Winner of IPPY gold, a Historical Novels Review Editor's Choice and an All About Romance Desert Island Keeper, Judith James' breathtaking Broken Wing is the poignant story of a complex man, bitterly wounded by life, who finds self-worth through love.
Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, Gabriel St.Croix has never known family, friendship, or affection. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy façade, his only bond is with the young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality that surrounds them. But all that is about to change. The boy's family has found him and they are coming to take him home. Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother's disappearance. When he's located safe and unharmed despite where he's been living, she vows to aid the man who rescued him in any way she can. She helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and in love - but when the past catches up with him, he must face it on his own.
As a mercenary, pirate, and professional gambler, Gabriel travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again and all he knows of love - but on the way he will discover that the most dangerous journey and the greatest gamble of all - lies within the darkest regions of his own heart.
Warning
Gabriel's journey from a man who knows nothing of friendship or affection to a man who is able to love and accept love is a hero's journey, though not, perhaps, one typical of most romances. I've tried to give an honest portrayal of the problems and issues many who survive cruelty and abuse confront, and as a result, it may be too dark and edgy for some readers and it may not appeal to those looking for a lighter read. Those who like raw-edged emotion and intense romance spiced with high adventure, exotic locales, and an extra dollop of history, will I hope, be in for a treat. Like most of us, Gabriel and Sarah are flawed characters trying to do their best, and I dare you not to fall in love with them.
Multi-published author Judith James' books have won the Independent Publishers (IPPY) Gold medal for Romance, been named Editor's Choice by Historical Novels Review, nominated or named Book of the Year by Romantic Times and Barnes and Noble, designated Desert Island Keepers by All About Romance, and earned starred reviews by Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Her books are available in several languages including French and Spanish through HQN's Best-Sellers imprint. Before turning her hand to writing she worked as a trail guide, horse trainer, and clinical and forensic psychologist. An avid reader and history buff, she has traveled, worked and lived in many places, including the Arctic, Ireland, London and France. She has found the perfect place to write on the East Coast, with a view of the ocean from her window. Judith's writing combines her love of history, romance, and adventure with her keen interest in the complexities of human nature, and the heart's capacity to heal. She is currently in service to a cranky elderly cat who thinks she can type and delights in teaching lessons about backing up files. Those who enjoy the historical breadth of Elizabeth Chadwick and Philippa Gregory, the sizzle of Elizabeth Hoyt, the depth of story and characterization of Mary Jo Putney or Laura Kinsale, and the bad boy heroes of Anne Stuart, will find much to love when they discover Judith James AWARDS LIBERTINE'S KISS Nominated Romantic Times Best British Isles Historical Booklist starred review Romantic Times Top Pick All About Romance Desert Island Keeper SOLDIER OF FORTUNE (The King's Courtesan) Romantic Times Top Pick THE HIGHWAYMAN Heroes and Heartbreakers Best Reads 2014 Romantic Historical Reviews Top Pick BROKEN WING Independent Publisher's Awards IPPY Gold Medal Winner Romance Novel TV Best Debut Historical Novels Review Editor's Choice All About Romance Desert Island Keeper All About Romance Honorable Mention Best Book All About Romance Buried Treasure HIGHLAND REBEL One of the best of 2009 Barnes and Noble Historical Novels Review Editor's Choice One of the best of 2009 Dear Author
