Ashes of Waterloo focuses on the story of Lisette and Darbin, and the relationship they develop. It is set amidst the larger backdrop of the devastating battle at Waterloo between Bonaparte and Wellington. The battle, the war itself, that larger picture, shapes the relationship between this French farm girl and her English officer. War is a world shaper. It can mix the most unlikely of allies, and certainly changes all it touches. War also helps one realise just how precious life and living can be.

Olivia Andem's Ashes of Waterloo isn't my typical fare. I'm not the biggest fan of historical romance (or romance in general), but I've been working to expand my reading horizons. I do greatly enjoy historical fiction in general, and this book provided a great story. The title is what captured my attention first. I have a particular interest in the Napoleonic era, and with Bonaparte himself. Side note: I also really liked the cover. I found the characters to be good, strong, complex ones. They were thrown into situations that allowed them to grow and rise to their potential. They felt 'real' to me, and I cared what happened to them. If you have an interest in this particular time period and enjoy historical fiction, romance or no, I highly recommend checking out Olivia Andem's Ashes of Waterloo.

Ashes of Waterloo by Olivia Andem takes the reader away to war-torn France. After a horrific incident involving a far-too-handy officer, Lisette O’Neal is saved by her brother, and spirited away to Hotel Ducarte, to work under the supervision of Madame Simone. While there, she must work hard for her keep, and fend off the advances of billeted soldiers. Suspicion runs wild, as Napoleon threatens to invade the simple province. All Lisette holds dear is threatened, including her newly formed romance with an undercover British officer. Will she manage to keep the vengeful officer at bay, all the while making sure her loved ones remain safe from harm?

I liked the initial concept of Miss Andem’s novel. You do not see many historical romances centering around the Battle of Waterloo, and the impact on the surrounding areas. Although it took me several chapters to really get into the story, the narrative was compelling. I found myself curious about Lisette’s plight, wondering if she would ever find love or even acceptance with her family again. It was interesting to read about the battles and the soldiers who fought in them as well. Ashes of Waterloo by Olivia Andem was well-written, and I recommend the book to anyone with a keen curiosity about French history.

Ashes of Waterloo by Olivia Andem starts in 1815 with the wars of Napoleon spreading through the French borders. The French people are afraid of the violent nature of Napoleon's soldiers. Lisette is one of those people. Unfortunately, she understands the violence that Napoleon's soldiers are capable of. Her brother is a lieutenant in England's royal military service and Lisette must keep that a secret. Thus starts Lisette's connections with England and the British characters within the story, including a handsome British officer. When the battle of Waterloo begins, Lisette knows too many people caught within the fighting and struggles to deal with the outcome and loss that come from war.

I love that Ashes of Waterloo by Olivia Andem centers around the battle of Waterloo. Any time I can read a story that has a historical background, I jump at the chance. I think historically based stories are so much more interesting because they are more realistic. They could be real. This could have happened. This heightens the story for me and I think will make readers really want to read this story that much more. This is a beautiful story about life and love, loss and suffering, survival and courage that I think other readers will really appreciate and hold dear. It was a very emotional, educational and interesting story that people will enjoy and think about long after they've finished reading. Nice job!