The Wanderess, by Roman Payne

The Wanderess, by Roman Payne. Told as if the main character was narrating the story to an author, not the writer, a unique point of view in my experience. It was beautifully told.

I have been to quite a few different states across the Midwest with Colorado as the center of my world of experience, but I've never been overseas anywhere.

Saul and Saskia wander, either chasing each other, or together, through France, Spain, Northern Italy, and beyond, and unlike some books I've read, I was able to enjoy the journey as well as the drama.

Saskia's drive to see the fulfillment of her prophecy, and Saul's stubbornness as he determined to keep just as many secrets as Saskia did, even the one that would see the fruition of her prophecy that much sooner, kept me enthralled and entertained from cover to cover. I was drawn into their love, the passion and the turmoil of it, as it progressed through the growing pains of jealousy and trust, as it was tested by manipulation, betrayal and entrapment.

One thing easily overlooked is the background world. The world Roman Payne allowed me to see was full of life of all types, all types; do you know how hard that is to do? The world isn't overwhelming, but it's there; the stage was well set, ready for the actors to play their part. From peasants and common workers to aging actresses, from charlatans to royalty. They were all there. From Spring in Paris to the dry heat of Tripoli.

One of the most amazing things about the story was that it was a true romance. None of this 'jump into bed at every opportunity'. No hot and heavy, sweaty sex. ROMANCE, love, petting, hugging, comforting, tender feelings, tears. It was all there, simple, pure and honorable. The best kind if you ask me. Most of the time I'll turn away from what passes for romance these days; they are all so blunt; no teasing, very little tenderness, just sex, and if there's not at least one episode in every chapter, then the story lacks. Well, not really, but you get my point. Many is the 'romance' books I've read, those few I've read, don't have much of a story behind all the hopping from bed to bed like rabbits in heat. Do rabbits have a 'heat'? The Wanderess is such a beacon in a dark closet, such a lighthouse shining across the hot and steamy seas.

Probably one of the hardest things I had to overlook was that nearly all the book was 'telling'. I had to remind myself that of course it was 'telling'. Saul was telling his story to a writer who was taking notes. After working so hard to learn how to show the action and emotions in my books, changing this channel was just a little hard for me. It did not lessen my enjoyment of the story. I just had to park my brain in a different time. Do check this book out. It is for sure worth your pennies.