Acts of Faith

by Patricia Wynn

In Yorkshire, Blue Satan and Mrs. Kean delve into the secrets of Roman Catholics.

Convinced that she will never see the outlawed Viscount St. Mars again, and nursing a broken heart, Hester Kean is not sorry when her relatives send her alone into Yorkshire to prepare her cousin Mary for life at the English court. Travelling on the stage, she befriends a reserved young gentleman, returning home after many years, whose mysterious behaviour is due to his fear of being arrested for receiving an illegal Roman Catholic education in France.

When the young man arrives home to learn that his father has been murdered, Hester wants to help, but her efforts are stymied by the secrets the young man and his family are forced to keep. Encountering degrees of prejudice against "papists" on all sides, Hester cannot blame them for their clandestine lives, but was it that very secrecy that led to the murder?

Hester has an affair of her own to keep private, for Gideon has tracked her north in disguise, determined to win her. Elated to know at last that he loves her, she still has to discover whether he wants her for a mistress or a wife. Somehow, they must hide their intimacy from Hester's cousins, while stealing the moments alone they need to resolve their future together.

Acts of Faith deals with the risks Roman Catholics were driven to take under the punishing laws against them.

Reviews for Acts of Faith

"An addictively readable mystery, steeped in the history of 18th century England. . . Mystery fans, history buffs and romance aficionados alike will devour this fast-paced adventure, which is packed with goodies for everyone."

Kirkus Reviews

" . . .an accurate, well-researched, and engaging mystery, romance, and work of 18th-century historical fiction."

Historical Novels Review

"Patricia Wynn’s sure talent has found the perfect story in Acts of Faith. Hester Kean is nobody’s fool, and though 1716 England is a time when women aren’t free to be individuals, Hester finds herself and her path. With a few opening sentences, Wynn sweeps the reader into her imagined world. This is a big, deliciously nuanced story that never falters. Hester’s courage carries her through, and the reader will cheer her every step of the way."

Carolyn Haines, award-winning author of the
Sarah Booth Delaney Mississippi Delta mysteries.

"Acts of Faith is a keeper, combining just the right amount of period detail with interesting characters, a twisty plot, and a compelling subplot. I couldn’t put it down."

Kathy Lynn Emerson, 2014 Malice Domestic Honoree and
author of Murder in the Queen’s Wardrobe (spring 2015)

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