The Lord I Left

The Secrets of Charlotte Street, Book 3

By: Scarlett Peckham

Narrated by: Holly Chandler

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

Lord Lieutenant Henry Evesham is an evangelical reformer charged with investigating the flesh trade in London. His visits to bawdy houses leave him with a burning desire to help sinners who’ve lost their innocence to vice - even if the temptations of their world test his vow not to lose his moral compass...again.

As apprentice to London’s most notorious whipping governess, Alice Hull is on the cusp of abandoning her quiet, rural roots for the city’s swirl of provocative ideas and pleasures - until a family tragedy upends her dreams and leaves her desperate to get home.

When the handsome, pious lord lieutenant offers her a ride despite the coming blizzard, she knows he is her best chance to reach her ailing mother - even if she doesn’t trust him. He has the power to destroy her. She has the power to undo him.

As they struggle to travel the snow-swept countryside, they find their suspicion of each other thawing into a longing that leaves them both shaken. Alice stirs Henry’s deepest fantasies, and he awakens parts of her she thought she’d forsworn, years ago.

But Henry is considering new regulations that threaten the people Alice holds dear. Association with a woman like Alice would threaten Henry’s reputation if he allowed himself to get too close.

Is falling for the wrong person a test of faith...or a chance at unimagined grace?

©2020 Scarlett Peckham (P)2020 Scarlett Peckham

Different than expected

This was a lovely story about two interesting people. Pretty much sums it up. There’s nothing shocking or salacious about it, despite the mention in the beginning. It’s almost laughable and maybe (just maybe) I was feeling a bit adventurous and ended up (only slightly) disappointed (kidding). Anyway, it was original and entertaining. The narration bothered me due to odd emphasis at times - too much effort in the wrong areas and not enough in others. It gave the sense of being read a children’s story where someone was trying to make it more exciting.. but at the wrong passages. Otherwise I liked it due to the couple and original storyline. I would consider another book by this author.

Slow burn and moving

I have to confess that this was not what I was expecting at all and it took me a long while to work out whether I liked it or not.

It's a very slow burn romance full to the brim with religious fervour, so if this isn't to your taste, don't bother.

Scarlett Peckham draws Henry and Alice's characters very well and it is a delight how through music they fall in love.

This is my favourite trope - redemption - and where the protagonists save each other.

So far as the narration is concerned, I can't bear having an American accent for stories that are very much based in England. Next time try someone like Rosalyn Landor who would have been excellent!