Two wounded hearts, two broken spirits, each seeking refuge and direction in the storm of life, intertwine on a collision course with destiny.  The youngest daughter of a wealthy Venetian merchant, breath taking Serafina Gavi follows her wayward heart and runs from her family enroute to the Americas .  Trying to reunite with a lost love, she ends up in England and in servitude at her aunt’s residence, Harrow Hall.  She is emotionally decimated when a stunning treachery is revealed and withdraws from the world around her.

John Falconer is on a mission from the Lord to aid the end of the cruel slavery trade taking place, breaking anti-slave laws in Britain .  The evidence the intimidating ship captain possesses is controversial and a price is placed on his head.  Knowing full well the peril he faces in his journey, he presses on to carry his message to the Parliament and encounters a God-fearing family who, ironically, needs his protection.  They find a safe haven in Harrow Hall, where they try to piece together the identity of the person wanting John dead. 

A wordless emotional pull draws John to Serafina, tempting him with dreams of love he knows he can never have.  Serafina is equally intrigued by the gentle giant, finding a character and depth she’s never seen in any other man.  They embark tentatively on the path of friendship, forging the bonds of affection and trust.  As they help each other recover from past hurts, their situation grows more dangerous by the hour and only by embracing God’s mercy and love do they find the peace they’ve been searching for.

I have to admit I had my doubts when I first picked up The Noble Fugitive. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get involved in the story line, with its detailed historical setting.  Needless to say, I started reading and immediately became hooked.  I found Serafina and John to be rich, emotionally intricate characters who touched me on every level- romantically, spiritually, and psychologically.  The depth of sentiment expressed throughout the novel surpassed every expectation. Their relationship was at once fragile and tender yet passionate and layered.  T. Davis Bunn and his wife Isabella have given us a true gem with this powerful, compelling tale of inspiration and God’s mighty love.  I am eagerly anticipating the continuation of John and Serafina’s story in The Night Angel coming in 2006.