Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson




Book synopsis:

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will she be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.

(from Goodreads)

My thoughts:

Lovely cover, lovely title, and enthusiastic reviews drew me to this enchanting-looking Austenesque novel. I love Regency romances and was in the mood for a light and easy romance.  

It was a sweet and simple story  --hardly adventure-filled  -- and really didn't offer anything unique or special. Seasoned Austenesque readers will find nothing new here.

2/5 stars

5 comments:

Staci said...

Absolute bummer. This probably would work for an Austen newbie but not for those of us who have bee reading variations for a while now!

Gerbera Daisy Diaries said...

Drats!!! I just picked it up at the library. Oh well...at least it will be quick.

Joanne said...

Staci -- Yes, this would work well for a newbie to the Regency era or a young adult.

Melissa -- I'll be interested in seeing your take on this book. I was quite surprised at the # of 5 star reviews. Did I miss something?

Kaitlyn Devin and Grace said...

Hmmmm, I'm torn, while I am an Austen expert, I am intrigued enough to read it despite what I've read. I'll have to stop by and let you know how I found it :) Thanks for the honest thoughts on it.

-Kate the Book Buff
Recent Post: Review: The Gallows Curse by Karen Maitland

Melissa @ Confessions of an Avid Reader said...

Too bad you didn't enjoy this one more. It does have a lovely cover.

Favorite Period Dramas

Mount TBR

Joanne's to-read book montage

On a Highland Shore
A Light on the Veranda
Entwined
The Queen's Vow: A Novel Of Isabella Of Castile
The Edwardians
Maisie Dobbs
Howards End
Lady's Maid
Instruments Of Darkness
When Maidens Mourn
Where Shadows Dance
What Remains of Heaven
Where Serpents Sleep
Why Mermaids Sing
When Gods Die
Shadowfever
Before Ever After
The Sugar Queen
Garden Spells
After the Night


Joanne's favorite books »
}