Note from Christa: I’ve only recently been drawn to reading historicals with the release of Philippia Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl. The cover of Katharine McMahon’s novel drew me in before I even knew the genre, and I had to read it. The first chapter is graphic, but grips the reader’s heart and attention. Evelyn, a lawyer, defends a man accused of murder who recently came home from the war that killed her brother, James.
Unexpectedly, a young woman appears at her door, and with her, a young boy who resembles her brother and is introduced as his son. What then becomes intriguing is that McMahon has written, not just historical fiction, but a romantic mystery as well. As a reader, you’re tugged along by different plot threads involving her surprising nephew, a new case involving an indigent mother whose children are taken from her, and the handsome, but engaged, attorney Nicholas Thor
ne. McMahon’s is a strong writer who weaves a story that captures history, gender bias, and intrigue.
Evelyn is a young woman who has defied convention to become one of the country’s pioneer female lawyers. Living at home with her mother, aunt, and grandmother, Evelyn is still haunted by the death of her younger brother James in the First World War. Therefore when the doorbell rings late one night and a woman appears, claiming to have mothered James’s child, her world is turned upside down.
Evelyn distrusts Meredith at first, but also finds that this new arrival challenges her work-obsessed lifestyle. So far her legal career has not set the world alight. But then two cases arise that make Evelyn realise perhaps she can make a difference. The first concerns a woman called Leah Marchant whose children have been taken away from her simply because she is poor. The second, Stephen Wheeler – a former acquaintance of Daniel Breen, her boss – has been charged with murdering his own wife. It is clear to Breen and Evelyn that Wheeler is innocent, but he won’t talk.
After being humiliated in court, Evelyn is approached by a dashing lawyer called Nicholas Thorne. She is needled by his privileged background and old-fashioned attitudes, but despite being engaged, he cannot seem to resist sparring with this feisty young female. In the meantime, Meredith makes an earth-shattering accusation about James. With the Wheeler case coming to a head, and her heart in limbo, Evelyn takes matters into her own hands.
The novel is available at:
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by MotherTalk on behalf of G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Riverhead and received a copy of the book to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
her for a first-time or experienced Mom, throwing a baby shower means taking part in the celebration of a pregnancy, doting on an expectant friend or family member, and helping to ensure she has all the tools and tips needed for the arrival of a new baby. 
baby products.
Head-To-Toe Wash, and Desitin rank high on this list of frequently requested baby staples. All these products provide a first-time Mom with the essentials she needs from day one in addition to making an experienced Mom’s hectic routine easier by serving several purposes. For example, did you know Johnson’s Baby Powder doubles as a deodorant or a dry shampoo to remove oils and grease in a hurry? Moms could also consider saving space when traveling by using the same shampoo as their baby or by using baby oil as shaving cream.
