Historical romance is NOT my thing. Too much bodice ripping for my tastes. So, why did this book tug, rip and pull at me? The 1880's women's movement is something I didn't quite appreciate until I read this. Schone poured these pages with historical details and emotional angst that made me angry, sympathetic and, in the end, very appreciative of the liberties I enjoy today. Even more, she brought very real problems related to couples over fifty. A nice change from the pert, naive twenty-somethings that populate today's romantic fiction.