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30th out of 191 books
—
94 voters
Lydia
by
Wanda Luce
Will Lydia ever find love?
At six and twenty, Lydia Hathaway has endured years of heartbreak, longing for a love that never came. Her deceased father's foolhardiness has left her family bankrupt, and Lydia is eventually left no alternative but to take a position as the governess to Susan Ashcroft of Danbury Park in Surrey. Anxious for peace, Lydia rambles early one morning...more
At six and twenty, Lydia Hathaway has endured years of heartbreak, longing for a love that never came. Her deceased father's foolhardiness has left her family bankrupt, and Lydia is eventually left no alternative but to take a position as the governess to Susan Ashcroft of Danbury Park in Surrey. Anxious for peace, Lydia rambles early one morning...more
Paperback, First, 358 pages
Published
June 16th 2011
by Walnut Springs Press
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I would say all in all I enjoyed this book.
Let's just get this out of the way, first: things that bugged me.
1) Editing mistakes. There were many sentences scattered throughout thatreadlikethisbecausetherewerenospaces. That was annoying. Then the last 25% of the book was in italics because there was a letter that was being read and then the font never changed back. Grr.
2) Lydia cried all the time. As in everything that happened to her, she was weeping.
3) Lydia was a bit "free spirited" for a R...more
Let's just get this out of the way, first: things that bugged me.
1) Editing mistakes. There were many sentences scattered throughout thatreadlikethisbecausetherewerenospaces. That was annoying. Then the last 25% of the book was in italics because there was a letter that was being read and then the font never changed back. Grr.
2) Lydia cried all the time. As in everything that happened to her, she was weeping.
3) Lydia was a bit "free spirited" for a R...more
I was really looking forward to reading Lydia. I’d seen it pop up here and there and I always love a good Regency story. Overall, Lydia was a pleasant read, although a little slow at times. I appreciated that it was clean and would probably read more by this author.
However, I didn’t quite like it as much as I wanted to. Very early on I got bored with Lydia’s obsession with Lord Denton. It really felt like an obsession, he was literally all she would think about. It got a bit repeditive and I wo...more
However, I didn’t quite like it as much as I wanted to. Very early on I got bored with Lydia’s obsession with Lord Denton. It really felt like an obsession, he was literally all she would think about. It got a bit repeditive and I wo...more
Honestly, I really enjoyed this book. But it was pretty shallow. The two main characters were the only characters with any depth. The rest were only shadows of people. The only events really described in the story are when Lydia and Lord Denton are together. When Lord Denton was gone from the scene, that time was mostly skipped over, even weeks at a time. I would like to have the world built more fully.
Lydia was at the Ashcroft household as a governess, but rarely were her duties even mentioned....more
Lydia was at the Ashcroft household as a governess, but rarely were her duties even mentioned....more
I make no attempt to hide that I am a huge Jane Austen fan so when I got this one in the mail I had to read it right away. Lydia feels like a cross between Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility and is written in the language and style of the Regency Era. The landscape includes sweeping vistas of English countryside, old historic broken down castles, a bookstore with leather bound tomes and docks harboring slave ships. Everything about Lydia immerses you in the period it is written. It fe...more
3 likes · like · see review
I love Jane Austen's storylines and things from that time period, but reading Jane Austen is not something I'm good at. I was not an avid reader growing up, so the language can be hard for me to grasp. But the romance and beauty of stories from that time just thrill me. So, Lydia by Wanda Luce was just right. :) It's set during the Regency Era, and the language was reminiscent of Jane Austen, but easier for my mind to grasp. I loved it! It's a wonderfully romantic story. Usually I want some sort...more
"Lydia", by Wanda Luce, is a delightful new entry to the Regency world of romance. Ms Luce’s prose is flowing and poetic, capturing the voice of the Regency age in a way I have seen others attempt but fail to achieve quite so fully. The romance between the two main characters, Lydia and Lord Denton, evolves in a charming way. Each encounter between them left me touched and smiling and rooting for their eventual union. The author’s research is meticulous, but never boring. Whether visiting the ru...more
I just finished this book and it was a great story. The characters are good and so is the story line. I have to say that for part of it I wanted to smack the main characters and tell them to quite second guessing everything and just talk to each other (really it was mainly Lord Denton that needed to do the talking).
I LOVED the ending, but I think it needed more. I felt like most of the story was so detailed and told everything that happened and then I get to the end and it went really fast. I t...more
I LOVED the ending, but I think it needed more. I felt like most of the story was so detailed and told everything that happened and then I get to the end and it went really fast. I t...more
I like the ideas behind this book; however, I could definitely tell that it is the author's first novel. Her character development is decent, and her build up to the climax is very well handled. The climax itself, though, left a lot to be desired. It is just a little to flat, frank, and abrupt for the characters. Her resolution after saved the book for me. But the epilogue could have been left off; it's just a bit to soft and squishy (and slightly out of character).
I looked forward to seeing th...more
I looked forward to seeing th...more
Wanda Luce has a gift for transporting her reader back to Regency England, early 1800s. I was waltzing in ballrooms, strolling gardens on the arm of a gentleman, riding in carriages and worried about propriety! This was written so Jane Austinish that at times I thought I was caught up in a lost chapter of Pride and Prejudice:) It started a little slow for me and I struggled with wanting it to pick up the pace at the romance end of it, but when it unfolded, it was swoon worthy and sweet. I loved...more
Great story! The last chapter seemed a little out of place to me...a bit of a quick wrap-up. But all in all, the story was fun! Lydia has been reduced to the life of a governess since her father's death bankrupted her once well-to-do family. As governess, she meets Lord Connor Denton, a dashingly handsome, and very rich man a few years her senior. At 26, Lydia believes a life of love to be forever elusive to her. Lord Denton only wishes for a woman who would love him for him, and not his title a...more
This was the first Regency novel that I read. There were moments when I felt it was a repeat of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The beginning felt too sappy and a little repetitive. I did enjoy the moments when she brought in references to other real-life people and events of the time. The last chapter seemed almost rushed. I was surprised by reading from Mr. Denton's point of view more than a third way into the book. Since the author included that as part of her storyline, I almost wished sh...more
Lydia breaks down into a crying fest at least once per chapter, and many other times there are 'moments' where tears 'threaten to escape'. I got so incredibly sick of her crying all the time! And then in the end, the hero breaks down too?! Are you serious?
And the situation which she's in is very unrealistic. The moments with the hero - same thing, and then the hero himself. Yes, yes, we've all known good men, but still. He's unrealistic too. At least, for that time period.
To top it off, the writ...more
And the situation which she's in is very unrealistic. The moments with the hero - same thing, and then the hero himself. Yes, yes, we've all known good men, but still. He's unrealistic too. At least, for that time period.
To top it off, the writ...more
I received this book for free through a First Reads giveaway.
This book is very well written. I would and do recommend this book to everyone who loves a good romance. The first few chapters I had to keep looking at the front cover just to make sure I was reading the right book because the writing style was so much like Jane Austin I was astonished. I took my time finishing this book because I didn't want it to finish to quickly. This is a very well written and entertaining story that revolves ar...more
This book is very well written. I would and do recommend this book to everyone who loves a good romance. The first few chapters I had to keep looking at the front cover just to make sure I was reading the right book because the writing style was so much like Jane Austin I was astonished. I took my time finishing this book because I didn't want it to finish to quickly. This is a very well written and entertaining story that revolves ar...more
I really enjoy historical romances and was quite excited to review Lydia. But I came to a realization. I like historical novels written with a more modern story telling technique.
Lydia is written in a total Jane Austen style - with wordy sentences, ping pong emotions, and well, more wordy stuff. Just like J.A. Before any J.A. fans start sending me hate mail, I should clairify that I love her stories, but just can't handle her writing. Give me an Austen movie, and I'm a happy chick. I think Lydia...more
Lydia is written in a total Jane Austen style - with wordy sentences, ping pong emotions, and well, more wordy stuff. Just like J.A. Before any J.A. fans start sending me hate mail, I should clairify that I love her stories, but just can't handle her writing. Give me an Austen movie, and I'm a happy chick. I think Lydia...more
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This book was delightful to read. Lydia is a governess for the Ashcroft famuly, but she is treated more like a family member. One morning on a walk through the woods she encounters the handsome Lord Denton. Lydia is attracted to him, but believes he is out of reach because of his station. She tries to avoid him, but their paths continue to cross and each time she is more impressed by his goodness. Lord Denton is equally impressed with Lydia, but is reluctant to show his affection. Read this nove...more
Wow! This regency romance was quite a flashback. The language/prose was so....regency. A very enjoyable story with a great cover.
Lydia's family is in ruins after her father passes away and she is forced to enter into service, since she has no dowry. She becomes a companion for a young girl, just ready to enter society. Fortunately, this position allows her to attend all the functions as well, which leads to her falling for he most sought after bachelor--Lord Denton. Known as a flirt who strings...more
Lydia's family is in ruins after her father passes away and she is forced to enter into service, since she has no dowry. She becomes a companion for a young girl, just ready to enter society. Fortunately, this position allows her to attend all the functions as well, which leads to her falling for he most sought after bachelor--Lord Denton. Known as a flirt who strings...more
I really enjoyed this book, I always love a good regency romance. Lydia was written with a Jane Austin flare using the old-english, with delightful prose. It made me feel like I was back in the 1800's, dancing and socializing with Lydia and her friends.
Lydia is born of social status, but unfortunate events leave her family in need of funds, they are not destitute, but struggle. Lydia is older and unmarried with no prospect of marring do to age and financial status. She decides to take a governe...more
Lydia is born of social status, but unfortunate events leave her family in need of funds, they are not destitute, but struggle. Lydia is older and unmarried with no prospect of marring do to age and financial status. She decides to take a governe...more
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I wish they let you rate by 1/2's with the stars. I want to give this book a 3 1/2. I did really like it. I noticed that there were several phrases and things that happened that were extremely similar to Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice though. ( One of my favorite books by the way) You would definitely have to be a big fan of romance to enjoy this book and if you are I think it's worth the read.
Ok the hopeless romantic in me decided to rate it 4 stars after all :)
Ok the hopeless romantic in me decided to rate it 4 stars after all :)
Governess, Lydia, falls for Lord Denton, but it is a love fraught with despair. In a society of lords and ladies, he could never, if he even loved her, act on his feelings for her. Reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice, Wanda Luce weaves a beautiful love story, with dialogue so authentic I felt as if the author had lived in that era. I loved this book and didn’t want to put it down. My daughter is now 175 pages into it and loving it, too!
Oh boy. This book was a copy of Pride and Prejudice. From using the same vernacular, to an almost identical story-line, it mimicked Jane Austen's writing heavily. However, the characters lacked depth and it was extremely high on drama from the get-go. I almost had to put it down(which I never do), it was so ridiculous at first. Though it improved somewhat, the flow lacked at times and the climax of the novel was awfully anti-climatic and disappointing. So much of the book was also very cliche, e...more
I really liked this book it had a wonderful story that kept your interest. I wanted to keep reading to see what happened. I really liked how ucould feel the emotions of the characters it was like I was right there with Lydia and I could very much understand how she wad feeling. I liked Lydia's love for the outdoors it made me want to go out and explore and just spend time listening to the birds. Wonderful book will defently read it again.
This was a very cheesy regency romance. Pretty similar to other regencies I've read - only more cheesy. It got to be kind of tiresome, with the same "dilemma" happening again and again.
This story started out being told by the main character Lydia. In chapter 13 I was surprised when it suddenly switched to Lord Denton's point of view for a few pages. Then again in chapter 15, then 25, 26, 28, and 30. I'm not saying it wasn't interesting or beneficial to get Denton's point of view but it was just...more
This story started out being told by the main character Lydia. In chapter 13 I was surprised when it suddenly switched to Lord Denton's point of view for a few pages. Then again in chapter 15, then 25, 26, 28, and 30. I'm not saying it wasn't interesting or beneficial to get Denton's point of view but it was just...more
Look out Jane Austen! You now have competition! "Lydia" is written so perfectly that I really thought I was reading one of Jane Austen's stories. I kept looking at the front cover just to make sure. And now after reading this story, I don't know who I like better, Mr. Darcy or Lord Denton. They are both dream-come-true heroes! BRAVA to Wanda Luce!!
What a surprise to all of a sudden have Lord Denton's POV literally half way through the book. and I don't mind unrealistic stories, but lets at least make her job realistic! governess to an 18 year old? you wouldn't lose much by making her younger. It was quite long for the story to be told. It was fine, but I wont recommend to anyone.
I just learned that this book was written by a woman among my acquaintance! (a member of my church congregation, in fact)
Can't wait to read it!
Afterward -
I'll look forward to reading Wanda's next book and noting her growth as an author. As noted by other reviewers, Lydia is a clean read; one can tell that the author put in a good deal of research. Some chapters or vignettes were memorable; other aspects of the storyline could have benefited from further development, and still others I think coul...more
Can't wait to read it!
Afterward -
I'll look forward to reading Wanda's next book and noting her growth as an author. As noted by other reviewers, Lydia is a clean read; one can tell that the author put in a good deal of research. Some chapters or vignettes were memorable; other aspects of the storyline could have benefited from further development, and still others I think coul...more
I have read this book and it was very good and it's about a woman called lydia who is 26 years old she becomes a graveness for a girl called Susan and she helps her to grow up and she trys to find love for herself as well because some one hurt her a long time ago and she thinks she will never find love again but she does start to fall for someone and his name is lord Denton and he is a rich man and he doesn't want to fall in love with someone because he has been hurt too but they both come toget...more
I enjoyed this book.
It was hard to get caught up in the enjoyment of discovering new love with the main character fighting herself (and annoyingly constantly reminding herself) that it could not be. Her inner dialogue got tiresome.
Otherwise well written and good characters.
I look forward to more from this author.
It was hard to get caught up in the enjoyment of discovering new love with the main character fighting herself (and annoyingly constantly reminding herself) that it could not be. Her inner dialogue got tiresome.
Otherwise well written and good characters.
I look forward to more from this author.
I really liked this first novel by Wanda Luce. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars. The story begins with Lydia colliding with a handsome stranger's horse. Lord Denton is a friend to the family whom Lydia is staying with as a governess. Though a lady, she has been forced into service because her father died and left their family with massive debts. She is immediately drawn to Lord Denton, but doesn't want to give into her feelings because she has been hurt before and doesn't think a man will marry her witho...more
Well written as far as keeping with the dialect of the English in the early 1800's. The first few chapters dragged a bit but then the ending seemed like a hurry up and get it finished attitude. Still liked it, though!
Not a bad read if you are in the mood for a romance, but it could have easily been just a short story if the author had spared the reader the endless angst of the main character over her secret love.
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Wanda Luce is quite certain she was born with a book in her hand. Her mother made reading and library visits an important part of her life as a child. All through school, Wanda read book after book and had a bookcase full of the ones she had completed. As a girl, she fell in love with Mr. Darcy in Jane Austen's' "Pride and Prejudice", David Balfour in Robert Louis Stevenso's "Kidnapped", and David...more
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Sep 14, 2011 10:46am