An Extraordinary Union

Starred review from February 20, 2017
Opening a series set in the Civil War era, Cole (Mixed Signals) hits all the right notes in this smartly written espionage romance brimming with vivid characterization, heartfelt dialogue, and sensual sweetness. Ellen “Elle” Burns, a sassy freedwoman, and Malcolm McCall, a charming immigrant from Scotland, are both spies committed to using their skills to defeat the Confederacy. Their collaboration is complicated by the sizzling chemistry between them. Elle has given up her freedom to pose as a mute slave in an influential Confederate household, as her photographic memory lets her retain confidential information after just a glance. In the same household, Malcolm claims to be a Confederate soldier, hoping to endear himself to Confederate officials. Their closeness leads to genuine mutual understanding of their private selves and a satisfying intimate relationship. But Elle knows the perils of an interracial romance, and she struggles to trust a man who lies so glibly. Despite their ability to work seamlessly together and their growing belief in a shared future, a risky plan to secure vital information goes awry, threatening the success of the mission—and their lives. Cole’s sparkling gem of a romance portrays love at its most practical and sublime; she writes with lyricism, intelligence, and historical accuracy. This fascinating novel is a most welcome addition to the historical romance genre.

Narrator Karen Chilton uses a Southern drawl that evokes the region and its citizens. Elle Burns is a freed slave who now works for the Loyal League, using her eidetic memory to assist the Union Army's campaign. She feels both surprise and desire as she reluctantly falls for Scottish American Malcolm McCall, another Union spy who is undercover in Richmond. Chilton clearly depicts how Elle is torn between her deeply held convictions and Malcolm's courtesy and affection for her. Because Chilton doesn't adopt McCall's Scottish accent, her ability to fully characterize him is reduced, and his dialogue with Elle is often too similar to differentiate. In addition, numerous mispronounced words diminish the power of the production. C.A. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine