In the Eye of the Beholder

This was a great book. I really liked all the characters and the plot kept me engaged throughout the whole book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes historical novels.

Incredibly poignant book that follows the lives of Eleanor and Joshua during the Crimean war, describing in heartbreaking detail the adversities they face as a soldier and nurse, respectively. A romantic reunion between the two initially seems impossible and so you are left guessing throughout the book how they will find their HEA. I loved that the heroine wasn't your classic beauty; she had a red blemish that covered the left side or her face, frequently leaving her scorned and ostracised by society. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Eleanor remains ambitious and convinced she can lead a more fulfilling life by pursuing medicine. I would also like to commend the author for realistically portraying the consequences of war (Joshua's PTSD). Would definitely recommend for historical fiction and romance enthusiasts!

No two sisters could be unlike. Eleanor Sherbrook is intelligent, outspoken and brave whilst her sister Julia, is solely focussed on herself. Yet Eleanor bears a facial birth mark whilst Julia is beautiful. When Eleanor meets the gallant and handsome Lieutenant Joshua Wentworth and it seems that he shares her affection, Eleanor finds herself hoping for a future together. Yet, Julia is determined to steal him from her sister. Soon after Joshua is forced into an engagement with Julia, he finds himself sent into battle at the Valley of Death, with the ill-fated Light Brigade. Eleanor who is broken-hearted, decides to become a nurse and finds herself confronted by the harsh cruelties of war. When she meets Joshua again in Turkey, they find their bond grows stronger but then events transpire to threaten any happiness they might have.
This was a touching story of two people, meant to be together from the start but faced with obstacles along the way. Their journey through the travesties of war makes them stronger and also brings a greater depth to this story. I thoroughly enjoyed both characters and also enjoyed the secondary characters in both Eleanor and Joshua’s families. The mix of romance and drama was well balanced and despite the tragedies that beset the couple, there was always a positive feel to this story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.