Juliana Colebrook’s life changed irrevocably when she was raped, and now her only contact with men is with the soldiers she nurses in a Portuguese hospital.  But she does want to return home, and when one of the soldiers lands a good job managing his friend’s estate she begs Colwyn "Colly" Hetherington to let her return with him.  Colly has a secret too; it is the reason why he has not been able to return to his own home and he is sure that it will shock Juliana.  Soon she has troubles of her own to contend with which eclipse what has gone before—can she turn to Colly to aid her? This is a somewhat unusual novel involving such Dickensian features as sinister relations and a workhouse: no Season here!  Regency readers get plenty of that in other books, so this page-turner ought to be a pleasant change.  Juliana makes for a plucky and spirited heroine and Colly an interesting foil.  Both have plenty of baggage from the past that they need to let go of before they can move on with their lives, and the ensuing adventure gives them plenty of time to work together.  I’ve read more romantic stories but again the appeal of this novel is its difference to the norm; you truly do not need to like typical historical romances to enjoy it.  I look forward to further treats from this new author.