BROKEN WING - Judith James
Medallion Press, Inc.
ISBN: 9781933836447
November 2008
Historical Romance

France, London, the Barbary Coast -1790's

Gabriel St. Croix was abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel where his services were sold to men and women. Like so many children have done, Gabriel learned to survive. He grew into a handsome, sensual man, and is a favorite in the brothel. Yet, he has never given up the desire to have a friend, and a home. As street smart as Gabriel is, he knows nothing about love. He hides his emotions behind a cold facade of indifference. Whether Gabriel knows it or not, his life changes when a small boy named Jamie is brought to the brothel. Gabriel becomes Jamie's protector and keeps him safe. For this, he has paid dearly. Once again Gabriel's life is about to change. After five years of searching, Jamie's family has found him and they are taking him home. This one ray of light is about to disappear, what will Gabriel do?

Lady Sarah Munroe, or the Gypsy Countess as she is called, has never given up looking for her younger brother, Jamie. After five long years, she and her older brother, Ross, Lord Huntington, get the news that Jamie has been found. Sarah also learns that a young man named Gabriel has been Jamie's protector. Jamie is happy his family has come to take him home, but he refuses to leave the brothel without Gabriel. What kind of man is this who has sheltered and protected Jamie? Sarah is intrigued. When Gabriel is introduced to Sarah and Ross, he is highly suspicious. But Sarah knows the demons he is facing and vows that he will leave the brothel and come home with them. Sarah knows how fragile Gabriel is, and with her patience and kindness, they become friends and lovers. Gabriel begins to believe he has a chance of happiness. But on a sea voyage, a cruel twist of fate separates them -- will they find each other once again?

BROKEN WING will keep the reader captivated as the story unfolds against the ever shifting turmoil that rocked Europe and the Barbary Coast in the 1790s. Life was harsh for those who were taken and held captive, then sold for slavery or ransomed.

BROKEN WING is Judith James's debut. She has woven a complex, outstanding story of a man, Gabriel St. Croix, who has lost his soul and his way in life. This is an intriguing story that will keep the reader enthralled until the very last page. Can Sarah, with her love and belief in Gabriel, mend his BROKEN WING? Enjoy.

Deborah C Jackson