Edenbrooke
by Julianne Donaldson
Published: March 31, 2012
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: eBook (264 pages)
Source: Purchased
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 Marianne 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.
If Jane Austen could write about scandalous things (in a proper manner of course) like highwaymen robbing you etc. then it would have come out like Edenbrooke. The author, Julianne Donaldson, did a good job of making a Regency romance a little more modern. The characters, settings, and manners were are all Regency but the plot had a more modern, quick pace which was really fun. While the writing was in the Regency style, it still felt modern because of mentions of vomiting a “revolting stomach” and ugly men with spittle. The ugly guy with the spittle was half amusing and half disgusting.
I don’t usually like romance, but this one was really good. I was not expecting it to be such a page turner. The main characters had great chemistry with each other. I adored the characters figuring out who they are as an individual and how that fits into finding romance. That theme shows up in one of my favorite quotes from the novel.
I have discovered happiness in being true to who I am. I hope you will give that idea some consideration.
– Julianne Donaldson, Edenbrooke: A Proper Romance Chapter 11
Overall, it was a charming romance that focused on the connection between characters with a modern, fast-paced plot that kept me turning the pages.
Content Rating: None. Clean read.
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About Julianne Donaldson
Julianne Donaldson grew up as the daughter of a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. She learned how to ski in the Italian Alps, visited East Berlin before the wall came down, and spent three years living next to a 500-year-old castle. After earning a degree in English, she turned her attention to writing. She writes historical romance when she is not busy with her four young children and husband. Edenbrooke is her first novel.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
My name is Jessica. I love to read Young Adult and classic literature. I’ve been a book blogger for six years and I haven’t gotten tired of it yet. I’m a very curious reader. Writing about all the questions and thoughts I had while reading a book is the best hobby ever.
I loved Edenbrooke! I’m not big on romance either, but this one was so charming! I loved the banter between Marianne and Phillip. You need to read Blackmoore now.
This book is on my to-read list! Good to see a very positive review about it. I’m not a romance fan either, but I love Jane Austen.
I LOVED this book. It was utterly charming, and now I totally want to reread it. I’m so glad you liked it.
This one was really cute. I’m glad you enjoyed it too.
Oooh, highwaymen robbery and Regency Era! I like. Heh, ugly guy with spittle? I no like. Thanks for the review – I hadn’t heard of this one before now!