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plantladyreader 's review for:
The Orange Grove
by Kate Murdoch
I read this entire book in one day, and any book that I can't put down definitely deserves five stars. I'm a big fan of historical fiction, and one of my favourite time periods and places to read about is 18th century France. I love reading about French nobility and customs, the draw of Versailles and the status you need to have in order to be invited to court. The clothing, the elaborate makeup and hairstyles, the rumours and intrigue? I'm all for it.
This book had it all. French nobility and the games they play within households, affairs, scandal, Versailles, love interests and a cumulative lesson at the end.
The chateau of Duc Hugo d'Amboise is bursting with drama and intrigue. His wife and five mistresses live under one roof, and the competition for the Duc's attentions and to sire him a son is fierce. When new mistress Letitia arrives, Duchess Charlotte is immediately threatened by this new beauty, and the way her husband seems to be falling in love with her. We quickly learn that Charlotte will stop at nothing to stand between Letitia and the Duc, with the help of three other mistresses to gather any information they can to take her down. Letitia's only friend is Henriette, who guides the young Letitia in the ways of the Duc's household and how to remain on Duchess Charlotte's good side. It was a thrilling journey to see just how far Charlotte would go to remain the Duc's favourite.
I really enjoyed reading this book not just for the history, but also for the drama and thrilling war between women. The way Henriette was able to befriend Letitia, even when Letitia did inadvertently threaten her place in the household was beautiful. I hated Charlotte basically the entire time, and she was an enjoyable villain to hate. Of course, the status of women in the 18th century had my blood boiling more than once, but I can also be glad that we no longer entirely live so oppressed. Overall, if you're a fan of historical fiction, this is one to pick up!
This book had it all. French nobility and the games they play within households, affairs, scandal, Versailles, love interests and a cumulative lesson at the end.
The chateau of Duc Hugo d'Amboise is bursting with drama and intrigue. His wife and five mistresses live under one roof, and the competition for the Duc's attentions and to sire him a son is fierce. When new mistress Letitia arrives, Duchess Charlotte is immediately threatened by this new beauty, and the way her husband seems to be falling in love with her. We quickly learn that Charlotte will stop at nothing to stand between Letitia and the Duc, with the help of three other mistresses to gather any information they can to take her down. Letitia's only friend is Henriette, who guides the young Letitia in the ways of the Duc's household and how to remain on Duchess Charlotte's good side. It was a thrilling journey to see just how far Charlotte would go to remain the Duc's favourite.
I really enjoyed reading this book not just for the history, but also for the drama and thrilling war between women. The way Henriette was able to befriend Letitia, even when Letitia did inadvertently threaten her place in the household was beautiful. I hated Charlotte basically the entire time, and she was an enjoyable villain to hate. Of course, the status of women in the 18th century had my blood boiling more than once, but I can also be glad that we no longer entirely live so oppressed. Overall, if you're a fan of historical fiction, this is one to pick up!