Dragonwyck by Anya Seton

Author: Anya Seton
Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Chicago Review Press

(September 28, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781556525810

Book Description:

First published in 1944, Dragonwyck was a national bestseller that was made into a major motion picture starring Gene Tierney and Vincent Price in 1946. A classic gothic romance, the story features an 18-year-old Miranda Wells who falls under the spell of a mysterious old mansion and its equally fascinating master. Tired of churning butter, weeding the garden patch, and receiving the dull young farmers who seek her hand in marriage, Miranda is excited by an invitation from the upstate New York estate of her distant relative, the intriguing Nicholas Van Ryn. Her passion is kindled by the icy fire of Nicholas, the last of the Van Ryns, and the luxury of Dragonwyck, and a way of life of which she has only dreamed. Dressed in satin and lace, she becomes part of Dragonwyck, with its Gothic towers, flowering gardens, acres of tenant farms, and dark, terrible secrets. This compelling novel paints a marvelous portrait of a country torn between freedom and feudal traditions; a country divided between the very wealthy and the very poor. Poor tenant farmers at Dragonwyck, the European royalty who visit, and American icons such as Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, and the Astors are vividly brought to life. This is a heart-stopping story of a remarkable woman, her breathtaking passions, and the mystery and terror that await her in the magnificent hallways of Dragonwyck.

My Thoughts:
Although Dragonwyck was first published in 1944, it reads like a novel by one of the great victorian writers. In fact, it very much reminds me of Jane Eyre on a slightly smaller scale.

Dragonwyck is a Cinderella story with a dark background and gothic touch. Our beautiful Miranda arrives at Dragonwyck with storybook dreams, but finds in her hero a sinister mystery that only she can solve.

I am completely new to the writings of Anya Seton (where have I been?) and so taken with her that I have now ordered all of her works. I love a good gothic tale complete with the dark old homes and beautiful manners of the past; Dragonwyck completely mesmerized me and held my attention from the beginning. It is fast-paced, heart-stopping, and beautifully written. If you like entering a Cinderella world, you will love this book. 5+ stars*****

The Queen of Last Hopes

Author: Susan Higginbotham
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
(January 1, 2011)  

ISBN-10: 1402242816

Book Description:

A man other than my husband sits on England's throne today.

What would happen if this king suddenly went mad? What would his queen do? Would she make the same mistakes I did, or would she learn from mine?

Margaret of Anjou, queen of England, cannot give up on her husband--even when he slips into insanity. And as mother to the House of Lancaster's last hope, she cannot give up on her son--even when England turns against them. This gripping tale of a queen forced to stand strong in the face of overwhelming odds is at its heart a tender tale of love.

Award-winning author Susan Higginbotham will once again ask readers to question everything they know about right and wrong, compassion and hope, duty to one's country and the desire of one's own heart.

My Review:

When fiction and the ancient past come together in a clash of heat and emotion, we get an amazing historical novel. The Queen of Last Hopes is the story of a queen who is ask to find inner strength and greatness. It is the story of one woman's determination to prevail against the odds and to remain strong for the sake of her family and country.

Readers who love history, will find here a well-written tale by a gifted author.

(Thank you to SourceBooks for my review copy.)

DARCY AND FITZWILLIAM / Review

Author: Karen V. Wasylowski

Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

(February 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1402245947

Book Description:

A gentleman in love cannot survive without his best friend...Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam couldn't be more different, and that goes for the way each one woos and pursues the woman of his dreams. Darcy is quiet and reserved, careful and dutiful, and his qualms and hesitations are going to torpedo his courtship of Elizabeth. His affable and vivacious cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam is a military hero whose devil-may-care personality hides the torments within, until he finds himself in a passionate, whirlwind affair with a beautiful widow who won't hear of his honorable intentions.

Cousins, best friends, and sparring partners, Darcy and Fitzwilliam have always been there for each other. So it's no surprise when the only one who can help Darcy fix his botched marriage proposals is Fitzwilliam, and the only one who can pull Fitzwilliam out of an increasingly dangerous entanglement is Darcy...

About the author:

Karen Wasylowski is a retired CPA. She and her husband spend their free time volunteering with charitable organizations that assist the poor. They also are actively involved with Project Light of Manatee, providing literacy instruction to immigrants and to members of the community. Karen and her husband live in Bradenton, Florida.

My Review:

This one is not exactly a love story. It centers around the lives of Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam. Delightful and at times hilarious; well-written and worth the reading. 4 stars****

(Thank you to Sourcebooks for my review copy.)

Mr. Darcy's Secret / Review

Author: Jane Odiwe

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

(February 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1402245270

Book Description:

One dark secret can completely ruin a bright future...
After capturing the heart of the most eligible bachelor in England, Elizabeth Bennet believes her happiness is complete-until the day she unearths a stash of anonymous, passionate love letters that may be Darcy's, and she realizes just how little she knows about the guarded, mysterious man she married...

About the author:

Jane Odiwe is an artist and author. She is an avid fan of all things Austen and is the author and illustrator of Effusions of Fancy, annotated sketches from the life of Jane Austen, as well as Lydia Bennet's Story and Willoughby's Return. She lives with her husband and three children in North London.

My Review:

Mr. Darcy's Secret is a colorful historical romance set in Regency England. The attention to detail is representative of Ms. Odiwe's skills as a writer of Jane Austen fiction. If you enjoy Austen sequels, you are certain to like this one. Well-written with good character development and an exciting plot. 5 stars*****

(Thank you to Sourcebooks for my review copy.)

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First Family / Review

Author: Joseph J. Ellis

Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Knopf

(October 26, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0307269620

Book Description:

The Pulitzer Prize–winning, best-selling author of Founding Brothers and His Excellency brings America’s preeminent first couple to life in a moving and illuminating narrative that sweeps through the American Revolution and the republic’s tenuous early years.

In Ellis’s rich and striking new history, John and Abigail’s relationship unfolds in the context of America’s birth as a nation.

My review:

I fell in love with John and Abigail many years ago after reading Those Who Love. I was delighted when I found this new book by Joseph J. Ellis and was not disappointed while reading it.

The author examines the lives of the Adams family mostly through letters from friends and relatives and adds a depth to their relationship that wasn't covered in other works I have read. His version of their life is very readable, covers joys, mistakes, and sorrows...elements that may have been missed in the past. If you enjoy reading history with a touch of romance, you will like this one. It is one of the best books I've read this year. Highly recommended.

(Many thanks to the author for my review copy!!)

Bespelling Jane Austen / Review

Author: Mary Balogh, Colleen Gleason,

Susan Krinard, Janet Mullany

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: HQN Books;

Original edition (September 28, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0373775016

Book Description:

But even if the whole world was against them, it would not matter. They were together—again. And this time they would remain together. Until death do them part and, of course, long after that.

What if Austen had believed in reincarnation and vampires? Join four bestselling romance authors as they channel the wit and wisdom of Jane Austen.

Almost Persuaded
In this Regency tale of Robert and Jane, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh brings together former lovers who have seen beyond the veil of forgetfulness to their past mistakes, and are determined to be together in this life, and forever.
Northanger Castle
Caroline's obsession with Gothic novels winds up being good training for a lifetime of destroying the undead with her newfound beau, in this Regency by Colleen Gleason.
Blood and Prejudice
Set in the business world of contemporary New York City, Liz Bennett joins Mr. Darcy in his hunt for a vampire cure in New York Times bestselling author Susan Krinard's version of the classic story.
Little to Hex Her
Present-day Washington, D.C., is full of curious creatures in Janet Mullany's story, wherein Emma is a witch with a wizard boyfriend and a paranormal dating service to run.

My Review:

I'm not going to give a long review of the book, since it has already been done above.

To be honest, I had a few reservations about this book in the beginning, but I can say now I enjoyed all four novellas in this unique collection. Each author brought an interesting paranormal tale to the mix. I especially liked Almost Persuaded.

The stories are not long, so Austen fans can complete one in an evening, put the book down, and start again as time permits. 4 stars****

(Thank you to the authors for my review copy.)

In the Arms of Mr. Darcy / Review

Author: Sharon Lathan

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

(October 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1402236999

Book Description:

If only everyone could be as happy as they are...

Darcy and Elizabeth are as much in love as ever--even more so as their relationship matures. Their passion inspires everyone around them, and as winter turns to spring, romance blossoms around them....

Confirmed bachelor Richard Fitzwilliam sets his sights on a seemingly unattainable, beautiful widow; Georgiana Darcy learns to flirt outrageously; the very flighty Kitty Bennet develops her first crush, and Caroline Bingley meets her match.

But the path of true love never does run smooth, and Elizabeth and Darcy are kept busy navigating their friends and loved ones through the inevitable separations, misunderstandings, misgivings, and lovers' quarrels to reach their own happily ever afters...

My Review:

Sharon Lathan shows us her knowledge of Darcy and Elizabeth in one of the most romanic novels about the eternal lovers. We get an indepth look into their passionate lives and the deep and everlasting love they share for each other. Jane Austen would approve of this depiction of her characters; Austen fans will continue to love them, as well. As a collector of Austen sequels, I feel this is one of the best yet written and highly recommend it. Congratulations to the author! 5 stars*****

(Thank you to SourceBooks for my review copy!)

Mr. Darcy's Obsession / Review

Author: Abigail Reynolds

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

(October 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1402240929

Book Description:

The more he tries to stay away from her, the more his obsession grows...

What if...

Elizabeth Bennet was more unsuitable for Mr. Darcy than ever...
Mr. Darcy is determined to find a more suitable bride. But then he learns that Elizabeth is living in London in reduced circumstances, after her father's death robs her of her family home...

What if...

Mr. Darcy can't Help himself from see king her out...
He just wants to make sure she's alright. But once he's seen her, he feels compelled to talk to her, and from there he's unable to fight the overwhelming desire to be near her, or the ever-growing mutual attraction that is between them...

What if...

Mr. Darcy's intentions were shockingly dishonorable...

My Review:

Abigail Reynolds has created a masterful period novel. The way she weaves romance, tradition, and wit is exciting and fresh.

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are created here in a way that makes them come to life and live beyond the written page.

Austen fans will enjoy the author's unique interpretation of an old love story.

(Thank you to SourceBooks for my review copy.)

Darcy's Voyage / Review

Author: Kara Louise
Paperback: 512 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
(September 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 140224102X

Book Description:

A Tale of Uncharted Love on the Open Seas
In this enchanting and highly original retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet sets out for the new world aboard the grand ship Pemberley's Promise. She's prepared for an uneventful voyage until a chance encounter with the handsome, taciturn Mr. Darcy turns her world upside down.

When Elizabeth falls ill, Darcy throws convention overboard in a plan that will bind them to each other more deeply than he ever could have imagined. But the perils of their ocean voyage pale in comparison to the harsh reality of society's rules that threaten their chance at happiness.

When they return to the lavish halls of England, will their love survive?

My Review:

I found this interpretation of Pride and Prejudice to be solidly written and well researched. Written with imagination, orginiality, and skill, author, Kara Louise, proves she knows her "Austen." Highly recommended to Austen fans.

(Thank you to Sourcebooks for my review copy.)

Mr. Darcy's Little Sister / Review

Author: C. Allyn Pierson

Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN-10: 1402240384

Book Description:

Pride and Prejudice continues...

Georgiana Darcy grows up and goes in pursuit of happiness and true love, much to her big brother's consternation.

A whole new side of Mr. Darcy...
He's the best big brother, generous to a fault. Protective, never teases. But over his dead body is any rogue or fortune hunter going to get near his little sister! (Unfortunately, any gentleman who wants to court Georgiana is going to have the same problem...)

So how's a girl ever going to meet the gentleman of her dreams?

My Review:

This Pride and Prejudice sequel about Georgiana Darcy's coming of age, is told with charm and class. As a period piece it is delightfully filled with many of the elements that go with the Age. Well-written and painstakingly researched, it is definitely one of the best Austen sequels I've read to date.

(Thank you to SourceBooks for my review copy.)

The Moonstone / Review

Author: Wilkie Collins

Paperback: 560 pages
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0199536724

Book Description:

Called "the first and greatest of English detective novels" by T.S.Eliot, The Moonstone is a masterpiece of suspense. A fabulous yellow diamond becomes the dangerous inheritance of Rachel Verinder. Outside her Yorkshire country house watch the Hindu priests who have waited for many years to reclaim their ancient talisman, looted from the holy city of Somnauth. When the Moonstone disappears the case looks simple, but in mid-Victorian England no one is what they seem, and nothing can be taken for granted.Witnesses, suspects, and detectives each narrate the story in turn. The bemused butler, the love-stricken housemaid, the enigmatic detective Sergeant Cuff, the drug-addicted scientist--each speculate on the mystery as Collins weaves their narratives together. The Moonstone transcends the genre of detective novel or murder mystery.

My Review:

Being a fan of Wilkie Collins, I have read many of his novels, my favorite being The Woman In White. Some will say The Moonstone is his best work; although, I tend to differ. I found it a bit slower than Woman In White, but still a good victorian read that no one should miss.