The Portrait

I first listened to this book on audible before reading the book. It was amazing to say the least and the narrator brought the book to life, making me feel all the longing and angst this story contains. A woman who was disabled and hated by her father for not being a son, first of all and then being damaged. He put her down every chance he got and would not let her live a normal life. When he dies, she finds out that her mother was a Countess and had a holding in Wales. She meets Captain Avebury, a naval officer who is on leave and she becomes very enamoured with him. He seems to see her as a person and not just her disability. She wants him to marry her and have a child so that the Countess line can continue. But there are so many secrets she has and he a few of his own. Trust is a big issue and there are many twist and turns that I could not wait to find out what happened. I would give this more than 5 stars if I could and I was very disappointed when I could not find more written by this author! Cannot wait to see if she writes more!!