Reviews

Don't you hate when a Christian fiction book is cookie cutter fiction. While this book did have some elements of the norm for me it was refreshing to have characters who react in a way that I feel I would in my life. Sometimes when you read these books one party sees or hears something that was only a part of the truth. Then they get all up in arms feeling totally betrayed and then refusing to talk to the person they feel betrayed them. It always annoys me. I feel like the characters in Christian fiction who are often very patient and wise most of the time. Go overboard and lose their common sense. Maybe I'm the only who feels this way. Anyways not so in this book. That wins it big brownie points in my book. Plus I really liked that while the lady in question is the initial factor that gets our hero thinking about his life direction she is not the one to Change him. He takes a look at himself and sees his mistakes and wants to do better. I really liked this book. It did leave me with a few lingering questions but I think those thing might be followed up in the next book in this series. I want to know What happened to Cassandra and when The rogue who broke her heart had to say for himself. Speaking of him I wasn't sure what to make of Rowand the brother of our main character. But he redeemed himself for me in his reaction to events in the end of the book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Thanks to the author who provided the book for me to review.

flowersofquiethappiness's review against another edition

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4.0

SO wonderful! For some reason, I had been hesitant to read this one. But that was silly, because it's perfectly delightful! ;) I'm happy to say some of the things that bothered me about The Heiress of Winterwood were not present here at all. And Ms. Ladd's writing has only gotten better. Switching between Patience's POV and William's, we get to watch the mysteries unfold alongside them. And we get to watch them fall in love! But it's not just a straight-up romance, which is great. There's so much going on and the answers are strung out so we're waiting with baited breath for what will be discovered next! Ms. Ladd is a fabulous storyteller and I'm so glad I gave this one a chance. (Thanks to my local library. :) I'll certainly be adding this one to my own bookshelf soon!

katie_chandler's review against another edition

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2.0

The ending of this book reminds me of my childish mocking of love stories. William! ... Patience! ... Kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss. The book summary is intriguing, but the story and characters lack depth.

elisabethd8a's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective 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

3.75

reneesmith's review against another edition

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4.0

Having been a longtime fan of Regency greats, I’m glad to have discovered an author Romantic Times crowns as “Regency writing royalty”—Sarah Ladd!

And while I’m sharing, here’s how Romantic Times describes her latest novel, The Headmistress of Rosemere: “This book has it all: shining prose, heart-wrenching emotion, vivid and engaging characters, a well-paced plot, and a sigh-worthy happy ending that might cause some readers to reach for the tissue box.”

Here’s my take . . . The Headmistress of Rosemere tells the story of spinster Patience Creighton, who deals competently with her ailing mother and her boarding school filled with young ladies, but always seems to carry an air of sadness. Enter her landlord, William Sterling, a handsome, brooding hero, complete with dark past and cleft chin, who throws Patience’s well-ordered world into chaos. A fire, a goat, and some Lizzie-Bennet-type-annoying relatives stir things up. And a thread of mystery kept me turning pages.

What I liked best . . .

The Headmistress of Rosemere gave me the flavor of my favorite Regencies with a style that is all Sarah Ladd original! I experienced a touch of Jane Eyre gothic drama, though not as heavy, and the feel of Sense and Sensibility’s family scenes. Also, generous dollops of a Pride and Prejudice worthy romance—with the added bonus that William and Patience share more scenes and feelings than Lizzie and Mr. Darcy.

So, gentle reader, who could ask for more?

Who will love this book . . .

Regency fans
Jane Austen movie adaptation fans
Period piece drama fans
Writers looking to be inspired by some quality prose
Young teen readers on up

***Thanks to Sarah for providing a copy for me to review.

bookishbubs's review against another edition

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3.0

Solid, feel-good read. I don't know that I'll finish the series, but if I end up in a slump, I'm sure the third one can be relied upon to uplift my spirits. I will say that for being the best friend, Cassandra was no more than a prop, so I was a little disappointed there.

ashmarie716's review

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4.0

Better than first

I enjoyed this book in the series more than the first. I was expecting to be more religious talk after the first was so about it but pleasantly surprised they're was less and just the perfect balance

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