I love this book and I am angry at it. I can't recall any other book that gave me so extreme feelings. 
 First of all, a big respect for an author because it is a marvelous historical fiction. She must have done a deep and wide research. She painted with words the world of London of those times - from Newgate prison and poor streets to Charles II court. Simply brilliant work. Many times I thought that I were watching a movie in my head. There was so much details that I lived in this world but not too much to overwhelm me. 
 Next, there are genial characters, both: fictional and real. They are described well and convincingly. I could easily believed that those people lived then. 
 That brings me to the second point. Through the whole book I disliked Amber. I couldn't force myself to like her. Her personality, character, morals, principles, dreams. She had so many trials I should feel sorry for her at least. But it lasted a few seconds until the next paragraph and her next move or words. Moreover, I should admire her for her strength and determination, but again, I couldn't do it for a long time. I really was angry at her many times, I wanted to slap or shake her. In spite of this, I wanted to now what happed to her next. I wanted to read the book to the end. Although, I made breaks for other books. 
 Also, I would prefer a different ending. It is a good idea for the ending, but still I can't stop feeling that it isn't the end at all. Hmm... Perhaps it is 'forever Amber'... 
 I would love to read a book about Bruce and Almsbury, preferable without Amber at all ;-). They are my favorite characters in the novel. Ok, let's be honest, I love them ;-) By the by, it was really hard to like female characters in this book, but I had less difficulties with male characters. And it is a little strange because they (men) weren't noble, moral and so on. So, I don't know why but I liked more men than women in this novel. 
 In my opinion, quotes below show the crux of the story, its spirit: 
 "You'd be happy, mam, I know you would." 
 "Yes," she agreed. "I suppose I would be happy. But--" 
 "But what?" 
 "But that's all I'd be." Nan stared at her, shocked and uncomprehending. 
 "Good God, mam! What else d'ye want" 
 But Nelly was just seventeen and thirty was a thousand years away 
 This book was something I just have to read to the end. 
 PS You want more, read Misfit's review