The Severed Cord is a book to fall in love with; a story of the two main characters, Helena, and Samuel, their relationship, a friendship and love that crosses all the social divides. Helena the daughter of an aristocratic family and Samuel the aged black butler work together to support each other in finding contentment. The novel paints a portrait of human love and compassion through an exploration of relationships and reactions to unexpected happenings. Helena is tied by her obligation to her frail but dominating mother and Samuel yearns to find his brother and his ancestral history. There are many twists and turns, joyful and sad with a surprise denouement and reaffirment of human love. Painted vividly and with compassion and excitement the descriptive narrative draws the reader in by sheer enjoyment and page-turning promise. There is much to love in this tender, poignant novel.