The Dying of The Light by Robert Goolrick

Appearances is all that matters, but you can't keep up appearances without money.

Diana Cooke and her family had once been wealthy and in high Southern society.  After the war, everything fell apart for the Cookes, and Diana is the only one who can save the family.

Saving the family means having to marry for money and endure all the debutante balls.  Diana is lucky on the first try, though.  She is chosen by wealthy Captain Copperton.  She knows he isn't who he seems, and even though she marries him to save her family and their home, she isn't very lucky or happy.

THE DYING OF THE LIGHT tells the tale of the plight of the Cookes and the way of high society with the wealthy marrying the wealthy even though the Cookes are no longer wealthy.

Diana's life was sad and lonely especially when her son was sent off to boarding school.  The huge house was empty, and the house in the end was the ruin of it all.  As the book begins, the ashes of the house seem to be the ashes of Diana as well - nothing left of her or for her.

THE DYING OF THE LIGHT is in typical Robert Goolrick fashion - excellent, descriptive writing, love, scandals, sex, mystery, and intrigue.
 
The cover is stunning, and as you continue reading, you will understand the meaning of the title.

The book also addresses domestic abuse both physical and emotional.

I enjoyed the Southern etiquette and loved the house and the setting, but I definitely did not like Captain Copperton at all - he seemed to be the cause of the demise of everyone and everything.

If you have enjoyed Mr. Goolrick's other books, I know you will enjoy THE DYING OF THE LIGHT.  

Mr. Goolrick can always tell a great story with beautiful words.

And what an amazing ending.
 
One last comment:  Be sure to re-read the prologue.  You will get more out of the book and have a better understanding the second time around. 

ENJOY!! 5/5

I received an advance copy by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.