- Title: The Innkeeper’s Daughter
- Author: Bianca M Schwarz
- Publisher: Central Avenue Publishing on January 12, 2021
- Genre: Historical Romance/Mystery
- Pages: 416
- Available Formats: Paperback, Audiobook, Audio CD, & Kindle Editions
- Rating: 4/5
Trigger Warnings: Sex Trafficking, Gun Violence, Graphic Violence Against Women, Rape, Torture
Many thanks to Bianca M. Schwarz, Central Avenue Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of The Innkeeper’s Daughter with a request for an honest review.
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The Innkeeper’s Daughter Blurb
In the twilight of a November evening, Sir Henry March, a man of wealth and charm — and a secret agent for the Crown — comes across a badly beaten Eliza Broad, desperate to escape her cruel stepfather. Knowing she has nowhere to go, Sir Henry takes her to his home to recover, and introduces her to a world of culture, art, and literature she never knew existed. But Eliza’s brutal world follows her to London, where elite aristocratic salons coexist with the back alleys of the criminal underworld.
As romance blossoms between them, Eliza unearths an old secret that leads them into the dark, sadistic world of sex trafficking, and allows Henry to finally identify a traitor responsible for selling military secrets and causing the death of thousands.
A natural at the spy game, Eliza proves herself a worthy partner in the fight for truth and justice. But with time running out, and the fate of one girl hanging in the balance, Henry and Eliza must find a way to outwit a nasty pimp and eliminate a dangerous enemy agent.
Amazon
My Review
The Innkeeper’s Daughter is a brilliant historical romance with a built-in mystery. I’ve not read many books like this before. Usually, you get a bit of romance or a hint of mystery, but this one is special because you get both. Bianca Schwarz did a remarkable job combining these two genres, and I can’t wait to read more.
Eliza is a downtrodden girl sold to a nasty piece of work. But, she escapes before this man can take possession of her. Fortunately, Henry finds her battered and bruised on the side of the road and takes her home. However, Henry’s rescue adds fuel to the already burning flame of London’s underbelly. This fire leads to solving the mystery of spies and sex rings.
I love Eliza. She is bright and strong-willed. She escapes from her horrid stepfather and stays alive to boot. When she meets Henry, she surprises him with her wit and keen eye. Eliza becomes crucial to the plan to catch the bad guys. I also liked Henry. Though, I am a bit upset that he allows his status in society to keep him from marrying Eliza. I understand why, but I don’t like it. To her credit, Eliza takes to the demimonde like a duck in water.
If I could visit any place in any era, I would choose to visit London during the late 19th century. I can see myself walking through Mayfair, riding in Hyde Park, and visiting Grosvenor Square. Though, these characters tend to move more through clandestine back gardens. The intrigue heightens with every determined move.
I enjoyed this novel. It combines all my favorite things and does it in a way that the 416 pages passed like nothing at all. I am excited to read the second novel in the series called The Gentleman’s Daughter releasing in July 2021.
I award The Innkeeper’s Daughter 4 out of 5 stars. This book is different enough that any fan of romance or mystery will find something to love. Though I must warn you, the subject matter can be difficult for a lot of people. So, please take caution if you are sensitive to violence against women, including rape.
About the Author – Bianca M. Schwarz
Bianca M Schwarz was born in Germany, spent her formative years in London, and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and teenage son. She has been telling stories all her life and holds a degree in English literature. Her first novel is THE INNKEEPER’S DAUGHTER. THE GENTLEMAN’S DAUGHTER is the second and most sweepingly romantic book in THE GENTLEMAN SPY SERIES.
Author’s Contact Links: Twitter | Instagram | Website | Amazon | Goodreads
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