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lilaclicoricetissie's review
4.0
Vaughan Springthorpe is a solicitor. So far, so good, but we’re in England, it’s the end of the nineteenth century, and women just don’t do legal work. They’re supposed to stand there, be pretty, and snatch a rich husband while in their prime. Vaughan has other ideas, however.
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
booksnacks's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
haleyashtonpowell's review
5.0
Listen up. I'm a busy woman. I'm about to start my second year of law school. I read so much historical fiction that I don't even usually take the time to rate and review them on Goodreads, mainly because I don't have a lot of free time and many of the novels are fairly similar. I was just looking for something on my Kindle to read before bed last night, and behold, less than a day later, I've finished this novel and Clarissa Harwood has snatched me out of apathy!
At first, I didn't love the first-person narration -- it's actually uncommon in historical fiction, so it took some time to get used to. But just a few chapters in, I realized it was essential. Morton Abbey is a veritable Thornfield Hall, complete with strange events, a mysterious housekeeper, and a surprise fellow boarder. We're inside Vaughan's head, puzzling things out with her, and this book is truly creepy because of it. She's deeply rational, but she seems to be the only inhabitant affected by the eeriness, at least at first.
Vaughan is an amazing character. Not only is she disabled (more kudos to the author for giving her a physical disability, so often unexplored in historical romance), but she's struck out to be a woman solicitor in a time before women were allowed to be licensed in England. She's smart and brave, but was just as freaked out as I was at certain parts, so she was thoroughly believable.
This book has so many amazing twists and turns that I won't spoil here, even for those who don't usually mind spoilers, like me. I predicted some things that happened, but the final twist I absolutely did not expect. You'll just have to read and find out!
At first, I didn't love the first-person narration -- it's actually uncommon in historical fiction, so it took some time to get used to. But just a few chapters in, I realized it was essential. Morton Abbey is a veritable Thornfield Hall, complete with strange events, a mysterious housekeeper, and a surprise fellow boarder. We're inside Vaughan's head, puzzling things out with her, and this book is truly creepy because of it. She's deeply rational, but she seems to be the only inhabitant affected by the eeriness, at least at first.
Vaughan is an amazing character. Not only is she disabled (more kudos to the author for giving her a physical disability, so often unexplored in historical romance), but she's struck out to be a woman solicitor in a time before women were allowed to be licensed in England. She's smart and brave, but was just as freaked out as I was at certain parts, so she was thoroughly believable.
This book has so many amazing twists and turns that I won't spoil here, even for those who don't usually mind spoilers, like me. I predicted some things that happened, but the final twist I absolutely did not expect. You'll just have to read and find out!
sllingky's review
5.0
When I saw this book for the first time in an ad on Twitter, my attention was hooked by the connection to Jane Eyre, by all time favorite piece of literature. Dark manors, family secrets, and brooding lords... what more could you want?
This book is technically very well written. You can tell it was written and edited with great care, and the author's background in 19th century literature shines through. But there are some wonderful and intriguing updates to this book that modernize it without stepping out of the 19th century like so many books written today have a tendency to do. And I appreciate that. It's true to the history and authenticity of the era but adds some interesting dimensions for the lead female character. And it's all tied up nicely at the end with some twists to keep things interesting.
Definitely recommend this book to readers of historical fiction, gothic romance, and 19th century literature.
This book is technically very well written. You can tell it was written and edited with great care, and the author's background in 19th century literature shines through. But there are some wonderful and intriguing updates to this book that modernize it without stepping out of the 19th century like so many books written today have a tendency to do. And I appreciate that. It's true to the history and authenticity of the era but adds some interesting dimensions for the lead female character. And it's all tied up nicely at the end with some twists to keep things interesting.
Definitely recommend this book to readers of historical fiction, gothic romance, and 19th century literature.
zayann's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
darladark's review
5.0
ARC was given to me via NetGalley for an honest review.
I loved this book. It was slow to start and I found myself wondering if I would enjoy it. The main character Vaughan is unusual for her time and wants to be independent and not rely on a husband financially. She is employed to do legal assistant work in an unusual place with strange people and happenings. Her persistence is incredible and she learns more about herself throughout her employment.
The story is well put together and once I was about 30% through the book, I found it difficult to stop reading. In this sense, it is well crafted and paced. I have little to criticise. I found the main character's name chafed a bit but I also understood this to represent her less feminine aspirations for the time.
I loved this book. It was slow to start and I found myself wondering if I would enjoy it. The main character Vaughan is unusual for her time and wants to be independent and not rely on a husband financially. She is employed to do legal assistant work in an unusual place with strange people and happenings. Her persistence is incredible and she learns more about herself throughout her employment.
The story is well put together and once I was about 30% through the book, I found it difficult to stop reading. In this sense, it is well crafted and paced. I have little to criticise. I found the main character's name chafed a bit but I also understood this to represent her less feminine aspirations for the time.
staceylovestoread's review
3.0
I loved the premise of this book but I couldn't like any of the characters except Joe the gardener. The whole book felt off - like it was trying too hard or something. I don't know. It is well-written and very atmospheric, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
a_chickletz's review
5.0
This was my first Clarissa Harwood book and she won me over for giving me not only a spooky tale, but a tale where the romance was truly earned and well-developed.
Ugh. That romance. The romance snuck up on me. I was worried while reading it to find out who exactly will turn out to the the romantic interest? You have the invalid, the brother, and the caretaker. At first the book was going in one direction and I kept telling myself 'god, this guy is boring... is this really going to be the love interest'. Imagine when I discovered who it was? Perfect. Absolutely slow building and very, very sweet.
The mystery / gothic story was also well done where I couldn't tell who or what was 'haunting' the estate. The twists and turns were not things I could easily guess and I love that with a book, especially with an author I've never tried before.
If you're looking for a clean, gothic romance set in the early 1900's, this is the book for you!
Ugh. That romance. The romance snuck up on me. I was worried while reading it to find out who exactly will turn out to the the romantic interest? You have the invalid, the brother, and the caretaker. At first the book was going in one direction and I kept telling myself 'god, this guy is boring... is this really going to be the love interest'. Imagine when I discovered who it was? Perfect. Absolutely slow building and very, very sweet.
The mystery / gothic story was also well done where I couldn't tell who or what was 'haunting' the estate. The twists and turns were not things I could easily guess and I love that with a book, especially with an author I've never tried before.
If you're looking for a clean, gothic romance set in the early 1900's, this is the book for you!