I read a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!!

Where do I begin?! Oh this one is a twisted web of family secrets and tragedies! I loved every minute of it and it ended only too soon! I want more.
Erica Brown had obviously mastered the "shrink a century" technique. This novel spanned two (or three) generations of a very wealthy, well-to-do family. There was an almost forbidden "romance" from the very beginning and additional romances peppered throughout the storyline. Within the family, of course, there were conflicting attitudes and intentions involving business matters and the place and/or treatment of both women gentry and servants in general. Two complimentary settings provided amazing backdrops for the events occurring in each. One was sweltering and exotic Barbados, and the other was damp and nearly unwelcoming England. It was a struggle to put this book down! The last sentence hinted at a sequel and I eagerly anticipate reading another episode from the lives of these well-developed, relatable characters.
Thank you to Canelo Digital Publishing for approving me to read this title.

What a twisted web some people weave! The first chapter is dark and disturbing and sets the scene for the rest of the novel. The catalyst of what happens to one woman shows how society treats all women at that time and it’s very sad and tragic to read. I can’t say I liked any of the Strong family at this point.

But then the story takes us to Bristol where the family have a rich home and are based and the story takes on even more twists and turns than you might imagine. The themes in this novel are quite dark and unsettling but this first novel is the first of a trilogy so there’s going to be some unraveling and more twists.

The destinations are evoked in style but I have to admit I wanted to stay a bit more in Barbados and get some justice for the women there. It was nice to be in Bristol to find out about the sugar and shipping industry instead of London. More scene setting to come I hope

I will be coming back for parts two and three!

Absolutely brilliant
This is the first of a trilogy and when you finish reading it you are craving for more just can’t wait.
The story surrounds the Strong family a wealthy family from Bristol with plantations in Barbados.
It starts when three drunken wealthy brothers staying at their fathers plantation are offered a beautiful slave. The consequences of their actions have far reaching effects for their family and many years to come.
Five stars can’t recommend it higher