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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
A well-written story with steady pacing. I did feel the beginning was a too long with the ending rushed. Fans of Downton Abbey will enjoy this book. I will share my review soon.
lexcellent's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
samstillreading's review against another edition
4.0
I’m beginning to think that Danielle Steel is a big fan of Downton Abbey. Characters in previous books have enjoyed the show, but Beauchamp Hall (pronounced ‘beecham’) is the ultimate story for fans who have wanted to be part of the process. It’s a feelgood story that is sweet and empowering.
Winona (Winnie) hasn’t had the life she expected. She wanted to be a writer and started college, only to return when her mother became sick. When her mother died years later, Winnie’s dream of finishing college and moving to a big city seemed too far to reach for. Now she’s in her small home town in a boring job and a relationship of convenience. A Secret Santa gift of Beauchamp Hall DVDs (a TV series set in the 1920s around a stately home) changes her life. Winnie is enthralled by the show and its message of aiming for the stars. It’s just as well that it does, as soon later she’s passed over for promotion at work and finds her boyfriend in bed with her best friend. Suddenly, even the mundane isn’t even an option. On a whim, Winnie decides to travel to England and the set of Beauchamp Hall. Her sister is surprised (why, I don’t know considering she really hasn’t done anything to help Winnie except whinge) but Winnie is determined. Winnie finds a menial job on set and soon proves her worth to higher jobs. Now she’s truly part of the show’s family but showbiz is a temporary business…
Ultimately, this story is about the power of the human spirit and the good in people. Winnie, unlike some of the other recent heroines in Danielle Steel’s books, isn’t in a place of privilege. Money is tight and she doesn’t have a spectacular skill set or career. She’s much closer to an ‘average’ person. Even though she’s treated poorly by those around her, she doesn’t let it affect her. (In fact, she’s more bemused that so much time has passed without anything happening). It’s like Winnie has been sleeping, and Beauchamp Hall awakens her spirit. The message here is to take a chance on yourself – but carefully. (Winnie considers her budget and income sources before she makes any big decisions!) Winnie is rewarded well for flying to England. She rediscovers her strengths, ideas and voices. There are a few stumbles along the way but that’s real life.
This is a cosy read, rather than being full of drama and twists. I found the slower pace didn’t distract me from the story but rather gave me licence to enjoy it more. A great read for any time you want to slow down a bit through a story.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Winona (Winnie) hasn’t had the life she expected. She wanted to be a writer and started college, only to return when her mother became sick. When her mother died years later, Winnie’s dream of finishing college and moving to a big city seemed too far to reach for. Now she’s in her small home town in a boring job and a relationship of convenience. A Secret Santa gift of Beauchamp Hall DVDs (a TV series set in the 1920s around a stately home) changes her life. Winnie is enthralled by the show and its message of aiming for the stars. It’s just as well that it does, as soon later she’s passed over for promotion at work and finds her boyfriend in bed with her best friend. Suddenly, even the mundane isn’t even an option. On a whim, Winnie decides to travel to England and the set of Beauchamp Hall. Her sister is surprised (why, I don’t know considering she really hasn’t done anything to help Winnie except whinge) but Winnie is determined. Winnie finds a menial job on set and soon proves her worth to higher jobs. Now she’s truly part of the show’s family but showbiz is a temporary business…
Ultimately, this story is about the power of the human spirit and the good in people. Winnie, unlike some of the other recent heroines in Danielle Steel’s books, isn’t in a place of privilege. Money is tight and she doesn’t have a spectacular skill set or career. She’s much closer to an ‘average’ person. Even though she’s treated poorly by those around her, she doesn’t let it affect her. (In fact, she’s more bemused that so much time has passed without anything happening). It’s like Winnie has been sleeping, and Beauchamp Hall awakens her spirit. The message here is to take a chance on yourself – but carefully. (Winnie considers her budget and income sources before she makes any big decisions!) Winnie is rewarded well for flying to England. She rediscovers her strengths, ideas and voices. There are a few stumbles along the way but that’s real life.
This is a cosy read, rather than being full of drama and twists. I found the slower pace didn’t distract me from the story but rather gave me licence to enjoy it more. A great read for any time you want to slow down a bit through a story.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
lovesresqdogs's review against another edition
4.0
If you like the show Downton Abbey this could be a good book for you. About a woman falling in love with a similar show and then going to the UK to see where it’s filmed. I really enjoyed it because I lived Downton Abbey and this seems like it would be similar.
shadypinesma's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this up at the lending library at my local park and enjoyed the read. I appreciated the premise of the book, about a woman who has the courage to pursue her dream and change the pace and direction of her life after decades of an unsatisfying status quo.
cbh2584's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars - super corny, so-so writing, but entertaining mostly because of the British/Downton Abbey vibe.
bookswritingandmore's review against another edition
5.0
Winnie was 38 years old and stuck in a definite rut. She had a boyfriend Rob of 11 years that got drunk alot, enjoyed poem a bit too much and never said I love you. She was forced back to her home town in Michigan when her mother was sick. Her dreams of New York and writing forgotten and impossible. Winnie tolerates her job at a printing plant but feels lost in this life she's created. She doesn't like the town, she's not happy with her boyfriend and the ultimate betrayal soon makes her sit up and take notice that She needs a change. A big change!
Soon she is off to London and a small town where her favorite show Beachamp Hall is filmed. Her journey is exciting, fun and just what she needs to breathe life again.
This story is about chasing your dreams, taking chances and finding yourself at any age. I absolutely adored it.
Soon she is off to London and a small town where her favorite show Beachamp Hall is filmed. Her journey is exciting, fun and just what she needs to breathe life again.
This story is about chasing your dreams, taking chances and finding yourself at any age. I absolutely adored it.
jbarr5's review against another edition
4.0
Beauchamp Hall by Steel_ Danielle
Winnie lives in her deceased mothers house and has Rob as a boyfriend for over 11 years.
Her sister has a husband and two boys and her life is busy. Winnie works at the local printing shop and tolerates her boss.
She gets a copy of the English show and can't get away from it and orders the rest of the series. She's no longer appreciating his sexual moves and she wants love and it's not him...
Love how she is able to follow her dreams after so much turmoil. Like how she has to go back home and realizes the direction her life is going in...
Not really into the England movement but this book makes me think twice about it all. So caring. Love how it ends up.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Winnie lives in her deceased mothers house and has Rob as a boyfriend for over 11 years.
Her sister has a husband and two boys and her life is busy. Winnie works at the local printing shop and tolerates her boss.
She gets a copy of the English show and can't get away from it and orders the rest of the series. She's no longer appreciating his sexual moves and she wants love and it's not him...
Love how she is able to follow her dreams after so much turmoil. Like how she has to go back home and realizes the direction her life is going in...
Not really into the England movement but this book makes me think twice about it all. So caring. Love how it ends up.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
ms_scarlett's review against another edition
3.0
Cute. But. Very predicable. It was sort of like a Hallmark movie.