Watch by Moonlight

Author: Kim Hawks
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: William Morrow & Company, 2001
Pages: 240
Rating: Recommend

Synopsis: On a storm-tossed British night in 1763, a fine gentleman rides up to an old inn and requests shelter. His name, he tells Bess, the innkeeper's beautiful daughter, is Jason Quick, a man of wealth and honor. But there is blood on his sleeve. And his appearance is followed soon after by the arrival of the king's redcoats on the trail of a notorious bandit known as the Golden Fleecer.

There is much about this bold, enigmatic strangers that frighterns Bess, but there is something that draws her to him as well. And Quick himself is undone by the exquisiste loveliness of this dark-eyed miss who lustrous black hair cascades well past her waist. 

Soon there are no secrets between them, as Jason reveals the truth to the lady who has, in an instant, become his eternal love. It is he whom the redocats seek, the daring highwayman, the most wanted man in Dorset. For Bess, who long ago resigned herself to a life of toil and drudgery yet has never strayed from respectability, the shock of Jacon's revelations cannot dampen the fire that now burns in her breast. There is a tender heart within him, and  nobility to his criminal purpose. And no love in history has ever been more fated, or more dangerous. One more brazen robbery and Jason can Quick can fulfill the sworn duty that has determined the course of his life. Then he and his lady can begin anew together in the far colonies, across a vast ocean. But treachery breeds in unexpected corners and dastardly traps are set in the shadows, even as the highwayman sits astride his stallion beneath his true love's window and vows, "I"ll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way."

Kate Hawks, a stunning new voice in historical fiction, renders a tale rich in atmosphere, passion, adventure, and intense emotion, a magnificent, heartfelt retelling of one of the most enduring love stories of all times.

Review: The Highwayman is my favorite poem. I first read it in middle school, and it captured my imagination. I've read it various times over the years, and it is still just so good. 

Imagine my suprise when I was browsing the library shelves and saw the title, "Watch by Moonlight." It was a familiar phrase so I pulled the book out and read the synopsis. It was genius, the backstory of this amazing poem. Who would have thought? Well, Kate Hawks, apparently. 

If I have one criticism it's that there are almost too many details mid-way through, too much imagining. The beginning was good, the middle dragged slightly, and the ending was amazing.