Jan 07
Framed for a crime he didn't commit and sentenced to seven years' transportation, former stable lad Seb Cornish returns to his native Dorset with old scores to settle. Above all, he seeks revenge against the young girl who unwittingly betrayed him all those years before.
Amanda Lapsly is now a beautiful young woman, but impoverished and without protection. Her vulnerability attracts Seb. To obtain the vengeance he seeks, he must win her trust - and her hand in marriage. But Amanda has already been promised to one man - while her heart belongs to another.
Will Amanda fall for Seb's trap? Three men desire her - but only one can offer her unconditional love. Will she make the right choice?
THE CONVICT'S WOMAN is the third book that I have read by Janet Woods. Never have I been disappointed in anything that she has written. THE CONVICT'S WOMAN is fast-paced and eventful, with a wonderful cast of characters and great villains. I felt as if I was there in that little seaside town with these characters that I have totally grown to love. I imagine if I had closed my eyes, I might have smelled the water and heard the seagulls. Ms. Woods is a phenomenal writer and I always find it a privilege to be able to review one of her books.
Pocket Books May 06
ISBN 1416502521
Her enthralling new Dorset saga.
Following a romantic shipboard marriage, Joanna Morcant has everything her heart could desire. But just as she's beginning to settle into a new life with her dashing husband and their adored son, Toby, an unforseen tragedy leaves her destitute.
Joanna has no choice but to return to her childhood home, the Isle of Portland off the Dorset coast, a place which holds disturbing memories for her. The past rises up to haunt her. Toby's grandfather, the dissolute Lord Durrington, has vowed to take the boy and make him his heir - whether Joanna agrees or not. And he's not the only sinister figure to emerge, determined to cause trouble . . .
In Joanna's darkest hour she prays for a knight in shining armour to come to her rescue - but when he does, her defender is someone she least expects.
Lovereading website UK
"Janet woods evokes this entire story and all of her characters with such life, passion and emotion that I found it absolutely impossible to set this book aside once I started reading it. Top Pick!"
Kristal Gorman. Romance Reader at Heart.
"Brilliant historical novel with appealing twists and turns, and interesting details."
Five stars
Daphne Curtis
Dorset Daily Echo
August '05 release.
ISBN 0 7434 8400 2
Dorset 1838. The evening after a violent storm, a taciturn stonecutter prowling the Portland coast in search of plunder finds himself in possession of the most priceless treasure of all: a crying, hungry baby girl strapped securely in her cradle has miraculously survived the battering on the waves. The child blossoms into a beautiful young woman, blissfully ignorant of the extraordinary truth about her origins. But Joanna Rushmore's happy childhood is about to come to a shattering end. For the past cannot be kept hidden forever, and the secret of her birth is destined to catapult her into a future she could never have dreamed of, causing untold heartache, an impossible dilemma, and - finally - a passionate love.
Nancy Henshaw
Historical Novel Society Review. Nov 05
'A highly appealing historical novel, filled with surprises and interesting detail.'
Booklist.
'THE STONECUTTER'S DAUGHTER is a beautiful, poignant story that brought tears to my eyes more than once. Janet Woods is a superbly gifted writer who knows how to tell a story like no other. Top pick award!'
Kristal Gorman.
http://romancereaderatheart.com Jan 06
Sept '04
After an unhappy period apart, Francis and Siana Matheson have settled into a loving marital relationship in their comfortable Dorset home. Siana's only sorrow is that so far she has been unable to bear her husband another child. Francis however is content to be a father to his grown-up daughters and his young son, Bryn, born while he was overseas.
But Siana is hiding a secret. Although she hates keeping something from her husband, the need to protect all concerned has left her with no choice. She must keep quiet and live with the guilt of her deceit.
No one can keep the truth hidden forever - and when Siana's shocking secret bursts into the open, there will be tragic and far-reaching consequences for the close-knit Matheson family.
Now a wealthy young widow, former peasant girl Siana Forbes has overcome her humble beginnings to become mistress of Cheverton Manor, the handsome estate which her infant son, Ashley, will one day inherit. When the man she had always loved, country doctor Francis Matheson, asks for her hand in marriage, it seems her happiness is complete.
But trouble lies ahead. An unexpected tragedy means Francis must leave for Australia - a land where danger and hardship await. Left behind to raise a growing family, Siana too has problems when a sinister figure from her past emerges, determined to cause havoc.
And a terrible ordeal suffered by her stepdaughter on the night of the harvest supper leaves Siana with a heartbreaking choice. Will she be able to overcome the odds stacked against her and keep her family together? And will she ever be reunited with her beloved Francis?
"Romantic saga has plenty of drama and action.
Keen readers of romances have no doubt been waiting for this novel, the second in the trilogy which began with "A Dorset Girl." It has all the ingredients of a compulsive page turner, and with good dollops of romance mixed in, it will please its audience mightily."
Townsville Bulletin
SIMON AND SCHUSTER UK Ltd.
ISBN: 0-7434-6799-X
July 2003 release.
Pocket Books £6.99
Hardcover.
COMING SOON...
THE CONVICT'S WOMAN
An illegitimate peasant girl faces cruelty and hardship in 19th century Dorset.
When her mother and stepfather perish in a fire, Siana Lewis finds herself destitute, with a younger brother and sister to support. Although her prospects seem bleak, Siana's beauty and intelligence will attract the attention of three men.
Daniel, her first love - the man who will betray her.
Francis Matheson - the village doctor, who admires Siana's determination and thirst for knowlege.
And Edward Forbes, the local squire. A sensual and devious man, Edward is used to getting what he wants. He desires the beautiful peasant girl from the moment he sets eyes on her - and he's determined to have her. Whatever it takes.
"Set in the 19th century against a Dorset backdrop, including the Tolpuddle Martyrs, this is a well-writtten book. The author uses her knowledge of the Dorset towns and villages to colour the story. The only disappointment is that the sequel will not be published until 2004."
Dorset Daily Echo. Saturday magazine
"An absorbing tale by an accomplished romance writer. It brims with betrayal, lust, love, loyalty and friendship."
Australian Women's Day. Jan 12th 04