The Elusive Flame

The Birmingham Family, Book 3

By: Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

Narrated by: Ashford McNab

A woman in desperate straits.... A fearless man.... A marriage of convenience on turbulent waters....

Cerynise Kendall has been left destitute and in dire need following the death of her doting patron and protectress. A brilliant young artist tossed from her home with only the clothes on her back, Cerynise must now turn to a childhood companion for assistance—the dashing sea captain Beauregard Birmingham—and beg him to provide her with passage to the Carolinas. She seeks a new home and a new life across the waters, but all depends upon the kindness of a charming adventurer who was once the object of her youthful infatuation.

Beneath Birmingham's rugged exterior beats a heart as large and wild as the Atlantic, and Beau readily agrees to aid Cerynise—even offering her his name in marriage, albeit temporarily, to protect his longtime friend from scandal. But perilous secrets, determined enemies and tempests of the sea and soul threaten their future and safe passage even as bonds of camaraderie are miraculously reforged as bonds of desire...and affection becomes passion and love.

©2009 Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

great narration

unlike some of the other woodiwiss books, Ashford mcnabb does a great job with narration in this book, except for a couple of the male voices. main male character voice is quite good. a lovely book with plenty of sensual scenes, mystery and intrigue, and even some really funny scenes. unfortunately, we are once again subjected to the condescending introduction, obviously from someone who doesn't "get" the genre. Skip past that lecture and go straight to the book!

Great book

Very soothing for a change but many situations going on. Very peaceful to read and all characters were great.

Excellent Listen

Loved this book and the performance. I had not read this one earlier, as I had many of her other books. Was glad I listened!

Beloved writer of the last 20 years

I've been reading Ms. Woodiwiss for over 29 years and I never tire of re-reading them.

Love Woddiwiss!!

Always keeps me on edge. I have to keep reminding myself that it’s going to turn out the way I want it to! Loved this one as much as the others… having Beau grow up and experience his life is wonderful!

Family

I love this series, and the generational story. Everyone should have a family like this.

Light romance

Overall enjoy the writers twists and turns and have read many of her books. This had a little less twisting plot but enjoyed light reading. Voice of Beau not so fitting but ok

Have always loved

Have love her books for many many years . Wonderful being able to listen to her them now.

A captivating story. Never boring despite its length.

The only thing that might have made it better would have been to have multiple narrators to separate the men and women’s parts. Although the narrator did a superb job.

Just do it already

The entire book was about whether or not they should have sex. The storyline started out good, but the rest of the story was nothing them on the ship back-and-forth arguing should we do it or should we not do it. I could not even finish the book. I love Kathleen Woodiwiss books, but I could not finish this one.