When French aristocrat Dacia de Prideaux escapes Paris and her brother’s murderer by the skin of her teeth, she has to hide as a maid in wealthy British landowner Mr. Richard Harris’ household. Dacia feels safe for a while, but Richard’s privileged lifestyle soon puts her life in danger and she has to flee again.

Revolution of Hearts is the standalone by Rhonda Gibb Hinrichsen, set in Paris 1789 at the start of the French Revolution. Aristocrat Dacia de Prideaux’s brother is murdered by a corrupt police officer. As Dacia was present when the murder happened, influential friends protect her from being the next victim by getting her boat passage to England. Aware she has fled Paris; wealthy landowner Mr. Richard Harris hires her as a maid in his household. He is impressed by her attitude and work ethics while she is trying to maneuver her new life below stairs. Richard goes about the ordinary lifestyle of the privileged not knowing it puts Dacia’s life in danger. Soon she is on the run again.

Main character is French aristocrat Dacia de Prideaux, aka Louise Bertrand, seems amazingly adaptable. I thoroughly enjoyed following her impressive personal development through the story as she has to learn a completely new mindset, speech and ways to tackle her new life as a maid. She is my absolute favorite of this story.

Supporting character is wealthy landowner Mr. Richard Harris who seems caring and kind to people high and low having been influenced by his late mother. I found him a likable character with his very own secrets.

My favorite part of the story was the descriptions of life in Mr Harris’ household which reminded me of Downton Abbey with an added twist of drama and danger towards the end. My least favorite part was description of Dacia’s brother’s murder and corrupt police blaming her for the murder and chasing her through Paris.

Both Dacia and Richard guard their secrets like life depends on it. Feelings start to sneak up on them as Richard asks Dacia to help him with an “in-house project”. I found this a thoroughly amusing and entertaining part of the book which made it feel real that a romantic relationship would develop between them.

Readers who enjoy stories with historical settings mixed with intense drama and romance would find A Revolution of Hearts a captivating tale. I would have loved to see a movie based on this story. Similar authors to explore might be Sarah M. Eden or Sarah E. Ladd.

Thank you to publisher Covenant Communications and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Conclusion: This thrilling story is about the French aristocrat who has to flee Paris following her brother’s murder and hide as a maid in a wealthy English gentleman’s household. It offers a thoroughly captivating vibe fit for a movie, and a surprising twist towards the end. I am totally impressed by this new to me author and will definitely be on the look-out for Rhonda Gibb Hinrichsen’s next release.

Rating: 5 stars / 5
Main reasons: great entertaining plot, engaging characters.