Hero The Highway Girl - Penny Chrimes

Hero is a young girl who has lived a life of luxury; however, all she has wanted is freedom.  She was taken away from her mother as a young child and her grandmother has never shown any love towards her. At her next birthday, her 13th, she will be forced to sign a betrothal which will legally bind her to marrying a stranger, and it is for this reason that she is determined to run away and become a highwayman.  When Jack hijacks her carriage, he is surprised to discover that not only is Hero willing to hand over her jewels, but also insists upon Jack kidnapping her so she can escape and achieve her dream of freedom along with her wolf. But the life of a highwayman is plagued with danger and isn't quite everything Hero thought it would be.  How long can she, Wolf, Jack, and his horse Diablo live this life of freedom?

Told in dual narrative, this is a book that gives you insight into Hero and Jack's perspectives on the plot as it unfolds, and they are very different at times.  Whilst Jack has lived a hard life and has had no choice but to become a highwayman, Hero has lived the life of a 'toff'; whilst her life has had its difficulties, she has had the comfort of money, food and a roof over her head.  The pair have had very different upbringing but both crave companionship and despite their differences, I think this is what keeps them together. 

Hero is a character I know people are going to love - I absolutely adored her! She's fierce, headstrong, determined and hugely resilient.  At a time when women had no voice or power and were brought up to be subservient, she is a breath of fresh air and I found myself willing her on, even when she didn't always get it right.  

Ultimately, this is a gripping adventure about finding yourself, chasing your dreams and finding family in whatever shape that may be.  It's a reminder to fight for truth and never to take people at face value - you never know what's going on behind the scenes.

Publishing on the 4th September, Hero The Highway Girl is a book that will gallop its way into readers' hearts.