Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.

While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.

After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza’s life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt’s death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.

Heart of the Ocean by Heather B. Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It seems that lately I am definitely reading books out of my typical genre, and this one certainly is.  Yes, I read historical romances, but I generally avoid “ghost stories.”  But since this was being offered for review by someone I respect, I figured I would give it a try.  And I am so glad I did!

First of all, the “ghost” bit is more like a Victorian ghost story.  You never see the ghost, and though an important element, it is not scary.  I can definitely say this book would not give me nightmares (though Eliza and Johnathan do!).  There is also no sex (yay!), and the profanity is barely existent, i.e., very minimal it is hardly noticed.

As for the story, I absolutely loved it!  The romance is perfect, and the mystery had quite a shocking ending.  I felt the characters were amazing, and the book was somewhat reminiscent of “Woman in White,” at least in style (not story).  There was never a dull moment in the story, and I struggled to put it down in spite of everything else I am reading at present.  If you love historical fiction, romance, and even mystery, this is the ideal book for you.  My meager words don’t do this book justice.

I also appreciate the Puritanical elements of the book.  I was horrified to read the journal in the story that concerned an unwed mother–her treatment gave me chills.  I was not aware of communities of Puritans existing during this time period in history, but why should I have been surprised?  And Nathaniel did add a lighter element to this part of this story–quite delightful!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all  opinions are 100 percent mine.

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