When I was a child, my cousins and I used to pretend we were gypsies, dressing up in bright clothes and travelling to unknown lands. When I come across a book with gypsies now, I almost always pick it up to reminiscence about those times so I was quite glad I came across this one.

A Gypsy’s Vow is author Bonnie Dee’s newest historical romance. She is a talented author who has releases out in multiple genres. I have had the opportunity to read several of her works and didn’t want to pass this one up.

Twenty-three year old Bess Andrews is the innkeeper’s daughter, practically a spinster for her time period. She has been managing the Thorn and Thistle Inn and taking care of her drunken father since her mother passed away five years ago. Bess is proposed to by Lord Wallace. Normally one would be thrilled to be able to raise their social status and procure a more stable position in society, but she knows he is only interested in the successful inn’s income.

Soon she meets handsome Alexi Cosmescu, a self-assured gypsy passing through town. At first, she is shy and cautious, but soon warms to his charms. She longs to see the world as he does, but is frightened to leave behind what is familiar. She is unprepared at the powerful connection that she and Alexi share so quickly. Bess will have to start making choices quickly, either giving up what she has known for a chance at love, or denying happiness and doing what is expected.

What I was expecting was a note-worthy read for the story length, labeled as a quick read. A Gypsy’s Vow went several steps beyond, surprising me with how well things came together in only that amount of pages. I do wish the story would have been a bit longer because I was quite enjoying it. The characters are so likable. The tension between the hero and heroine, along with the decisions they must make had me anticipating the outcome.

The story held my attention until the very end. I am unsure if I enjoyed reading about Bess’s personal growth, the alluring Alexi, or their whirlwind romance the most. A Gypsy’s Vow is definitely worth taking the time to read.

Reviewed By Pam
© June 2009