Wronged (The Cuvier
Widows #1)
by Sylvia McDaniel
Historical Romance
Categories: Mystery/Thriller, Bigamy
Publisher: Virtual Bookseller
Release Date: December
30, 2012
Heat Level: Sensual
Word Count: 100,000
Buy Links
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Blurb
Marian Cuvier didn't know how to react when she learned
that the man she called husband and father to her children, Jean Cuvier, had
been murdered. Yet, the biggest surprise was when the detective informed her
that she's not the only woman Jean married. There are three Cuvier Widows and
one is suspected of murder.
When Marian learned of her husband's death, humiliation,
shock and anger were the only emotions she felt for Jean. For the last several
years, their marriage has been in name only. Now she's determined to safeguard
her children's future and save their only source of income, Cuvier Shipping.
Jean's handsome business partner, Louis Fournet thinks Marian's should not be
leading her husband's business. The man has a way with women that Marian finds
alluring and arouses feelings she's never experienced. Louis Fournet is a temptation she finds hard
to resist.
Interesting plot that would make the series The Curvier Widows a good and memorable read, highly recommended to all lovers of a good romance mixed with suspense. Jean Curvier was found dead in a hotel room, his young bride the obvious suspect in the room with him then came the twist as two other women also known as Mrs. Curvier stepped in. This immediately set the pace for the first book in the series Wronged.
Marian Curvier the official Curvier widow according to the law is left behind with all the mess, sorting out the failing business as well with two small children, seeking answers and been harassed by children who had no idea what the truth was. Her distrust in men was turned to her dead husband's partner Louis Fournet. This lead to interesting scenario's through out the story line.
Since she did not trust him she decided to be part of the business during a time that women simply did not work. Creating quite a stir in the business and with in the community.
Strong willed, stubborn and very determined to know the shipping business she settled into her husband's old office and since Louis and the staff did not want to help her she turned to all the ledgers. Spending her days familiarizing her self with the ins and outs and at the end because of this knowledge gained she had to face furious clients and distrusting staff making sound decisions that was beneficial to all involved. This turned the staff and clients in her favor and she was accepted as a real partner.
Louis Fournet had his own agenda, trying to convince Marian to sell the business to begin his own dream he did everything in his power to side track this strong woman but found himself more intrigued with this determined young widow. Soon sparks flew and romance blossomed between the two as they both came to terms with the past. Becoming the healing balm to a crushed spirit.
All the characters in the story had their own personality that complimented the two main characters, highlighting them as believable people.
Beautifully written, faced pace with moments of laughter and passion mixed into the plot to keep it entertaining as it unfolds page upon page.
But the question remained who killed Jean Curvier?
Betrayed (The Cuvier
Widows #2)
by Sylvia McDaniel
Historical Romance
Categories: Bigamy
Publisher: Virtual Bookseller
Release Date: December
30, 2012
Heat Level: Sensual
Word Count: 100,000
Buy Links
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Blurb
Nicole Cuvier went to New Orleans
For years, Nicole Cuvier had tried to erase the shame of
her illegitimate birth and start the family she longed for with her husband,
Jean. As the mistress of Rosewood, she owns one of the largest plantations on
the River Road Louisiana
Betrayed the second book in the series Curvier Widows are a definite must read. Filled with secrets, lies, suspense, fear of being hurt all played a part in building this intriguing love story to a climatic end where each person is confronted with truth, of letting go of the past to allow a future to unfold before them.
The main emphasis of the story line was richly encrafted through out many of the characters drawing them together as their lives become one. Illegitimacy running havoc in the main character Nicole Curvier the second widow of the deceased Jean Curvier.
The story continues from book 1 as we met the young widow Nicole in difficult circumstances, without a husband and pregnant. Her life in turmoil as she admits that history was repeating itself in her life. Growing up as a love child never knowing who her father was and been teased by other uncaring children she never wanted that same life for her own child. Deciding to find a husband who would be willing to give her unborn child his name and then leave. This is where all the trouble started for her but yet opened a world of renewed love to her which all centered around Rosewood.
Finding a diary in her deceased husband closet she get to see the devastation in another woman's life allowing her self to heal through this unknown woman's pain.
Maxim Viel an influential Financial Business owner who grew up with the knowledge that he has the responsibility to get Rosewood back that once belonged to his family. Agreed to marry her to get his heritage back and giving the unborn child a name.
But as time went on and the baby grew feelings also grew between the husband and wife in name only but always apart because of all the secrets stacked between them. The fear of trusting again. Of giving over the control of their hearts, the plantation a continues barrier between them.
Nicole thought Max to be a drifter and he never corrected her as guilt plagued him of his own deception. Loosing the baby brought them together as they admit they care for each other without uttering a word.
We meet his son Paul who showed up and he tried to hide the fact from her. A young twelve year old with the wisdom of an adult.
Consuelo servant and friend of Nicole, a wise old woman that protected her like a mother. Playing her part beautifully in the back ground. Strong and silent, an anchor to Nicole.
Desiree mother of Paul and whore that only use his son to get more money from Max. Manipulative, calculating and down right selfish human being.
Charles a drunken father struggling with his own pain as he looses himself in the bottle.
Audra an uptight mother who believed Rosewood belonged to her, trying to take over.
Curious neighbors and gossiping women with nothing better to do but slander.
This all played part in the unfolding story as we get to know Nicole who is trying to make sense of it all and leave a past behind. At the end the two strong characters had to let go of family burdens and the hold of illegitimacy to be together.
The way that Max found her father giving her sense of belonging was thoughtfully written bringing closure in her heart and the final shift in this suspense filled romantic story.
The love scenes wonderfully written to emphasize their hearts longing and the depth of their love for each other.
Beguiled (The Cuvier
Widows #3)
by Sylvia McDaniel
Historical Romance
Categories: Mystery/Thriller, Bigamy
Publisher: Virtual Bookseller
Release Date: December
30, 2012
Heat Level: Sensual
Word Count: 100,000
Buy Links
Amazon
| B&N
| Smashwords
Blurb
Jean Cuvier forced Layla's father to sell his shipping
company and marry his daughter, or so she believed. Until the morning the
servants wake her with the news that Jean is dead and she quickly learns she's
not the only Mrs. Cuvier. Jean has three widows, but Layla is the only one
accused of Jean's murder.
The District Attorney has enough motive and evidence, to
send Layla to the gallows. Forced to turn to the man she blames for the sale of
her father's shipping company, she must trust Drew Soulier, to save her life.
Though Drew's the best attorney in New
Orleans
Accused of murder the story continues in Book 3 with Layla Curvier wife number three in the series of The Curvier Widows.
Jean Curvier although dead controlled all three the women from the grave and in each story they had to fight to get the freedom they so surely needed. Each went about it differently.
Lalya DuChampe the youngest of the three had the most to loose. Forced by her father to marry the deceitful man all she knew was unhappiness in the year long marriage with seemingly no way out. Until his untimely death in their hotel suite that showed all the signs that she was the one. Fighting for her life she had no where to go, no one to trust or to rely on.
When she met Jean's lawyer that she knew as a young boy with her in school she distrusted him from the start. Sparks flew between them creating the suspense filled story line
Drew Soulier recognized her to and took it upon himself to defend her as a pro bono case hoping that the case will launch his political career.
Finding a letter in Jean's dresser she realized that there could be another woman involved and she jumped at the opportunity to fend for her self. Colette the only remaining servant at her side.
Some of the loose ends in Book 1 and 2 are answered during the unraveling plot in book 3 Beguiled. I could not help but feel more empathy for Layla than Marian and Nicole. Her continuous struggle for people to believe in her innocence, not knowing how she will support herself and disregarded by the people left her bereft and alone. Seemingly with out hope.
With the added mistrust from Drew things was seriously against her. The ongoing investigation taking its toll on her. Always on the defense but yet opening herself for the love of a man she never thought would return her affection.
A beautiful written love story that brought closure to the series laying down dreams to be with the one person who can make you truly happy.
Who killed Jean Curvier? Well I would suggest to buy the series and read for yourself. It is well worth it till the very end.
About the Author
Sylvia McDaniel and the
love of her life, Don, live in Texas
with son Shane, Putz the klutzy dachshund and
The weekends are spent working
out in the garden until the temperature climbs above ninety degrees. Recently,
with the help of her husband, she learned to make homemade blueberry and
blackberry jam. Cooking is not her favorite past-time and she prefers Don’s
cooking any day of the week.
Currently, she’s written fourteen
novels. Her novel, A Hero's Heart, was a 1996 Romance Writers of America Golden Heart
finalist. Sylvia is President Elect of Dallas Area Romance Authors.
Connect with Sylvia McDaniel
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