Monday 29 January 2018

Medieval.



Reviewed by Josanna Thompson (Guest Reviewer and Author)


Once upon a time there was a boy named Nathanial who beholden himself to a little girl, named Madeline. They adored each other and were inseparable during their childhood. Then they grew up. Nathanial became a knight; Madeline a noble lady. Bound by duty, they were forced apart, and yet their devotion to each other never waned.


This is a wonderful story about friendship, honor, and duty. I liked Nathanial’s and Madeline’s characters. I was pleasantly surprised that Madeline’s husband was a nice man who cherished his wife. I was also pleasantly surprised that the author made Madeline do her duty, in every sense of the word, even when it broke her heart to do so. In spite of all that happens during the story, it ends in the most satisfying way.



Thank you Josanna, for taking time out to write a review in support of another author. It's really appreciated all round. 

Sunday 28 January 2018

Victorian!



Reviewed by Francine:

The Governess Next Door opens with a classic tale of a Byronic hero borne of natural charisma and through no fault of his, finds himself faced with the haunting memory of an indelicate moment with his esteemed lady cousin, to which long-lasting “what-ifs” occasionally prick his conscience. Later, having duly fled an unhappy existence in England, Raphael Brontes’ new life in France is not as desired though fulfilling in terms of his artistic talents. That is, until tragedy strikes and releases him from a less than romantic episode in his life. Shocked by a bequeathed inheritance he makes the best of his situation, until a young minx, as tempting as the salacious devouring of the first seasonal strawberry views him as a suitor. But Angelique reminds him of a beautiful rose with vicious barbs, whilst her genteel governess could so easily have stepped from the pages of Jane Eyre, if he were to judge Prudence Middleton on reticence alone. 

Like him, Prudence has a dark past too, and although enamoured by Raphael, she knows her place in the scheme of social standing, and duly battles against burgeoning desire despite his overt willingness to engage her in mind and discourse. Thus, as novels penned by the Bronte sisters’ add flavour to the romantic dialogue, the life of the full cast becomes deeply entwined, threaded through with fictional secrets, wicked deceits, theft, and more, and the author leaves one in no doubt she has delved into the history of the Bronte’ household and respective novels. This is a thoroughly enthralling and enjoyable read.