In a world where literary trends don't factor in old school gothic themes, this is particularly refreshing. It's nice to see a book where romance and a heroine needing masculine saving is the end result no matter what roads are navigated to get there. These strong female characters figure out and save themselves which is exactly what we need to do in today's society. Although sheltered, they rise up and educate themselves in order to survive. Kudos to this author for her new and fresh approach.