Fantastically written narrative that reads very much in the traditional prose of romance.
The intrigue centers much in the storytelling without needlessly dragging plot. The characterizations remain genuine and grow on you throughout the progression of the story.
It certainly helps that it reads in much the same manner as actual books published in the years it took place. A book I would recommend to fans of historical fiction. ( )

I got this book from the bargain section and had no idea what to expect. The jacket said it was a novel about William Wordsworth's first love, a French woman who he fell in love with on the eve of the French Revolution. Not knowing a lot about that time or about Wordsworth meant that I learned a lot and I'm definitely interested in finding out what was fact and fiction. The beginning of the book, which was more of a love novel, was nothing special, but about 1/3 of the way in the Revolution hit full swing, the action picked up, Annette began to figure out what she was about, and I was hooked. For all my readers who like to read about strong, independent women (and I know there are a lot of you), this will be an enthralling read. ( )

A novel about Annette Vallon, who loved and entered into a pseudo marriage with William Wordsworth. They had one child, a daughter.
This is equally about the French Revolution. I liked the first two thirds of the book, but found the last third really hard to get through! ( )

In this novel set during the French Revolution, James Tipton fictionalizes the love affair between a young English poet William Wordsworth and Annette Vallon. Drawing from history, Tipton depicts the struggles and trials of these two lovers and the circumstances that kept them apart. I enjoyed the character of Annette, although I did feel she could have been stronger. I also felt that Annette, who bares an illegitimate child and actively opposes the tyranny of the French government by aiding those fleeing the country grew into a much more interesting character than William, who seems almost dull by comparison. Overall, an enjoyable read. Recommended for those who like reading about the French Revolution. ( )

I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped, especially since I am a big fan of both historical fiction and Wordsworth. While I understand the title of the book is Annette Vallon, and not William Wordsworth, it was just personally disappointing to see him as a background figure. Otherwise, I did enjoy the story of this woman's courage and convictions in a tumultuous time. ( )