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Seeking Persephone (The Lancaster Family #1)

4.14 of 5 stars 4.14 · rating details · 2,146 ratings · 487 reviews

The Duke of Kielder has more influence than Parliament, higher social standing than the Royal Family. No gentleman dares face him on the dueling field, nor risks testing his infamous temper. But His Grace is in need of a wife. Combine his fearsome reputation with a terribly scarred countenance and finding a lady willing to accept his hand becomes all-but impossible. When t...more

Paperback, 288 pages

Published September 1st 2011 by Covenant Communications, Incorporated (first published 2008)

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Feb 12, 2013 Kathleen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, series-opener, regency, historical-rom, beauty-beast

spoiler-free
Wonderfully written "Beauty and the Beast" Regency Romance, set in 1805 in Northumberland, near the Scottish border. Despite the "clean" factor, Eden manages to engender sexual tension, imbuing her characters with emotional depth. This is not a Christian romance, despite the publisher. No mention of scriptures and Eden does not evangelize.

The POV shifts from Adam to Persephone. Internal musings are limited to brief digressions so it does not hinder the flow of the story. Eden writ...more

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Oct 07, 2011 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, laughed-out-loud, regency-romance, tortured-heroes

I love Sarah's books they are full of wit and great banter between her lead characters. This book was no different. Persephone what a name, and fitting at that. I really liked Persephone she was courageous, that Duke Kielder(sounds like killed her), now would that not be intimidating! Persephone is intimidated, but stands strong and tries not to show it, she is witty, happy, kind,and sensitive. Duke Kielder (Adam), is over barring, egotistical in a good way, ornery, brooding, intimidating, and h...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, clean-read, historical-fiction, purchased-by-me, romance

~4.5 stars~

This book has been sitting on my shelf at home for far too long. I purchased the book and several more of Sarah Eden's books because I really want to read them. I have heard (or read) good things about them and couldn't wait to discover them for myself.

Persephone is a lovable and vulnerable character. She lives her life for everyone else, she sacrifices her wants and desires to help the people she loves. When she receives an offer of marriage by post, offering her family a substantia...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: clean, historical-romance, own, lds-author, swoon-worthy-heroes, tortured-hero, marriage-of-convenience, special-favorites, favorites, fairytale, sarah-eden

LOVED, LOVED! This had a Beauty and the Beast theme going on which I thought worked really well without any magical elements to it and without it being a repeat story. This doesn't have a whole lot of exciting plots going on. It sticks with the relationship being the main focus of the story. And that works in this case! I never found myself wishing something exciting would happen, I just got lost in the story for what it was. I loved how angry and bitter Adam was because of his disfigurement. I...more

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May 31, 2013 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First read: November 2, 2012:
I must be on a romance book kick lately; they just keep drawing me in. Maybe it's the season? Whatever. I loved this book. I ordered the sample on my kindle first to see if the characters or dialogue irritated or interested me. I finished the sample and immediately bought the book.

I adored the fun banter between the characters and the setting. Lets be honest, I know little of Britain's topography, but I do have an imagination and am happy to jump into a novel and di...more

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Sep 14, 2011 Shiralea Woodhouse rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, books-i-own

This update to all my goodreads friends: Just saw that the Provo library has this book now! It was re-published by Covenant and I will be getting myself a copy! (don't like the new cover as much - why replace the guy with awesome sideburns? lol!)

I am going to Gush now - I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! It was a wonderful romance...a little bit P&P, a dash Jane Eyre (Adam, the Duke of Kielder, was definitely reminiscent of Mr. Rochester) , and a pinch Beauty and the Beast. Except this Romance begi...more

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Oct 05, 2011 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-clean, historical-romance

I wish this book would have been re-released before Courting Miss Landcaster, because I loved getting to know the background of grumpy, irritable Adam.

Adam, a duke, is very cranky and fearsome and decides that he needs a wife in order to keep a cousin in line to inherit at bay. His solicitor makes arrangements and Persephone joins the household. But...she's different than he expected. bit by bit, she works at becoming at least friends with the duke.

Very cute regency romance. It almost had a Bea...more

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Sep 19, 2011 Chanae rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, books-i-own

Loved this book! Lots of witty, charming banter and likable characters. Here may be a reason you will enjoy this book: it's set in the regency era with a intimidating rich gentleman (bring in your mr darcy) and a brave, pretty and poor young lady (lizzy bennett) and you have a wonderful story reminiscent of pride and prejudice but I don't want you to think it's just a copy cat or different take of that same story. It's very different.This book could also be compared to a 'mail-order bride' story...more

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Oct 10, 2011 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

I can't help it, I LOVE regency/victorian novels...they just make me happy! This one did not disappoint! Thank you Sarah! Keep them coming!

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Feb 11, 2009 Shanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: romance readers

As far as regency romance goes, this one was pretty good. The Duke of Kielder is scarred, anti-social, and successfully intimidates pretty much everyone. He's refuses to leave his estate to a cousin he feels is an idiot, and the only other solution besides burning the place down is to produce an heir. Convinced no one would stick around long enough to give him one because of his scars, he "buys" a bride from a very poor family, expecting her to be unattractive and unable to ever marry otherwise....more

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May 23, 2013 Daniel rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Seeking Persephone was entertaining and quick. I read through it in one day and enjoyed it. If you are looking for a cute love story that is clean, fun, and short, this a good pick. If you are looking for something more, look elsewhere.
There are two reasons I didn't rate it higher. First, I didn't enjoy it as much as other books I've read. Frankly, I thought the main character Adam was annoying. His character was defined by exactly one characteristic and emotion. Later in the book he kind of de...more

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May 22, 2013 Haley rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I debated between 2 and 3 stars for this book so it's more accurately a 2.5. I enjoyed the clean romance, but there were several things about the writing that bothered me:

1) As a reader, I didn't believe the image of Adam as this person that everyone is terribly frightened of.

2) I thought it strange that there were not more comments from Persephone about the scars on his face. Persephone wonders what happened and the history behind his scars once (as I remember), and then amazingly is able to l...more I debated between 2 and 3 stars for this book so it's more accurately a 2.5. I enjoyed the clean romance, but there were several things about the writing that bothered me:

1) As a reader, I didn't believe the image of Adam as this person that everyone is terribly frightened of.

2) I thought it strange that there were not more comments from Persephone about the scars on his face. Persephone wonders what happened and the history behind his scars once (as I remember), and then amazingly is able to look past it for the rest of the book. It just didn't feel honest. We judge people by their looks, at least initially. I thought it would have been better writing for Persephone to realize that as she falls in love with him, she's able to see past the scars or outward appearance to the person within. If the scars made him so ugly as to be a "beast", then they needed to be a bigger deal.

3) The story behind the attempts on Persephone's life needed to be built up better. I actually think it would have been a better story if the person trying to take her life would have been someone from the Hewitt family (the family that would benefit the most from her death).

4) Adam married her for one reason: to get an heir. That didn't seem to be a focus throughout the book at all. It seemed that Adam was content to just continue on living with a stranger for a wife (before he fell in love with her). If his goal was to have an heir, then I thought he should have been actively courting her throughout the book despite his insecurities. She could have even been scared or rejected his attentions as is true to the Beauty and the Beast story. The goal of getting an heir should have been more of a driving force for Adam to win Persephone over if it really was such a big deal to not let the Hewitts take over Falstone as the beginning makes the reader believe.

5) In my opinion, the misunderstandings between Adam and Persephone went on way too long. And when they finally did admit their love for one another, I would have liked to have more dialogue about their insecurities which prevented them from being together sooner.

My favorite romance plot is when the couple is forced to get married for one reason or another and have to learn to fall in love with each other, so I loved the idea of the book.

I was saddened to read and learn about Sarah M. Eden's Rheumatoid Arthritis.
http://www.sarahmeden.com/search/labe...(less)

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May 06, 2013 Jamie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a very fast, fun, entertaining read. Adam Boyce, Duke of Kielder, doesn't like the idea of his estate going to a distant cousin, whom he sees as spineless and brainless. Having undergone many surgeries as a child to try to replace a missing ear, he sees himself as being undesirable as a husband. His gruff exterior would put anyone off, and the rumors abound as to his exploits, some true, some not.

Persephone is young woman who is destined to become a spinster, not having enough money to...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Alisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I hadn't read this book because I read Courting Miss Lancaster (Book 2 in the series) a while ago and wasn't crazy about it! I wish I had read this book first because I think I would have liked the second book much better with all the background on Adam and Harry!

Adam is the Duke of Kielder and has been since he was 7 years old. For 20 years everyone has feared him, because of the scars on his face (from being born without ears and all the surgeries that were performed trying to "correct" the pr...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Brittany rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. In all fairness, I have to state that I read this right after reading Jane Austen, so the disparity of the writing was especially apparent. In fact, I almost want to give it 2 stars because it really was just "ok." But I'm not that mean. I actually enjoyed reading it (until the end). I picked it up because I had just finished Emma, and I wanted to continue in the Austen-esque world.

Here's what I liked: the Regency-era setting, that it was a romance, that it was clean. And I mean super clean. Tha...more In all fairness, I have to state that I read this right after reading Jane Austen, so the disparity of the writing was especially apparent. In fact, I almost want to give it 2 stars because it really was just "ok." But I'm not that mean. I actually enjoyed reading it (until the end). I picked it up because I had just finished Emma, and I wanted to continue in the Austen-esque world.

Here's what I liked: the Regency-era setting, that it was a romance, that it was clean. And I mean super clean. That the characters' romance was slowly developed. I felt I could understand Persephone and her motives. I even admired her at times. With Adam's personality, I'm glad that they started out married before getting to know each other because I don't think I could have remotely enjoyed their developing relationship otherwise. Persephone had this situation in life, and she made the best out of it by learning to love her husband for the brief golden glimmers that would occasionally peek through his otherwise stony and even vicious personality.

Here's what I didn't like: I thought the Persephone myth was anything but subtle. They talked about it near the beginning-middle of the story, which I thought was great. I could immediately see the similarities between the two stories and I thought that was the last I'd hear of it. But no, near the end of the book they bring up the myth again and dissect it, comparing it again to Persephone Lancaster's situation. Yes, we get it. Then at the end of the book, just in case you didn't quite clue in, she gives it to you again. Not only that, but at the ultimate peak of the story when they are supposed to be declaring their love for each other the characters start referring to themselves as the mythological figures, in third person. I really wanted the ending to be deep and romantic, but it was dangerously cheesy. It was too much about the myth and not enough about the charactes. I was so disappointed. You know when you finish a book and you keep thinking about the characters and their world and you wish you were in it again? That keeps happening for me with this book, but in the same way that I wish to go back to sleep and to finish or fix a good dream that didn't go my way.

Another thing that bothered me was how Adam was portrayed. He was supposed to start out greatly feared, dangerous, and rigid... to the point of respect. There are rumors of some of the bad things he's done, but the only evidence we really get is the empty threats he keeps giving his best friend, which we know he won't fulfill, and that he fires his consultant-lawyer guy, who he apparently sacks, re-hires, and re-sacks several times per year. What's to be feared in that? He's just mean and has a temper. Why do people fear his front? The other thing that irks me about this kind of a story where love changes a man is that I really don't have very much faith in people permanently changing. I know, it's sad. I think he's infatuated, and he's learning to live a better life by not thinking only of himself, but I don't think that in the long run he's going to remain this changed person. Maybe he will. But I see a sad life for Persephone. Maybe I just need to not be so realistically pessimistic so I can escape and enjoy the romantic, fantastic, happily-ever-after aspect of the book. After all, it's meant to be a romance novel.(less)

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Jan 25, 2013 Patti rated it 5 of 5 stars

Character curiosity was enough for me to read #1 “Seeking Persephone” after accidently reading #2, “Courting Miss Lancaster” first. I retract my comment on my “CML” review that it can stand alone. It can, but now I can say that reading them in order makes both much more enjoyable.

“Seeking Persephone” was a wonderful all-around read for me. It definitely answered my question as to why Adam, Duke of Kielder, was so difficult and grumpy. I loved the way author Sarah Eden pulled me slowly into the e...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Zoe rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, historical, squeaky-clean

The romance is a bit lop-sided and the characters aren't that exciting. Still, this book hit the spot and it was what I needed.

Adam is a sensitive soul. For his whole life, he's been rejected, pitied and ostracised. He doesn't like good-looking people because they make him feel ugly. He's resigned himself to a lonely and dismal future. He's feared, but not just for superficial reasons. He makes the most of what he's got. He quite enjoys intimidating acquaintances and strangers. He has a temper...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Jensen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"She felt certain she merely needed time to get to know him better, to understand his moods and thoughts. On more than one occasion in the past week, Persephone thought Adam had been moments from kissing her, from reaching out to her. In time, he would stop fighting those instincts, she assured herself. She held out hope that he would, that she might even be able to resurrect a few of her now-dead dreams of love and happy ever after."

I loved this! It was right up my alley, since I absolutely lov...more

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Feb 29, 2012 Clarica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

*4.5*
The plot does seem unrealistic at times-- a "purchased" wife where the husband is not abusive, the mother's overdue revelations and explanations, and the wonderfully overdramatic scrape with death.
Unrealities aside, I really enjoyed this story. Usually romances I read are set in historical fiction or mysteries/suspense (Christian/LDS so they're clean) but the only taste of that was the time period-- the regency era (Similar to Jane Austen's setting). Definitely G or PG, even though it's a...more

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Feb 28, 2012 Rina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-fairytale, marriage-of-convenience, romance, feb2012, 1800s

I really enjoyed this story. It is clean fiction (just a few kisses) set in a great era (Regency England). It was fun reading the tie-in between the Greek myth and Seeking Persephone. Although the title doesn’t quite fit, as the story is told mainly from her perspective and when we read from his perspective it doesn’t seem like he’s exactly seeking her.

Persephone is a wonderful heroine and her strength of character shines through, but at the same time we are allowed to see her vulnerability. I l...more I really enjoyed this story. It is clean fiction (just a few kisses) set in a great era (Regency England). It was fun reading the tie-in between the Greek myth and Seeking Persephone. Although the title doesn’t quite fit, as the story is told mainly from her perspective and when we read from his perspective it doesn’t seem like he’s exactly seeking her.

Persephone is a wonderful heroine and her strength of character shines through, but at the same time we are allowed to see her vulnerability. I loved the dialogue between Adam and Harry – Harry is a true friend. I don’t expect Sarah Eden to write a sequel, but I’d love to see Harry happily married.

The only thing that didn’t quite click with me was how vengeful Mr. Smith was. Sure he was unhappy that the duke closed down his business, but attempted murder? Seemed a bit farfetched to me.

Seeking Persephone is set in 1805 England. Adam Richard Boyce, Duke of Kielder, Marquess of Kielder, and Earl of Falstone does not have an heir. And he thoroughly despises the heir presumptive, a distant cousin. Adam is very proud of the Kielder estate, the family’s 450 year history and does not want to see it fall into the hands of Mr. Hewitt.

His man of business suggests that perhaps he should marry thus providing a way for the estate to stay in the family line. A preposterous and nauseating idea as far as Adam is concerned. He is a proud, angry man who learned at an early age how to make others fear him and do his bidding. Scars from surgeries during his childhood have disfigured the left side of his face and he never expected to marry. And he never wanted to marry, not after watching his parents grow apart as his mother frequently left home to spend time in town.

But perhaps if he found a homely woman of limited means desperate enough to marry him, he wouldn’t have to fear her leaving. Unfortunately for him Persephone is not homely, but she is of limited means with few if any prospects and decides to marry the duke so that her many siblings would have a chance at a better life.

She also takes her role as duchess seriously and tries to understand the enigma that is her new husband. He may strike fear into the heart of everyone (with a few exceptions), he may curse up the storm (but not in the presence of a lady) and he may be terribly scarred (in his opinion). But with the help of Harry, Adam’s only friend, and her own observations and tenacity she slowly starts to understand her husband. But what will it take for Adam to understand his wife?

http://rinasreading.blogspot.com/2012...(less)

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Dec 20, 2011 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So last night I was all hopped up on gingerbread cookies and thought that I would cruise Amazon for a book to read until I fell asleep. I saw Sarah Eden's Seeking Persephone and I had wanted that one since it came out, so I clicked the button (it's so easy!) and said Merry Christmas to myself.

It was 10:30 p.m. so I went upstairs and told myself I'd only read the first chapter and then go to bed. I read one chapter, then two, then three, and the next thing I knew it was 2:30 a.m. and I was finish...more So last night I was all hopped up on gingerbread cookies and thought that I would cruise Amazon for a book to read until I fell asleep. I saw Sarah Eden's Seeking Persephone and I had wanted that one since it came out, so I clicked the button (it's so easy!) and said Merry Christmas to myself.

It was 10:30 p.m. so I went upstairs and told myself I'd only read the first chapter and then go to bed. I read one chapter, then two, then three, and the next thing I knew it was 2:30 a.m. and I was finished.

It was that good.

I love regency romance and I love the way that Sarah's characters are flawed, but still empathetic. The main character, Adam, Duke of Kielder, has kept himself aloof from the world because he has some major scars on his face. He comes to a point where he needs to take a bride, but after having suffered women fainting at the sight of him and pitying looks from others, he makes an offer for a woman sight unseen, whose family needs his money. What he doesn't count on is Persephone Lancaster being beautiful and intriguing.

The story would seem to be cliche at first, but the author gives so many layers to the characters and their problems as they try to get to know each other and move past issues that seem to come between them, it is riveting. And the romance is so subtle that I was anticipating even the smallest looks and touches and I love it when that happens. This is a couple you are definitely invested in because of the way they are written.

I had actually read the sequel to this book, Courting Miss Lancaster, first, and I loved that one as well, but I think my experience would have been even richer had I read Seeking Persephone before Courting Miss Lancaster. Both books are clean regency romance reads and well worth your time.

Sarah Eden is a talented writer who can tell an incredible story that kept this tired mother of eight completely enthralled until two in the morning and that really says something. If you want a great book to read over Christmas holidays, I can highly recommend this one.

originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com (less)

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Sep 24, 2011 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit, period-piece

I hope Mrs. Eden won't take this the wrong way. I met her the other night at a book signing. She's lovely. However, I am a little upset at these new LDS authors. I feel a certain level of indignation because what do they think they are they doing with their sweet, chaste romances, anyway? I thought I was too sophisticated for such nonsense. I mean, of course I have no problem with the chaste romance part. It's just that these authors are changing my perception of the LDS literature I knew as a t...more I hope Mrs. Eden won't take this the wrong way. I met her the other night at a book signing. She's lovely. However, I am a little upset at these new LDS authors. I feel a certain level of indignation because what do they think they are they doing with their sweet, chaste romances, anyway? I thought I was too sophisticated for such nonsense. I mean, of course I have no problem with the chaste romance part. It's just that these authors are changing my perception of the LDS literature I knew as a teen.

Which is, in two words, Jack Weyland. Not that I have anything against Mr. Weyland, mind you. I just think his literature is...manipulative and cheesy? Sorry. To be fair, I suppose a teenager could have been reading worse and I did enjoy the books. Still, I came to accept a certain product from LDS authors, and I thought I was sort of over it and not going to read them any more.

But the thing is, the more I think about this book, the more I sort of LOVE it! The book is a Regency style romance, complete with a marriage of convenience, a hero from "the ton" (which, by the way, I had to look up), and all the chasteness of an Austen novel. I've never read a Regency romance before, and I thought Regency referred to a publisher. Yep. Had no idea that it was a subgenre of romance. But you could fill the Empire State Building all the way full to the top with the things I don't know. Especially about the romance genre in literature.

I digress. Where was I? Oh yes, I loved it. And that was entirely unexpected. However, I think this kind of book by this kind of author is just what I've been looking for. The hero, one Duke of Kiedler, was such a reluctant groom. He married for his own selfish reasons, and his wife, Persephone, for her own selfless reasons. But as it turns out, they fall in love anyway. I hope that wasn't a spoiler, but I highly doubt anyone reading this book wouldn't know where the story was going. Why was I looking for a story like this? Because it was good, clean fun. The hero was flawed...VERY flawed and imperfect. But she falls for him anyway. I'm sort of tired of the overly perfect, super human male lead. The Duke is most certainly NOT in danger of being labeled perfect.

But the really really fun part was watching it unfold and waiting for them to figure out how they would communicate their increasing interest in each other. And of course, there is that anticipation. Now here is my philosophy about kissing. It is the anticipation that makes a kiss great...whether in literature or in life.

Think about it for a moment. You meet someone that you really connect with. He finally asks you on a date. You go on the date and realize you really like this guy and that, it seems, he likes you. So you go on a few more dates. The tension starts to build. You might brush up against his hand or his arm and a thrill goes through you. And when he hugs you at the door, you think maybe he'll kiss me. But he doesn't. So you sort of have that anxiety lingering inside as you wait. Is he into me? Does he want to kiss me? And then finally, FINALLY, he does it. And it is gooooood. Like knees going weak sort of good. You do, as it turns out, really like each other.

Oh how many times in the course of this story did I want to yell out "Just kiss her already!!!" And that is a good sign. I like that anticipation of the developing relationship. I like watching the affection unfold with a look here and a touch there. I like waiting and waiting and waiting for him to finally just hold her hand, or taker her in his arms or something! If an author can keep me holding on like that...and if I am not annoyed and just want it to be over...well, let's just say, I like. I like it a lot.

So I say thank you Mrs. Eden. Thank you for changing my perception of LDS authors. The story, much like you, is lovely. (less)

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Sep 16, 2011 Darla rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

(Genre:Romance/regency) The Duke of Kielder (Adam) is a scarred man, both physically and emotionally. In an attempt to annoy and dishearten the heir apparent to his estate and fortune, he decides to take a bride although he has no real desire for a wife. He makes an offer of marriage to the eldest daughter of a large and financially strained family. Although she doesn't like the idea of being "sold", Persephone recognizes the advantage it will be for her younger siblings to have the financial in...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Kathryn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a pride and prejudice time period feel. Fun read the makes you a little frustrated that the time periods etiquette doesn't allow ones feelings to be known and they must tiptoe around the real issues. The Duke of Kielder is wanting to keep his distant cousin from inheriting his family's estate when he dies and decides to follow advise from his financial adviser and marry. The adviser suggests a family and young woman that would benefit both the Duke and the family. The Duke secures Persep...more

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Mar 22, 2013 Ginny rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From the back-cover description of this book I thought it was going to be a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. Not so, it followed a different story line completely, one much less used and far more interesting. I loved seeing how the author implemented all of the elements of that story into this one. I am so embarrassed it took me so long to figure out which story it was; really, it should’ve been blatantly obvious from the beginning. After I figured it out though, I couldn’t put...more

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Sep 20, 2011 Zette rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Although Seeking Persephone definitely has a Beauty and the Beast feel, there is no fantasy or magical aspect to the story. Adam is a wealthy, scarred recluse who marries to produce an heir. Persephone is a young beauty in need of money to rescue her family. Their struggle to get to know each other and make a marriage is the focus of the story so if you are looking for adventure or mystery, this will not be the book for you. This is a sweet, clean romance. I gave it 4 stars because I felt like t...more

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Sep 26, 2009 Mary Gray rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am so happy to have discovered Sarah M. Eden’s beautiful story, Seeking Persephone. A Regency era Romance, it is a love story of a Duke and Duchess despite an upsetting beginning: he “buys her” to produce an heir to prevent a cousin he loathes from inheriting his estate.

I loved wanting the Duke and Duchess to end up loving each other. And I honestly laughed out loud a few times, the Duke’s lines were so entertaining. There was one part when he said “Every bride should have a ball,” and I coul...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: good-romance

This was a smooth read.

Very romantic, with out all the sensuality that goes with it.

This book begins with the man, Adam, who is deeply scarred inside and out. As a child he was operated on in the facial region and has some serious insecurities in regards to his appearance. To mask the insecurities Adam has a very hard and stern demeanor. He also had to witness a struggling marriage between his mother and father which deeply affected him.

Adam is disgusted with the man who is in line to inherit hi...more

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May 15, 2013 Kathryn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book! It was my first Sarah Eden book and it definitely won't be my last. What I loved so much, was the very real and deep characters and the development of their relationship. Sometimes these type of stories resolve way to quickly, or we see all too suddenly that who we thought was a bitter, gruff person, is really just an old softy underneath. I loved that the Duke of Kielder did not change personalities just because he opened himself up to love. Both main characters went through...more

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Nov 10, 2012 Felicia rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What was I thinking? This is a mild Beauty and the Beast redux.

The Positive - the characters were well developed and I liked the attention paid to really developing the supporting characters. Persephone was strong in description but her inner and outer dialog was insipid at times (note the BAD comment below). Adam was definitely worth getting to know. I enjoyed the scenery - the writing was good even though the plot muddled through a minor 'threat'. That threat brought the couple together in a...more

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