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3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
I was really enjoying this book, right up until the end, when, well, it ended. This might sound like a very obvious statement to make, but I was still waiting for something to happen when it ended, without anything really happening... I'd been quite engrossed in the story so it was very disappointing to end at the time/in the way it did. I enjoyed the characters and the visuals in the book - I commented to Hubby that it would probably make a good film with all the period costume and manor estates it features, but it really lacked substance and became quite boring in parts. I wouldn't bother reading it if I were you.
3.5 ⭐ Rough start but there was enough growth from the mfc for me to continue. Not a book I'd recommend though.
Didn't really enjoy this one.
The characters were either flamboyant and extreme or totally lifeless and flat, there was no in between. Perhaps this could have been handelled if the 'leading' couple hadn't been at either end of the scale.
I liked Cora, understanding that she was probably more developed than the first hundred or so pages hinted, but I felt that the author never really delved into Cora enough to really get to know her.
Ivo was so standoffish that there was no warmth from him and therefore none from me, for him.
It was okay, but I probably wouldn't hunt down another by this author.
The characters were either flamboyant and extreme or totally lifeless and flat, there was no in between. Perhaps this could have been handelled if the 'leading' couple hadn't been at either end of the scale.
I liked Cora, understanding that she was probably more developed than the first hundred or so pages hinted, but I felt that the author never really delved into Cora enough to really get to know her.
Ivo was so standoffish that there was no warmth from him and therefore none from me, for him.
It was okay, but I probably wouldn't hunt down another by this author.
The characters are flat. Cora would like to rebel against her mother, but she's still just a spoiled girl. Ivo is surly, yet kind, but it doesn't come off naturally. The book isn't subtle about hinting at Ivo and Charlotte's "secret." But at least there's a happy ending?
Well, I can honestly say I didn't hate this book. In fact, I quite liked it. The writing was quite good, and the plot was good enough to keep me hooked. The characters weren't the best, but I've also read characters that I hated so much that I had nothing good to say about the book. It was just a typical historical fiction novel. I'm much more excited to read Victoria now, since I'm obsessed with all things Queen Victoria.
......so many interesting things happen but there's no? plot? somehow??? I literally just sat in this woman's world for 450 pages wondering if anything ultimately was going to happen. Absolutely no resolution to the duke's wild mood swings, touch of melancholy, or the Double Duchess's need to control everything. Charlotte being in London is interesting in the end but are we supposed to care?
i will admit, i dont know if i believe Ivo but I 100% believe Charlotte is the type to say "oops, sorry your brother died, when are we getting married"
The American Heiress focuses on young Cora Cash, whose mother is desperately set on marrying her to an English duke. We are treated to about two years in Cora's life, as she adjusts to her new life as an English Duchess and to the demands of English society.
I did find myself terribly frustrated with many of the character's actions. Cora was treated horribly by most of the characters, though she often made poor choices herself! Ivo was horrid throughout the entire book - his confession/explanation at the end felt false to me and I was unbelievably angry with Cora's belief in him, though it did go along with customs of the time.
The book is marketed to those that are Downton Abbey fans. It does have a few minor similarities (Cora is an American heiress on the show; Sybil as a character; a footman named Thomas), however, it takes place a decade or so before the show. It doesn't have the same charm as the show, however, it was an easy and enjoyable read - even if I did find myself shaking my head at the characters choices!!
I did find myself terribly frustrated with many of the character's actions. Cora was treated horribly by most of the characters, though she often made poor choices herself! Ivo was horrid throughout the entire book - his confession/explanation at the end felt false to me and I was unbelievably angry with Cora's belief in him, though it did go along with customs of the time.
The book is marketed to those that are Downton Abbey fans. It does have a few minor similarities (Cora is an American heiress on the show; Sybil as a character; a footman named Thomas), however, it takes place a decade or so before the show. It doesn't have the same charm as the show, however, it was an easy and enjoyable read - even if I did find myself shaking my head at the characters choices!!
challenging
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
I wanted to love this book, really, I did. I'm fascinated with the American girls who went over to Europe for titles and wonder if any actually ever were in love. However, wanting to love the book doesn't necessarily translate into love. I found the book slow-moving through the first half, and the protagonist, Cora, insufferable - until the last half of the book, where she was finally written in a way to make me feel for her and her situation. Her family is awful and you could see where some of the "plot twists" were coming from a mile off. I completely guessed the ending 2/3rds of the way through.
All that said, the writing was well researched and pleasant. I think that she gives a little too much information at times, which bogs down the narrative. There were characters who were simply superfluous, who had lovely (and unnecessary) backgrounds given, while other characters who were more integral to the plot were given none.
If I could have given a 2.5 or 2.75 star rating, I would have. I ultimately ended up liking the book, despite its predictability, but I didn't love it. It's better than OK, but... yeah. I will definitely give another of her books a try - I liked the preview given at the end of this one. Perhaps it will help me like this one more.
All that said, the writing was well researched and pleasant. I think that she gives a little too much information at times, which bogs down the narrative. There were characters who were simply superfluous, who had lovely (and unnecessary) backgrounds given, while other characters who were more integral to the plot were given none.
If I could have given a 2.5 or 2.75 star rating, I would have. I ultimately ended up liking the book, despite its predictability, but I didn't love it. It's better than OK, but... yeah. I will definitely give another of her books a try - I liked the preview given at the end of this one. Perhaps it will help me like this one more.