Scan barcode
bookstuff's review against another edition
5.0
Torn between 4 & 5 stars. I really enjoyed this book; more than the preceding book [b:A Catch of Consequence|273411|A Catch of Consequence|Diana Norman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1173321279s/273411.jpg|265102]. For one thing, the main character, Diana, Dowager Countess of Stacpoole, is not subjected to as much real-time adversity as Makepeace was in the first book. There is still tragedy, but much of it either happens before the book starts, or to supporting characters. In this story, Diana newly widowed, emotionally frozen after years of surviving an abusive marriage. Society and family would keep her as stifled as ever, but she, to her own surprise, starts coming back to life.
Minor spoilage:
One minor complaint I have is the love interest story thread--- I am not a fan of love-at-first-sight and the love interest execution is too macguffiny.
Another complaint is that the author, imo, is too rah-rah about the American revolutionary ideal, but maybe that is just my current political disenchantment speaking. :)
Minor spoilage:
One minor complaint I have is the love interest story thread--- I am not a fan of love-at-first-sight and the love interest execution is too macguffiny.
Another complaint is that the author, imo, is too rah-rah about the American revolutionary ideal, but maybe that is just my current political disenchantment speaking. :)
walford's review against another edition
4.0
As with the first, a cracking good story that's very hard to put down, from beginning to end. There's some Dickensian suffering to be gotten through again, but the way the characters rise to each occasion endears them to us so much that it's well worth it. I admit I tend to want to remain in upper-class drawing rooms and overlook the exploitation that made them possible (not to mention the oppression of women), but can greatly appreciate the intensity added to the reading experience by the ordeals of Makepeace and her family.
I actually shelled out List Price for the third book (yes, I'm awfully stingy nowadays, spoiled by the library and KU) which tells you how anxious I am to complete the series.
I actually shelled out List Price for the third book (yes, I'm awfully stingy nowadays, spoiled by the library and KU) which tells you how anxious I am to complete the series.
lizdesole's review against another edition
4.0
Probably more like a 3 1/2 stars. Very entertaining and exciting historical fiction. Have to admire that the "love interests" are not buff and glamorous. Some was a bit too far-fetched, but hey, maybe she's a Dickens fan.
lgallo's review against another edition
4.0
SO. GREAT. Makepeace was a little too blunt, impatient, and rude even for herself at the start of this book. Even so, it was a great story and I loved the end! Can't wait to crack open the third novel.
jenlouden's review
4.0
Found this at a used bookstore bought in a whim. Really enjoyed it. The English pov of the American Revolution, the characters!, the Countess finding her soul, the class issues: a truly fun smart read.
jayvall's review
4.0
It took me a while to get into this because I was confused by Diana's POV. I actually thought she was Makepeace's daughter except I didn't remember that being her name, and I didn't think that much time had passed. Then I thought maybe *she* was Makepeace and I was just super confused until I finally read someone else's review which explained the premise better. The story was a little slow to start, but eventually picked up and I ended up enjoying this one more than I liked [b:A Catch of Consequence|273411|A Catch of Consequence|Diana Norman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388346571s/273411.jpg|265102] (which I found overlong).
More...