This is the story or a young woman who goes to live with her aunt after the death of her beloved mother. When the young woman arrives at the inn where her aunt and uncle live she quickly learns that her life will not be easy here under the domineering glare of Joss Merlyn. This bullish man strikes fear into everyone that comes across him , and with good reason , he is a drunk and a violent man capable of much violence and irrational thought and behaviour. Mary's aunt is a meek and terrified wife that should be pitied if her life was not so infuriating . I was just relieved that they had no kids.
Very soon after her arrival Mary was given warnings by her Uncle and if she followed the rules exactly as he asked then they would get on fine which kind of showed me early on that this character needed to be in control and in charge at all times at whatever cost necessary . He was going to be trouble !There was a lot more going on at this inn then meets the eye and only the brave of foolish came near this place in the middle of nowhere .
The story was brutal at times , the setting bleak , but Mary's gumption was to be applauded , and it saved her.
The story had twists and turns, but none prepared me for the biggest twist ever at the end!
I listened to the audio version of this book. Highly recommend ! You won't forget Joss Meryln in a hurry!
