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Mariana

by Susanna Kearsley (Goodreads Author)

4.03 of 5 stars 4.03 · rating details · 5,330 ratings · 802 reviews

The first time Julia Beckett saw Greywethers she was only five, but she knew that it was her house. And now that she’s at last become its owner, she suspects that she was drawn there for a reason.

As if Greywethers were a portal between worlds, she finds herself transported into seventeenth-century England, becoming Mariana, a young woman struggling against danger and treac...more

Hardcover, Large Print, 411 pages

Published June 26th 2010 by Magna Large Print Books (first published 1994)

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Nov 08, 2012 Hannah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romances, favorites, houses-as-characters, 2010-reads, 2012-reads, 2011-reads, re-read

11/07/12 Re-read
Buddy read with GR friends Jeannette and Leslie

Original Review
If I could write, I would have written this book....

There are some books that come through your reading world that touch you in ways you can't really explain. They're not always classics, or particularly well known, but for some reason you're so caught up in them that after you're through reading the final page, you close the book and think to yourself, "now that's a keeper".

Such was the case of Mariana, a book about t...more 11/07/12 Re-read
Buddy read with GR friends Jeannette and Leslie

Original Review
If I could write, I would have written this book....

There are some books that come through your reading world that touch you in ways you can't really explain. They're not always classics, or particularly well known, but for some reason you're so caught up in them that after you're through reading the final page, you close the book and think to yourself, "now that's a keeper".

Such was the case of Mariana, a book about the redemptive power of reincarnation, lost love, found love, going backward to go forward, and (the cherry on my sundae) a old beloved house.

Book illustrator Julia Beckett first sees the 16th century house, Greywethers, on a family jaunt when she's only 5, and promptly pronounces it "her house". She finds it again at age 22 and again at age 30, and this time (due to an inheritance) she buys it without even touring the inside. Upon moving in, she meets her neighbors Iain Sumner, a not-so-dour-Scots-Cambridge-read-executive-turned-sheep-farmer, and Geoffrey de Mornay, the handsome, wealthy owner of the local manor. In addition, Julia begins a strange foray into the 17th century, where she lives the life of Mariana Farr for hours at a time before returning to the present. Little by little, Mariana's life begins to effect Julia's own present day life, and the lives of Mariana and her lover Richard de Mornay must come full circle before Julia can move forward with her own conflicting feelings for Geoffrey.

Kearsley did a fantastic job blending the time travel so seemlessly throughout the book. I never felt jolted as I have with other time travel books, trying to figure out what's what and when/where the characters are. In addition, the ending was so bittersweet, yet satisfying, that I admit to being a bit weepy by the last pages.

Anyone who enjoyed Jude Deveraux's, A Knight in Shining Armor, should enjoy Mariana even more so. This is a sweet time travel romance with a satisfying ending. And once again, my love for beautiful old houses, ghosts, hidden objects and the serene English countryside is satisfied as well(less)

37 likes · like · see review

Sep 17, 2012 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: library, time-tunnel-approaching

Eh. Just didn't work for me at all. Both heroines were so flat, I really didn't like either of them. Neither inspired an epic love for the ages, that's for sure. Mariana was a weirdly passive Mary Sue, and Julia was just lifeless. There was also a bit of misdirection that was just bizarre. (view spoiler)...more

4 likes · like · see review

Dec 29, 2011 Parvathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, expected-more, glued-till-the-last-page, historicals, living-vicariously, movie-material, mystery, past-lives, romeos-and-juliets, strong-females

Mariana is a new take on an old story. Strike that it is the same old take on a same old story. I admit I have a weakness for reincartion stories, even if they don't necessarily go under that pretense and Mariana had everything I was looking for. It is a pity that I would have enjoyed it more if I have not recently finished reading "The Winter Sea" by the same author which I found more enjoyable. The treatment is the same, with the main character having flashes of another life and the striking s...more Mariana is a new take on an old story. Strike that it is the same old take on a same old story. I admit I have a weakness for reincartion stories, even if they don't necessarily go under that pretense and Mariana had everything I was looking for. It is a pity that I would have enjoyed it more if I have not recently finished reading "The Winter Sea" by the same author which I found more enjoyable. The treatment is the same, with the main character having flashes of another life and the striking similarity between the characters in her present life and those in her past life. But Mariana lacked everything I found admirable in "Winter Sea".

The book follows the story of Julia Beckett a 29 year old artist and her inexplicable connection to a Victorian styled farm house called "Greywether". On a whim she decides to by the house and move in to the country side only to be caught up in the life of the house's previous inhabitant, a young girl named Mariana who lived and died years ago. Believing herself to be the reincarnation of Mariana, Julie tries to understand or live through her previous life when she is thrust in to the past without any warning only to lose a part of her present self each time. The closer she gets to the story of Mariana the harder she has to try to hold on to herself from completely turning in to her other self.

This story explains Julie's predicament as reincarnation rather than giving it any scientific explanation as in "Winter Sea". The ending was abrupt on Julie's end or atleast I felt like it whereas Mariana's was complete and sad. I know reincarnation stories are supposed to be sad otherwise there is no need for another reincarnation but you can't help wishing~~One way to keep predictabiltiy at bay~~. In the end I felt bad for all the characters with the exception of some side characters. The ending really needed an "Epilogue" but the writing style is engaging as usual. There is never a dull moment and the story and the character pulls you in with an ease. Defintely worth a read.

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Mar 13, 2013 Rita rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Susanna Kearsley nasceu numa família de leitores, o que lhe transmitiu o gosto pela leitura e mais tarde pela escrita. Nas suas obras é comum encontrarmos temas como o passado e o efeito que o mesmo tem no presente, tendo herdado do pai o gosto pela Genealogia. Desde muito cedo que começou a escrever, inicialmente somente alguns capítulos, passando na adolescência a escrever histórias mais completas. Quando a sua irmã a desafiou a deixar de escrever somente capítulos e dedicar-se a escrever uma...more

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Jan 06, 2013 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance, historical-romance

Initially, I was a bit skeptical about reading a time-travel novel and wondered how well the author would execute the transition between time periods. Often this can be difficult and can easily result in an overall "choppy" flow of the novel as a whole. However, Susanna Kearsley has certainly mastered her craft in this area! The movement between the past and present is beautifully written and very easy to follow. I was immediately captivated by Julia Beckett's character as well as the world of M...more

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Mar 17, 2013 Jade rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: countryside

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 23, 2010 Shell Schroth rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A Definate 5 stars...with 5 more....

I love Susanna Kearsley, her writing is intense, smart and almost poetic in style. The way she is able to weave the past within the present is nothing short of brilliant. Her characters are wholy loveable while remaining genuine with flaws.

This is the second book of Kearlsey's I have read, and loved it just as much (if not more) than the first.. So much so that I made quick work of ordering every book of hers in print to grace my ever growing libraries 'for k...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Donna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am a huge fan of Susanna Kearsley's writing. Her style, detail and creative stories are always fantastic reads.

I liked this one right from the beginning and it easily pulled me along through the entire story. I was pleased with the ending, however (view spoiler)...more

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Mar 05, 2012 Naomi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I must say that I wasn't as impressed with this book as some of my Goodreads friends. It kept me intringued, but I didn't find the ending as much of a shocker as was anticipated. As a result, it ended somewhat anti-climatic for me. The funny thing is though..even with that, I think this is my favorite Susanna Kearsley book.

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Nov 13, 2011 Carol Kerry-green rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-suspense

Just finished reading this this morning, was pulled into both Julia and Mariana's stories - must admit didn't completly see the end coming, though I had my suspicions that it wasn't all as neat as Julia hoped! Liked the atmosphere of the village of Exbury, really Avebury, and makes me think it would be nice to visit there again. As the book was written in the 1990s, there were no references to mobile phones, strange how quickly we've accepted them into our lives. Must read more Kearsley.

Reread N...more

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

This review comes after a second reading of the book. The first time was a year or so ago and I found myself without anything new to read but with my Kindle handy so I went ahead and read it again. It took me two days and I found myself with the same vaguely unsatisfied feeling as the first time I read the book. I thought that, upon second reading, (view spoiler)...more

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Feb 17, 2013 Corinne rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 stars

When Londoner Julia sees the little grey house, on the outskirts of a tiny village, something in it calls to her. Loudly. So loudly that she buys it and moves herself out into the country to do her illustrations and live a more laid-back life. This laid-back life, however, becomes more complicated than Julia could have ever dreamed when she begins to suddenly have flash-backs of experiences she's never actually had - not in this lifetime, anyway. Who is that mysterious man on a horse th...more

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Feb 13, 2013 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm going to give this one a solid, 'meh.' Now granted, this flavor of book is probably teetering right on the edge of what I'd usually pick up, (and I wouldn't have even come across it at all if it weren't for my future-MIL buying it on our shared Amazon account), but it seemed interesting enough. I'm sorry if my interest gets peaked when the synopsis of novel is:

As if Greywethers were a portal between worlds, [Julia Beckett] finds herself transported into seventeenth-century England, becoming

...more I'm going to give this one a solid, 'meh.' Now granted, this flavor of book is probably teetering right on the edge of what I'd usually pick up, (and I wouldn't have even come across it at all if it weren't for my future-MIL buying it on our shared Amazon account), but it seemed interesting enough. I'm sorry if my interest gets peaked when the synopsis of novel is:

As if Greywethers were a portal between worlds, [Julia Beckett] finds herself transported into seventeenth-century England, becoming Mariana, a young woman struggling against danger and treachery, and battling a forbidden love.

Overall, this novel was interesting... kinda. The opening was absolutely captivating but what followed was about 100 pages of borderline boring narrative, 100 pages of somewhat less boring narrative and than a truly stellar final third.... until you get to the last few pages and by the end I was absolutely confused.

Maybe I should explain that before someone points me out for being daft. I get what happened but without giving out any spoilers* that given the focus of the entire story I was more than a little miffed by the time the end came round.

Bottom Line: Read it if you love other things that Susanna Kearsley has done or historical fiction. This author has a great following and is insanely prolific. Skip it if you don't like fantasy romance or if historical fiction just isn't your thing.

*After I finished reading that last page I actually did a search on him because by the end of the book I couldn't picture what he looked like. I had a clear mental image of the other guy, but him? I'd pictured some mid to late-forties guy going gray... not, well - and you know what? That's not surprising because according to my search I didn't find one, substantial description of what he looked like! Most of you might call that a nit-pick, but because I hadn't been able to give what's-his-face a "face" I couldn't connect with the character. That is the main reason that the ending felt like it'd been forced. Created for the soul (see what I did there?) purpose of throwing the reader an utterly unremarkable curve-ball ending.

Love what you see here? Come visit me on To the Point! and you won't miss the weekly book reviews, monthly reading suggestions and free book title giveaways by subscribing here or by following me on Twitter @TheJessle(less)

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Nov 15, 2012 Valerie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, fantasty-supernatural, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 13, 2012 Jean-Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Susanna Kearsley is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite authors. She just has such a way of drawing me into the story and creating characters that become part of my soul. Seamlessly transporting the reader between the past and present. Having personally had flashes of things I cannot explain, could totally immerse myself into "Mariana". Once again, like "The Winter Sea", I find myself craving more and not wanting the story to end. Feeling a bit of empty loneliness upon reaching the fin...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Bethany rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fluffy-chic-lit-that-i-like-anyway, sweeping-historical-epic-stuff

I read The Winter Sea at some point last year, and quite enjoyed it. Partly because it was set in Scotland, and partly because I enjoyed the plot point that the main character was writing a historical fiction novel that she was "remembering"...

Mariana definitely shares common threads, as Julia begins slipping back into Mariana's 18th century life unexpectedly. Is she going crazy, or is reincarnation real? As she gets further into Mariana's story, it becomes clear that Julia must complete the cir...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Lydia Laceby rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes

Marianais an entertaining, easy read and the centuries old love explored requires some suspension of belief, but those those who enjoy paranormal novels as well as those with romantic notions will appreciate this unique novel.

Paranormal stories don't usually make my favourite list. The Time Traveler's Wife didn't really do it for me, but Sophie Kinsella's Twenties Girl did - so it's hard to say what exactly will appeal and although I didn't fall in love with...more Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes

Marianais an entertaining, easy read and the centuries old love explored requires some suspension of belief, but those those who enjoy paranormal novels as well as those with romantic notions will appreciate this unique novel.

Paranormal stories don't usually make my favourite list. The Time Traveler's Wife didn't really do it for me, but Sophie Kinsella's Twenties Girl did - so it's hard to say what exactly will appeal and although I didn't fall in love with Mariana, I never at any time wanted to throw the novel across the room in a fit of disbelief nor did I walk away having felt I'd wasted my time. Susanna Kearsley makes this novel seem believable and the romantic in me appreciated the centuries old love portrayed.

I found the exploration of reincarnation interesting especially in the context of religion. Julia's brother is a vicar and when she confides in him about her episodes, he indulges her and does some research and I found his findings fascinating coming from organized religion. Also absorbing was the idea that someone could actually know when they were reincarnated as opposed to just being reincarnated and getting on with it, which, to be honest, I had never given much thought. But to be given a second chance, to find those with whom you are meant to finish business with, regardless of what it is, was utterly fascinating to me.

I love novels that take place in tiny towns and villages in England. They always make me want to pick up and move to one, take a step into the local pub and make friends for life. I loved all the supporting characters, especially Vivienne who was larger than life as were most of the characters in this novel.

Not a fan of long drawn out descriptions, Mariana has just the right amount of detail according to my taste and is interconnected to the story instead of just being there for descriptive purposes. This novel also held enough intrigue to keep my interest and even though I thought I had it figured out, I was never entirely sure whether I was right which I loved.

Unfortunately though, I didn't find Mariana quite as absorbing as I had hoped it would be despite the many intriguing aspects I found to this story. I drifted along with Julia and Mariana as they transitioned back and forth in time and although the historical story is tragic and moving, I never felt as much emotion as I had hoped I would - and I have old romantic bones in my body. All in all though, I enjoyed this read and would definitely pick up more from Kearsley.(less)

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Jul 03, 2012 Elizabeth rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, paranormal-romance

One of those books I really wanted to like more, but didn't. I came close to DNF'ing several times, but am ultimately happy that I did finish. My gosh though what a slog at times.

*Spoilerish comments ahead*

It is not a traditional romance. It contains a romance and there is an HEA (happily ever after), but there is little in the way of relationship building. The book primarily focuses on Julia and her journey of discovery via reincarnation.

The reincarnation plot is intriguing in many ways, but...more

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May 26, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After reading The Rose Garden, I just knew I wanted to read Mariana. When I spotted it on the shelf of a used book store I nabbed it. Susanna Kearsley's novels tend to evoke mystery and romance with the element of time travel, and Mariana is no different. I can't say that I loved it like I did The Rose Garden, but I did enjoy it a lot.

Julia Beckett moves into Greywethers, a sixteen century farmhouse, where she senses she belongs. She befriends the locals and enjoys interacting with Vivien, Iain...more

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May 24, 2012 Brie C. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner

At this point it should be obvious that I love Ms. Kearsley’s books. Mariana was first published before The Winter Sea and The Rose Garden, and even though there are quite a few similarities, it’s obvious that this was written first. I found it a bit lacking when compared to her other books, though I’m probably to blame for it since I shouldn’t be comparing them in the first place. However, it is a beautiful book and I enjoyed it a lot.

The first time...more

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May 14, 2012 Nisareen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An engaging bittersweet time travel romance with a dash of reincarnation with a satisfying ending. When Julia Beckett first sets eyes on Greyweather, a 16th century english farmhouse in Exbury, she instantly falls in love with it. Years later, destiny calls her again to it's doorstep and when Julia discovers that Greyweather is now for sale, she purchases it. With the help of charming neighbours, Julia soon settles into country life. Events take an unusual turn however, when Julia time slips int...more An engaging bittersweet time travel romance with a dash of reincarnation with a satisfying ending. When Julia Beckett first sets eyes on Greyweather, a 16th century english farmhouse in Exbury, she instantly falls in love with it. Years later, destiny calls her again to it's doorstep and when Julia discovers that Greyweather is now for sale, she purchases it. With the help of charming neighbours, Julia soon settles into country life. Events take an unusual turn however, when Julia time slips into the past and experiences the life of a 17th century woman named Mariana, who used to live at Greyweather and whose ghost has been seen on many an occasion. Julia learns how upon her mother's death from the plague, Mariana is sent to live with her cruel, overbearing Puritan uncle, her browbeaten aunt and her aunt’s sister, Rachel. Trapped and miserable in her new life, Mariana meets and falls in love with the lord of the manor, Richard De Mornay and he is equally in love with her. Julia comes to realise that she is Mariana reincarnated and the more she becomes immersed in the past the more deeper her love for Richard grows. In between forays into the 17th century, Julia spends time with Geoffrey de Mornay, the present lord of the manor, Crofton Hall. Geoff bears a striking resemblance to Richard de Mornay - could Geoff be Richard reincarnated?

Having read the mesmerising and timeless 'The Rose Garden' prior to Mariana, I can honestly say that Kearsley is fast becoming one of my top five authors and I can't wait to read her next installment. Half way through the book, I thought I had it all figured out only to be proven wrong, which I was actually quite pleased about. I thought the chemistry between Julia and Geoff was lacking and found scenes where Julia interacted with Iain much more interesting. I loved the quirkiness of the supporting characters but wished we could have learned abit more about them - particularly Iain and Vivian. I wish the ending could have been abit more drawn out - an epilogue would have been beneficial. For these reasons I'm rating the book four stars. Richard's regressed equivalent for me turned out to be a pleasant surprise and hugely satisfying at the same time. It made me see the book in a whole new light. I will definately read it again to catch the clues I missed the first time round.(less)

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Apr 16, 2012 Sara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 12, 2012 Jamiegirl rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow!! It was not a terribly fast-paced book but it was a lovely story and what an ending!!! You'll be richer for reading it!

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Jun 20, 2011 Hope rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This a second book that I have read by this author and I love her style of writing. Her writing is very easy and flowy; I call It lazy writing. But when I say “lazy” I mean it in a good way. It is very laid back, relaxing, poetic way of writing. I am in love with her writing and her plot lines that I will have to look for other books that she wrote.

Julie Becket moves to Greywethers she learns about Mariana, a woman who used to live in the house almost three or four centauries prior. From here b...more
This a second book that I have read by this author and I love her style of writing. Her writing is very easy and flowy; I call It lazy writing. But when I say “lazy” I mean it in a good way. It is very laid back, relaxing, poetic way of writing. I am in love with her writing and her plot lines that I will have to look for other books that she wrote.

Julie Becket moves to Greywethers she learns about Mariana, a woman who used to live in the house almost three or four centauries prior. From here begins a story of Julia and Mariana because they are very closely intertwined. I liked Julia, she was smart, funny, curious, and intriguing. As I was reading the book I constantly wanted to learn more about her and Mariana. Also wanted really badly to know what happened to Mariana and what will happen to Julia. Julia’s time travel was very realistic; each time Julia would experience Mariana’s life it felt realistic. There were no awkward moment like I have encountered in the other book that deal with some sort of time travel or shift (whatever you want to call it).

This book pretty much has everything, mystery, romance, friendship, family and more. As I have already mentioned it was very well written and plot was well thought out. Plot was not too complex but rather straight forward and simple. Each time Julia would time travel it was very straight forward and there was no confusion as to trying to figure out what is going on. I was really surprised about the romance between Julia and Geoffrey de Mornay and how it ended. It was very surprising for me because I did not see it coming. I do have to say that as I was reading the book I thought that the chemistry between the two was somewhat off and it did not work for me. I can not say more because I do not want to ruin the book for anyone.

Overall this was a very good read and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. I liked everything about this book, style of writing, plot line, characters and everything else that it had to offer. I give this book 5/5 STARS. Happy reading.
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Feb 22, 2013 Alyson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: females, mostly

Recommended to Alyson by: Sofie Skapski

Shelves: 2013, fiction

This book was a gift from my friend Sofie because she loves this author, whose style reminds her of Mary Stewart. And Sofie, I can definitely see what you're saying there, so many descriptions of flowers and fauna, so many lovely landscapes painted in words. And there were some plot similarities too, though for sure no one does the plot that moves along naturally but quickly as well as MS does.

There were times that I was looking forward with a sort of fiendish glee to writing this review and say...more This book was a gift from my friend Sofie because she loves this author, whose style reminds her of Mary Stewart. And Sofie, I can definitely see what you're saying there, so many descriptions of flowers and fauna, so many lovely landscapes painted in words. And there were some plot similarities too, though for sure no one does the plot that moves along naturally but quickly as well as MS does.

There were times that I was looking forward with a sort of fiendish glee to writing this review and saying, "I read a ghost story!" But it really isn't one; not chilling or frightning in the least, and once I was into it I realized that, even though ghosts are mentioned at the beginning (because this takes place in an old English country town, and what old English country town doesn't have its ghosts?) it wasn't about ghosts at all.

I can't imagine writing a story that takes place in two time periods, and trying to make the transitions between the two natural and trying to make both stories move forward at the same pace; in that I give props to Susanna Kearsley. I found myself wanting more of the past, less of the mundane; but after all, most of life is pretty mundane, so there it is. I ended up caring for both the characters both modern and past, and rooting for certain characters pretty hard. A very enjoyable read. Thanks, Sofie!

~EDIT~
I've been pondering this for a little more than 24 hours since I finished the book, and I have a problem with the ending: (view spoiler)(less)

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Feb 25, 2012 Christa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook-arc

Mariana was a very compelling novel that had both a modern day and historical aspect. The main character, Julia Beckett, was very sympathetic and likeable. The supporting cast of characters from both time periods added merit to the story. The book had some unexpected twists, and kept me interested throughout.

Julia Beckett feels drawn to a house she passes by in a small English village when she is only five years old. She recognizes it again some years later, and is still entranced. Just as she i...more

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Feb 10, 2013 Ana Luisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

PT/Eng

PT: Fazendo justiça ao livro anteriormente lançado pela Asa, Susanna Kearsley volta com mais um sucesso literário e deixa-me completamente boquiaberta e com aquela doce sensação de vazio e vontade de reler toda a história. Tudo isto acontece com o seu livro “Mariana” pois, ao mesmo tempo que a história segue uma estrutura muito semelhante ao anterior livro “O Segredo de Sophia”, este vem trazer até nós um clímax totalmente novo e que nos faz questionar tudo aquilo que até então tinha sido...more PT/Eng

PT: Fazendo justiça ao livro anteriormente lançado pela Asa, Susanna Kearsley volta com mais um sucesso literário e deixa-me completamente boquiaberta e com aquela doce sensação de vazio e vontade de reler toda a história. Tudo isto acontece com o seu livro “Mariana” pois, ao mesmo tempo que a história segue uma estrutura muito semelhante ao anterior livro “O Segredo de Sophia”, este vem trazer até nós um clímax totalmente novo e que nos faz questionar tudo aquilo que até então tinha sido interiorizado.
Cheio de detalhes e momentos inesquecíveis vividos entre a Inglaterra do século XVII e o presente, este é um livro fabuloso que nos irá fazer viajar no tempo por diversas vezes e que ao mesmo tempo faz com que o leitor vá aprendendo um pouco acerca da Historia de Inglaterra numa altura conturbada pela guerra e pela peste. Ao mesmo tempo vamos também conhecendo um pouco da protagonista que aos poucos vai preenchendo lacunas da sua vida anterior que irá estar, de forma inesperada, cheia de acção, romance, mistério e traição. Mariana, que no princípio se apresenta uma menina recatada, com uma vida aparentemente normal e enfadonha irá viver uma serie de acontecimentos que mudarão a sua vida por completo e irá esconder também imensos segredos que irão colocar a sua vida e daqueles que ama em perigo. É então que, ao pensarmos que já se conhece o final a autora lança a sua ultima lasca para a fogueira e a história dá uma reviravolta completa, deixando o leitor ficar até um pouco confuso com aquilo que acabou de ler e dando uma importância enorme para aqueles que tanto pensávamos que seriam as personagem secundárias da historia.
Apesar de ter ficado maravilhada com este livro, tenho também de dizer que muitas das vezes acabava confundida com as cenas passadas no passado, ou seja num momento estava Julia a fazer alguma tarefa doméstica ou até mesmo a olhar para o seu jardim e de repente era transportada para o passado. Estas mudanças um pouco bruscas podem fazer com que um leitor menos cuidadoso fique confuso pois ele só se irá aperceber algumas frases depois do sucedido, obrigando a fazer uma leitura mais cuidada e atenta para que se perceba exactamente aquilo que está a acontecer. Gostei particularmente da Vivien (personagem que continuo com a sensação que também outro no livro “O Segredo de Sophia”) e do Iain, tendo estes um relacionamento muito engraçado e que me fizeram dar umas quantas gargalhadas.
Terminando esta opinião apenas quero exprimir a minha vontade em continuar a ver os livros desta autora nas nossas livrarias, é sem dúvida uma das melhores (senão a melhor) autoras que escrevem romances e que incluam como tema as viagens no tempo. Parabéns e obrigada à Asa por trazer até nos estes livros maravilhosos.

http://viv-omundoencantadodoslivros.b...

Eng: Just like the previously book “The Winter Sea” released in Portugal by the publisher Asa, Susanna Kearsley delivers another bestseller that leaved me amazed and with that sweet feeling of loneliness and, at the same time, anxious to read the book once again. All that happens with “Mariana”, because the story follows the same structure as “The Winter Sea”, and it also brings us to a totally new climax which makes us question everything in the story.
Full of details and with unforgettable moments lived between seventeenth century England and the present, this is a fabulous book that will make us travel back in time several times and will make the reader learn more about England history in a difficult period in which war and plague reigner. At the same time, we will also learn about the main character that is slowly fillings the gaps in her previous life, which turns out to be unexpectedly full of action, romance, mystery and betrayals. Mariana, a normal girl with a normal and boring life, will have her life changed by some events and will also hide huge secrets that will put her life and those she loves in danger. When you think that you already know what will happen in the end, something then happens and the story takes a complete turnaround, leaving the reader a little confused and giving some secondary characters the chance to become more important in the story.
Despite being a wonderful book, I must say that I was often confused with some parts set in the past, because in one moment Julia was doing some chore or even looking at her garden and then she was suddenly transported to the past. These sudden changes can be a little confusing. The reader will only realize what happen only a few sentences after. When reading, please be attentive to the book.
My favorite characters were Vivien (character that I still think that is present in another book from Susanna Kearsley) and Iain, because their friendship was amusing and very funny and they made me laugh a few times along the story.
To end this review, I want to say that I wish to see another of this author’s books in our bookstores. She is undoubtedly one the best (if not the best) author who writes novels that include romance and time travel. Congratulations to the author and the Portuguese publisher for bringing us these wonderful books.

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Oct 08, 2012 Patti rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After thoroughly enjoying Susanna Kearsley’s “The Rose Garden”, “Marianna” seemed like another romantic time travel adventure I would like. (After all, it has my basic delight requirements: England, cottages, intrigue, a bit of mystery and romance…)

Sadly, it did not come even close in comparison for me. It was just ok. I never developed feelings for any of the characters and the time transitions were sometimes a bit weird. I agree with some other reviews that the modern romance was so superficia...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 08, 2012 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Susanna Kearsley has completely enchanted me again, and how she pours so much history, love, heartbreak, and surprise into her exquisitely written novels will always be a mystery to me, but I will continue to enjoy every page of the outcome.

I felt this book combined a few of the themes that I found in The Winter Sea and The Rose Garden, but has instead refashioned it into something new and at times completely unexpected, all the while keeping me guessing as the 'obvious' is not what it seems, a...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 05, 2012 Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Julia Beckett has felt that Greywtehers, a sixteenth century farmhouse, has belonged to her since she was five years old so when she finds the house for sale when she is thirty she impulsively decides to buy it. She falls in love with it immediately but she begins to have strange flashbacks in the home that seem to take her back in time when she was someone named Mariana who lived in the house 300 years ago. Julia finds herself caught up in a mytery of what happened to Mariana and how it connect...more

2 likes · like · see review

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About Susanna Kearsley

Aka Emma Cole.

Susanna Kearsley studied politics and international development at university, and has worked as a museum curator.

Her first novel Mariana won the prestigious Catherine Cookson Literary Prize and launched her writing career. Susanna continued her mix of the historical and paranormal in novels The Splendour Falls, Named of the Dragon, Shadowy Horses and Season of Storms.

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Quotes from Mariana

“The past can teach us, nurture us, but it cannot sustain us. The essence of life is change, and we must move ever forward or the soul will wither and die.” — 89 people liked it

“These are your beautiful days, Julia Beckett," he promised softly.” — 9 people liked it

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