She is
hired to teach him to speak—but there are other things he wants to learn.
About
the Book: Anna Leighton is hired to help
David Wood, Lord Mayfield, learn the intricacies of Sign language in order to
help him communicate with and adapt to the world outside his rural family estate.
A greedy relative has petitioned the courts to have David declared incompetent;
Anna’s earlier success with teaching the deaf will hopefully prove the
accusation a lie.
Unfortunately, she is working against a time
limit of six weeks to perform what some would consider a miracle. After breaking
down the walls David has erected to protect himself from further abuse and
injury, Anna is successful and he is soon Signing, then speaking in limited
amounts—and even dancing. Suddenly he has a champion—and the two quickly fall
in love. But societal norms are rigid and unforgiving. The two deserving people
must fight more than a vicious family member in order to establish a future together.
Our
Review: In a departure from the genres
Toni V. Sweeney is generally known for, with this historical romance, she offers
the same loving care for setting, dialogue, and complex characters—both primary
and secondary. The history behind educating the hearing impaired is spot-on as
well as the minute attention to societal norms for finding love outside one’s
station. Spiced with bright, engaging humor and layered characters, Love is
Silent is a treat to read and enjoy.
Based
on a scale of 1-5, Love is Silent merits a 6.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors
