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Broken Wing

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'Broken Wing' by Judith James is a historical romance novel set during the French Revolution, following the story of Gabriel St. Croix, a broken man raised in a brothel, and Sarah Munroe, a widow with a free spirit. The plot revolves around their unconventional love story, Gabriel's dark past, and his journey towards redemption, all while facing dangers such as privateering, wars, and emotional turmoil.

The writing style of 'Broken Wing' is described as beautifully written, emotionally gripping, and heartwarming. delves into themes of love, redemption, and overcoming past traumas, while also incorporating elements of action, adventure, and historical fiction. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is fast-paced, making it a compelling and captivating read for fans of historical romances.

Characters:

Characters are richly developed, especially Gabriel and Sarah, whose interactions drive the emotional depth of the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is described as lush and immersive, effectively capturing complex emotions and historical settings.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Gabriel's traumatic past, his protective bond with Jamie, and his evolving relationship with Sarah, exploring themes of love and redemption.

Setting:

The setting is richly depicted, transitioning between various historical locales that are integral to the plot.

Pacing:

The pacing alternates between action and character introspection, contributing to both engagement and emotional resonance.
Whatever notice Davey took of Ross's warnings, it didn't stop him from the lucrative free trading that kept his ship at the ready and his crew content. Gabriel had been out to sea several times now. ...

Notes:

Gabriel St. Croix was abandoned as a child and raised in a Parisian brothel.
He learned to pleasure both men and women but struggles to find pleasure for himself.
Gabriel uses alcohol to numb his emotions and only feels alive through physical pain.
He forms a protective bond with a young boy named Jamie, keeping him safe in the brothel.
The story spans from Paris to England and Mediterranean, set in the late 1800s during the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Lady Sarah Munroe, a strong-willed and unconventional heroine, helps Gabriel seek a new life.
Gabriel is treated as a person for the first time, not just an object of desire.
There is a slow-building romantic relationship between Gabriel and Sarah, focusing on friendship first.
Gabriel's journey takes him to the high seas as a privateer, where he faces dangers that test his emotional resilience.
The novel explores themes of love, trust, and redemption against a backdrop of historical events.
Judith James received acclaim for her compelling storytelling and character development.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Broken Wing include themes of child prostitution and slavery.

Has Romance?

The romance between Gabriel and Sarah is a central element of the plot.

From The Publisher:

Winner of IPPY gold, a Historical Novels Review Editor's Choice and an All About Romance Desert Island Keeper, Judith James' breathtaking Broken Wing is the poignant story of a complex man, bitterly wounded by life, who finds self-worth through love. Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, Gabriel St.Croix has never known family, friendship, or affection. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy fa ade, his only bond is with the young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality that surrounds them. But all that is about to change. The boy's family has found him and they are coming to take him home. Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother's disappearance. When he's located safe and unharmed despite where he's been living, she vows to aid the man who rescued him in any way she can. She helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and in love - but when the past catches up with him, he must face it on his own. As a mercenary, pirate, and professional gambler, Gabriel travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again and all he knows of love - but on the way he will discover that the most dangerous journey and the greatest gamble of all - lies within the darkest regions of his own heart. Warning Gabriel's journey from a man who knows nothing of friendship or affection to a man who is able to love and accept love is a hero's journey, though not, perhaps, one typical of most romances. I've tried to give an honest portrayal of the problems and issues many who survive cruelty and abuse confront, and as a result, it may be too dark and edgy for some readers and it may not appeal to those looking for a lighter read. Those who like raw-edged emotion and intense romance spiced with high adventure, exotic locales, and an extra dollop of history, will I hope, be in for a treat. Like most of us, Gabriel and Sarah are flawed characters trying to do their best, and I dare you not to fall in love with them.

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About the Author:

Multi-published author Judith James' books have won the Independent Publishers (IPPY) Gold medal for Romance, been named Editor's Choice by Historical Novels Review, nominated or named Book of the Year by Romantic Times and Barnes and Noble, designated Desert Island Keepers by All About Romance, and earned starred reviews by Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Her books are available in several languages including French and Spanish through HQN's Best-Sellers imprint. Before turning her hand to writing she worked as a trail guide, horse trainer, and clinical and forensic psychologist. An avid reader and history buff, she has traveled, worked and lived in many places, including the Arctic, Ireland, London and France. She has found the perfect place to write on the East Coast, with a view of the ocean from her window. Judith's writing combines her love of history, romance, and adventure with her keen interest in the complexities of human nature, and the heart's capacity to heal. She is currently in service to a cranky elderly cat who thinks she can type and delights in teaching lessons about backing up files. Those who enjoy the historical breadth of Elizabeth Chadwick and Philippa Gregory, the sizzle of Elizabeth Hoyt, the depth of story and characterization of Mary Jo Putney or Laura Kinsale, and the bad boy heroes of Anne Stuart, will find much to love when they discover Judith James AWARDS LIBERTINE'S KISS Nominated Romantic Times Best British Isles Historical Booklist starred review Romantic Times Top Pick All About Romance Desert Island Keeper SOLDIER OF FORTUNE (The King's Courtesan) Romantic Times Top Pick THE HIGHWAYMAN Heroes and Heartbreakers Best Reads 2014 Romantic Historical Reviews Top Pick BROKEN WING Independent Publisher's Awards IPPY Gold Medal Winner Romance Novel TV Best Debut Historical Novels Review Editor's Choice All About Romance Desert Island Keeper All About Romance Honorable Mention Best Book All About Romance Buried Treasure HIGHLAND REBEL One of the best of 2009 Barnes and Noble Historical Novels Review Editor's Choice One of the best of 2009 Dear Author

 
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