Historical romance with shades of the supernatural

Having recently come into money, Henri Du Cormier agrees to an arranged marriage without first meeting the bride’s family. Finding himself drawn to his brides younger sister instead, Henri faces a dilemma. Should he give in to propriety in an effort to fit into a tight knit society of the elite or follow his heart? His decision will have far reaching consequences leading to jealousy, sibling rivalry, black magic and voodoo and ultimately murder.

Bitter Bonds is a historical fiction novel set in 19th century Louisiana approximately 20 years before the American Civil War. Depicting the forbidden romance between a Southern Belle and a newly monied plantation owner, this novel touches on many social issues at the time such as social standing, racial relations with a touch of voodoo in the background for good measure.

The characters were well developed. We have a truly despicable villain in Francine who is completely lacking in any redeemable qualities. I actually breathed a sigh of relief when she got her comeuppance. It was the supernatural aspects that drew me to read this book however, and the author managed to weave those into the plot as well as the treatment of slaves by their plantation masters rather impressively. I genuinely felt transported back in the 19th Century. This was my first introduction to the author and hopefully won’t be my last.

I received an advanced free audible copy of Bitter Bonds and I am voluntarily reviewing it. D Michelle’s narration was warm, clear and concise with excellent pacing. I recommend this book for fans of historical romance set during 19th century Louisiana with shades of voodoo, then this is for you.

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