John, a second son, is destined for a life in the army, a prospect he dreads. His older brother, Spencer, has spent years crowing about how he plans to run things when he becomes head of the Trewbridge family. Now the lady John loves has become affianced to Spencer. John is second best again.
Marguerite Ninian has been crippled from birth. She has no prospects unless working as a drudge for her aunt could be called 'prospects.'
When John and Marguerite meet, fur flies. John, unhappy and disillusioned, advises Marguerite that instead of feeling sorry for herself, she should remember the injured soldiers who have had limbs amputated. Not an auspicious beginning.
Then the Marchioness of Trewbridge tosses John a lifeline and thanks to John's suggestion, the Marchioness also offers Marguerite real prospects.
Cautiously John and Marguerite feel their way towards the future until Spencer implodes and smashes the family apart.
THE SECOND SON ***** 5 star review from Joanne Duncan on Amazon.com
The Second Son is the prequel to Vonnie Hughes' wonderful historical romance, Coming Home. It is the achingly sensitive story of the plight of "spare siblings" in the 19th century when the first son automatically inherited all properties, titles and rights and any other sons were left to find their own way. John Trewbridge comes home from the wars to find his brother affianced to the woman he had asked to be his wife. It seems his lack of a title was her premise for refusing. While he struggles with deciding his future, an annoying young woman with a limp continually crosses his path. When a shocking accident changes his destiny, he must deal with the guilt that his gain is his family's loss.
This story is beautifully written with characters who pull at your heartstrings and whose imperfections add to their credibility. Hughes skillfully draws you back to the 19th century where you walk alongside the characters, share their adventures and feel their emotions. I love her writing style and am looking forward to reading more of her work.
Review Site: Night Owl Review
Review URL: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/reviews/barb-reviews-the-second-son-by-vonnie-hughes.aspx
Rating: 4.5
Reviewer Name: Barb
Review: This was a great book! I was hooked from the first page to the last. The story line was very intriguing and I loved the characters. The story takes place during the Napoleonic Wars. What a great array of different types of characters. I'm sure society was just as it was portrayed in this book back in those days. It had romance, humor, intrigue, passion, and drama. I would recommend this book to everyone who wants a great read and an escape from life.
A nice 5 star review for The Second Son from Linda Hays-Gibbs of The Romance Reviews