The author vividly describes the setting of the remote village. Will they reveal their past relationships with one another? Will the marriage be a success? Their marriage was meant not to be a pure business, but things turn out the opposite. Justin will have to protect Helena from getting into the hands of the people planning to harm her. They shift their focus, and romance is no longer a primary thing, and they are both forced to go back to London if they are willing to save their marriage. Unfortunately, things go bad in the mid-way of their love. Justin’s kindness and Helena’s resilience and strength made it easy to get along. They build their relationship by trusting each other and admiration. Even though the two had a traumatic past life, they try to work together to overcome it. They slowly get together as they learn about each other. Justin approaches his bride with tenderness and makes sure she is comfortable as they build their friendship. Even in the past, Justin has been caring for the people in his life, and he is ever willing to sacrifice for the people he loves. After his release, he decides to go live a quiet life in a remote village. However, this does not bar him from taking Helena to be under his protection. Justin was raised as an orphan and had many tragedies that revolved into being arrested, mistreated, and scarred in prison for over two decades. Why does she want to safe? She turns out to have run to the right man since Justin was a kind, protective, and caring, handsome man despite his tragic past and the secrets he holds. She does not mind travelling from London to a remote village if that’s what will keep her safe.

Helena, on the other hand, out of desperation, answers the advertisement to have someone who will be kind and keep her safe. He wonders why such a lady would be interested in marrying a harsh and a bad-tempered ex-soldier with emotional and physical scars. She turns out, not the type of woman he expected. Her uncle wants to grab the property she owns even if it means killing her to get what he wants. Helena feels that she has been betrayed by the people she thought would protect her. Justin needs a wife who will be able to keep her company, manage his household, and keep his bed warm. Justin Thornhill, a retired soldier in India, is living a lonely life in Devon. Helena answers an advertisement for a gentleman who is searching for a wife. The story introduces us to Helena Reynolds, the heroine in the book. This is the debut novel in parish orphans of Devon series. The characters are running away in a quest for freedom and independence. It’s a series where characters fall for each in the most unexpected situations. A parish orphan of Devon is a series of romance books by USA Today bestselling author of romance and historical fiction.

A Modest Independence by Mimi Matthews