I agree with the other reviewers that the story was well researched and the heroine was well written. Dena's feelings and motivations were constructed in a such a way that the reader could feel for and with her. However, as a romance novel this was very much lacking. There was some longing, but very very little passion. With all of the books out there I admit that I read historical romance novels for the steamy passion and emotion. I want the scenes of gazing into her beautiful green eyes, and the descriptions of the hero aching to touch the heroine. I am not saying that I am looking for erotica, but I enjoy a well constructed romance which includes passionate scenes, not just a quick romp in the barn. Literally gals, one scene. The rest is the descriptions of longing and the dismay at the separation of our hero and heroine. It was a really good first book and was definately written from the heart.