The Boundary Stone by Gail Avery Halverson

The Boundary Stone by Gail Avery Halverson is the perfect example of why I accept requests for reviews and read authors that are new to me and/or debut authors. More than once I have found, as is the case here, a great story and fell in love with another author that I might have never known about.

Ms. Halverson has done a remarkable job with her debut novel. The plot was well thought out and the scenes were true to the period. The characters are beautifully drawn and her descriptive prose was spot on. I love it when the author describes a scene so well I feel like I am watching through my own eyes.

Lady Catherine Abbott knew from a young age that she was to marry Viscount Miles Houghton the heir to Houghton Hall. Her father had agreed to and approved of the union.  For Catherine this would mean a loveless marriage with her days spent shopping and going to parties in society.  Such a tragedy for a young woman who is bright, has an inquisitive mind with goals and dreams of her own. Catherine has a keen eye for the natural world and a talent for capturing nature in her sketches. She would love nothing more than to publish her butterfly sketches before she marries and will no longer be able to pursue her dreams.

Meanwhile, Simon McKensie is training to be a physician at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital. He has radical ideas about patient care and hospital protocol which along with his research has caused the hospital administration some problems. As a solution, he is being sent to Wells for six months to be the personal physician to the Lord Mayor.  Once there he cross paths with Lady Catherine and he is struck by her brilliant mind and her unpretentious beauty.

Once the Great Plague of 1665 spreads beyond London to Wells, Lady Catherine and Simons’ paths cross again. The plague pushes both to their physical and mental limits and beyond. It also shows Lady Catherine how precious life is and further leads her to question what she wants from life. Is she strong enough to defy convention and follow her dreams?  The story is too good; therefore, I will stop here and not spoil anything for other readers.

In summary, Ms. Halverson most definitely knows how to engage the reader through character development, plot twists and wonderful back stories. I highly recommend The Boundary Stone to anyone who loves a well-drawn tale.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of The Boundary Stone from the author in exchange from an honest review.