The Secret Pearl by Mary Balogh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lots of Angst, Beautiful Story
THE SECRET PEARL is the story of Fleur Bradshaw who has become so desperate that she resorts to prostitution. Her first client is Adam Kent, the Duke of Ridgeway. Adam is trapped in a loveless marriage and feels a pull toward the desperate Fleur. After their encounter, Adam finds Fleur work as his daughter’s governess. The two have a long path to happiness. Fleur is in danger from her past and Adam’s marriage are obstacles.
This book is simply amazing. The book has an incredibly dark beginning with a sexual encounter that leaves both Adam and Fleur unhappy. This is a book with severely scarred people, both inside and out. What I loved about it is the beauty that comes from that darkness. These two are noble people. They do the right thing even when it hurts them. I cried during parts of this book and sighed with happiness at the end. This is a powerful, romantic tale.