Excellent.

Review to follow. ( )