THE GENERAL’S MISTRESS
JO GRAHAM
ISBN# 9781451667219
October 23, 2012
Gallery Books
www.simonandschuster.com
Paperback/e-book
$16.00/$10.38
400 Pages
Women’s Historical Fiction
Rating: 3 Cups

Married at twelve to a man who seduced her for her money and connections, Elzelina dreamed of love and passion. Unfortunately, her Dutch husband could care less about either. Unfulfilled by her life as a wife and unwilling to sacrifice everything for her husband’s political ambitions, Elza flees. When her husband threatens to have her declared mad and locked away, she seeks the protection of a French General.

General Moreau introduces Elza to a life of carnal enjoyment she never thought possible. He teaches her to experience pleasure in the bedroom and molds her into a skilled courtesan. Bound to the General, Elza secretly dreams of a young soldier she has met only once. When her powerful and jealous protector discovers her infatuation, she is discarded.

Elza has nothing but her wits to sustain her. Her freedom inspires a resurgence of the second sight that has always lain below the surface of the women in her family. The task of staying alive leads her on a chain of adventures all across war torn Europe. Using her gifts, she becomes many things to many men, all the time searching for the one her heart desires.

Ms. Graham subtly blends history, fiction, and romance into a novel that draws readers deep into a strange and unexpected world. Elza’s awakening is scintillating; her development from passionate girl to experienced woman startling. The story seems rather slow at certain points. However, readers will be rewarded as the heroine perseveres to a satisfying end.

Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffeetime Romance & More