The Highwayman's Daughter

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Book Based on "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes
Review: Don't let my four star rating keep you from reading this book. I only give five stars to my all time favorite books. What the book is about: Lizzie Tynsdale has always been a practical woman, more interested in running the inn she'd inherited then in romance. That is until a mysterious stranger appears at the inn one stormy night. He says his name is John Gideon, but Lizzie can't help, but have her doubts. Not long after his arrival the redcoats were ordered to take John away on the charge of impersonating a nobleman. Despite everything, Lizzie believes John is innocent. When John escapes the prison, he runs to the inn, only planning to get his stuff and flee England. But fate had other plans. Despite herself Lizzie hides John, convincing herself she doesn't want to see the redcoats win, again. They were the cause of her parents untimely deaths. As time rushes by Lizzie finds herself understanding why her mother had risked her life for her father.

This is one of the most original stories I've ever read. Ghost parents, angry redcoats, sweet romance, what more could you want in a book? I loved how the author gave Oliver and Bess personalities of their own. Oliver's grumpiness and Bess's meddling will make you laugh all through the book and the end will bring a smile to your face.

Rating:
Summary: Sweet Story
Review: This book was very enjoyable. The plot moved along at a great pace, keeping reader interest. The hero, John, is a wonderful man. You might feel yourself wanting to fall in love with him. You keep hoping that Lizzie will open her eyes and see him for the great man he is, and are happy when she finally does. The author makes you want to cheer the characters on, and her use of description is very vivid and clear. The only part I did not care for as much, was the ghost parents of Bess, the Landord's daughter (from Alred Noyes' poem) and Oliver, the highwayman (Lizzie's father), haunting the inn and watching over her, having their own dialogue, etc. The ghost element just kind of detracts from the story and makes it a bit unreal. But, the story, otherwise, is well-written as a historical romance.

Rating:
Summary: Charming!
Review: _The Highwayman's Daughter_ is a lovely, amusing and heartwarming tale based loosely on the classic poem by Alfred Noyes entitled _The Highwayman_. Sparks fairly fly from the page when Lizzie Tynsdale, the famed Highwayman's daughter, and John Carleton,heir to the man who was responsible for the Highwayman's capture, meet. Their love is an all-consuming and fierce passion that leaves Lizzie, who's never had any use for romance or men, powerless to resist. The journey of Lizzie as her heart leads her to follow an eternal love, much like her mother before her, will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. You'll shed more than one tear as you read of Bess, Lizzie's mother, and her beloved Highwayman's tragic story. You'll laugh uncontrollably at Bess's meddling in her daughter's life and your sides will almost split as Oliver, the stoic Highwayman, becomes the very picture of a father reluctant to let his daughter grow up. Watching Lizzie grow and learn how her mother could give up everything for love will leave you sighing wistfully. You'll hold your breath through the last sixty pages and you'll cheer at the beautiful ending. And, whenever you chance to read the poem _The Highwayman_ you'll have a secret smile upon your face thinking of Bess, Oliver, Lizzie and John.