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The Hostage

Book 1 in the series:Great Chicago Fire

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Deborah Sinclair's life changes dramatically on the night of the Chicago fire when she is taken hostage by Tom Silver, a man seeking revenge against her father. As the story unfolds, Deborah is faced with the decision of choosing between her captor and her previous life. The plot is filled with adventure, suspense, romance, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of The Great Chicago Fire and the journey that follows, leading the characters to Isle Royale. The book explores themes of loyalty, hardship, love, and the transformation of the protagonist as she navigates through unexpected circumstances.

Characters:

The characters exhibit substantial development, particularly Deborah and Tom, who evolve through their challenging circumstances, showcasing depth and relatability.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions and emotional resonance, effectively blending adventure with deep personal introspection.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on the dramatic events following the Great Chicago Fire, focusing on themes of revenge and personal growth as characters navigate a life-altering crisis.

Setting:

The setting, primarily during the Great Chicago Fire and at Isle Royale, plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and reflecting characters' emotions.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally engaging, though some readers note sections may feel lengthy; it keeps a strong hold on the reader’s attention.
“What’s the matter with Deborah?” asked Phoebe Palmer, standing in the middle of a cluttered suite of rooms at Miss Emma Wade Boylan’s School for Young Ladies. Lacy petticoats and beribboned unmentio...

Notes:

The Hostage is the first book in Susan Wiggs' Great Chicago Fire trilogy.
The story is set during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
The protagonist, Deborah Sinclair, is kidnapped by Tom Silver as revenge against her father.
Deborah discovers her true self while being held captive on Isle Royale.
The book explores themes of loyalty, compassion, and self-reinvention.
The characters are described as multi-dimensional and relatable.
The story weaves historical events with personal drama, enhancing emotional depth.
Romance develops between Deborah and her kidnapper, Tom.
The trilogy includes two other books: The Mistress and The Firebrand.
The books are available individually as well as in a set on Amazon.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of kidnapping, emotional distress, and some mature language.

Has Romance?

The romance in The Hostage is significant and deeply woven into the narrative, developing between the main characters.

From The Publisher:

Deborah Sinclair is a beautiful, accomplished young heiress with a staggering dowry. But her fortune does her no good when, one horrible night, Chicago is engulfed in flames.

Tom Silver will walk through fire to avenge a terrible injustice—and he may have to. But when he makes Deborah a pawn in his revenge, the heat of the inferno fades next to the attraction he feels for his captive. And the further he takes her from everything she's known, the stronger their passion grows, until it threatens to consume them both.

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