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Edenbrooke

(Edenbrooke #1)

Julianne Donaldson (Goodreads Author)

4.34 · Rating details · 35,679 ratings · 7,683 reviews

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she'll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, M ...more

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Paperback, 264 pages

Published March 27th 2012 by Shadow Mountain

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Clean Regency (or around then) Romance Novels

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4.34 ·

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· 35,679 ratings · 7,683 reviews

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Nov 19, 2012 Grace rated it did not like it

Shelves: historical, dnf, romance

Update 12/30/12

Readers, please note that this is a negative review and contains negative elements, namely because I despised the book. I have gotten a lot of negative feedback from readers telling me their opinion and what I should or should not write in the review. Please note that I am not going to change a word of this review, and further repetitive comments WILL be deleted, since they all seem to be from the same people, or at least, focused on the same point. I encourage readers who are unh ...more

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Feb 18, 2012 Kathy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2012, read-in-2015

Being the clean romance, Jane Austen lover that I am I LOVED Edenbrooke.

What a fabulous way to spend a morning. Edenbrooke was a book I couldn't put down. I picked it up to read just a few pages before getting out of bed but didn't quit reading until I finished the book. While there may never be another Mr. Darcy it is possible that his twin is found roaming the grounds of Edenbrooke.

Squeaky clean, full of romance, humor and great characters this is a book I highly recommend. Perfect for lovers ...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Rachel rated it liked it

Shelves: adult-fiction

I will admit that I have an unfair, blanket aversion to "Deseret Book fiction". I'm not sure why or how the stereotypical cringing came to be, but it exists for me, nonetheless. Having acknowledged that, I was already wary at my first introduction of this book, but since I'll try any clean read, more so if it's recommended to me by someone I love, and doubly if there is talk that it is in any way Austen-esque, I curled up ready for...whatever.

I would have to strongly disagree with the general cl ...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ rated it really liked it

Shelves: squeaky-clean-romance, regency, young-adult

Edenbrooke is a sweet, unabashedly romantic story set in Regency England. Marianne Daventry, age 17, has always felt overshadowed by her more confident, more beautiful twin sister Cecily. While Cecily is enjoying the social life in London, Marianne has been rusticating in Bath with their grandmother for the last fourteen months, since their mother died and their father took himself off to France to grieve alone.

Grandmother makes an unexpected offer to make Marianne her heir, to the tune of 40,0 Edenbrooke is a sweet, unabashedly romantic story set in Regency England. Marianne Daventry, age 17, has always felt overshadowed by her more confident, more beautiful twin sister Cecily. While Cecily is enjoying the social life in London, Marianne has been rusticating in Bath with their grandmother for the last fourteen months, since their mother died and their father took himself off to France to grieve alone.

Grandmother makes an unexpected offer to make Marianne her heir, to the tune of 40,000 pounds, if Marianne can learn to "behave like an elegant young lady." Grandmother is fed up with Marianne's running around outdoors and ignoring social rules. Also, Marianne has been invited to go to the Wyndham family's estate, Edenbrooke, to visit their mother's old friend and her family, along with Cecily, who has befriended the daughter, Louisa Wyndham.

On the way to Edenbrooke, a highwayman stops their carriage, ordering Marianne out. They escape after Marianne's maid Betsy takes a shot at the masked man and he disappears, but not before shooting their coachman. They seek help at a nearby inn, where Marianne insults, but then befriends, a handsome young man named Philip ... who turns out to be part of the Wyndham family. But Marianne can't decide if he really likes her or is just flirting, and in any case she's unsure of her own feelings. Other complications ensue, and so the fun begins.

If you like your Regency romances fairly light, squeaky clean and swooningly romantic, and aren't much of a stickler for authenticity, this is a book for you. Marianne is a brave and kindhearted heroine, but she can be a bit of a silly young girl at times. It's a little eye-rolling when she (a) twirls for joy (which luckily only happens two or three times), and (b) is so blind when it comes to relationships that she can't see her nose in front of her face. But she does have her moments; her initial, well-deserved insult to Philip is one.

Philip, though. Handsome, teasing, romantic, dedicated, buff, extremely likeable ... and he has a wicked smile. If I'm making a list of my favorite book boyfriends, he's definitely in the top 10!

Edenbrooke gets four stars from me not because it's great or deep literature but because it's such a fun, sweet read, with some unexpected humor and a romance that really sucked me in, which is all it's trying to be. ...more

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Feb 16, 2015 Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ Rabid Reads-no-more rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, i-cried, it-burns-us-precious, standalone-non-speculative-fiction

3.5 stars

Bff and I have a long and complicated history. We were introduced by our mothers soon after my family had relocated to her hometown. My mother, ever anxious for me to make friends, called me over to point out her new friend's daughter, a girl about my age with long, curling blonde hair, wearing a frilly dress, and . . . twirling.

I was not impressed.

This is a story that's been told many times, and not just b/c we did eventually become the good friends our mothers had hoped we would, but ...more

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Jan 26, 2012 Kathy * Bookworm Nation rated it it was amazing

Shelves: regency-1811-1820, 2016, favorite-authors, standalone, would-make-a-cute-movie, regency-favorite-authors, historical-europe, lds-author, meet-cute, romance-green

Love!

Each time I read this I seem to fall in love just a little bit more. It really is one of my very favorite regencies. I remember when it first came out I was drawn to its beautiful cover, it really fits the story so well.

Marianne is a likable heroine, a bit blind at times and so modest that she couldn't possibly imagine that anyone would chose her over her beautiful twin Cecily. After the tragic death of her mother, she is separated from her twin and sent to live with her grandmother in Bat Love!

Each time I read this I seem to fall in love just a little bit more. It really is one of my very favorite regencies. I remember when it first came out I was drawn to its beautiful cover, it really fits the story so well.

Marianne is a likable heroine, a bit blind at times and so modest that she couldn't possibly imagine that anyone would chose her over her beautiful twin Cecily. After the tragic death of her mother, she is separated from her twin and sent to live with her grandmother in Bath. Unlike her sister, she prefers the quiet country life and is unhappy living in a bigger city. Marianne is witty, kind and has an innocence that is endearing.

Philip is the ideal hero, it's no surprise that so many people have added him to their "book boyfriend" list. He is just the kind of regency hero that I adore, a true gentleman. He is kind, charming, full of integrity and he just treats Marianne so well. I really loved everything about him, very swoon-worthy.

Philip and Marianne have an awesome love story, while there is an attraction, I loved that they actually build a friendship first. They're is an easy report between them and you can really feel their connection. Marianne is shy and inexperienced, which I thought was realistic for the time period, and while Philip’s intentions may be obvious to us. Marianne is also loyal to a fault and put others needs ahead of her own, which helps explain why I think she purposefully chooses to ignore what's right in front of her.

I loved the writing, it flowed really well and was written in a way that you’re able to get lost in the story and forget that you’re reading. I also loved the supporting characters, especially Philip’s aunt, uncle and mother. Every time I read this I secretly hope that Cecily will get her own book. She is easily swayed by her friendships and worldly pursuits, I just think there is a lot of potential there to see her grow and mature. While I didn't really like Cecily, there were a few times we see glimpses of a genuine person beneath her sometimes self-centered persona and I think it would be fun to see her get her own book.

Overall, a light and fun regency romance. Would recommend to fans of Courting Miss Lancaster and Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince.

Content
Romance: Clean and swoony
Language: None
Violence: Mild
R

Source: Kindle and paperback ...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Malin rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: No one, it sucks!

Marianne Daventry is an innocent 17-year-old whose mother died the year before in a riding accident. Her father's scarpered off to France to grieve, her twin sister's in London with family friends enjoying a season, while poor little Marianne is wasting away with boredom at her grandmother's in Bath. Her gran, a cranky and unpleasant old biddy, decides to disinherit her no good scoundrel nephew and bestow her fortune of forty thousand pounds on Marianne, as long as the girl will learn to behave Marianne Daventry is an innocent 17-year-old whose mother died the year before in a riding accident. Her father's scarpered off to France to grieve, her twin sister's in London with family friends enjoying a season, while poor little Marianne is wasting away with boredom at her grandmother's in Bath. Her gran, a cranky and unpleasant old biddy, decides to disinherit her no good scoundrel nephew and bestow her fortune of forty thousand pounds on Marianne, as long as the girl will learn to behave like a proper lady (she likes running about out of doors without a bonnet, and prefers the countryside to town life - dreadful stuff).

Marianne clearly needs role models, and is shipped off to Edenbrooke, the estate where Lady Wyndham, a bosom friend of Marianne's mother lives. Marianne's twin sister is besties with Lady Wyndham's daughter, and the girls are set to return to the estate from London, so Marianne will have some company. On the way to Edenbrooke, Marianne's carriage is set upon by a highwayman, and when her coachman is shot, she has to drive the carriage to the nearest inn by herself (this was one of the few useful and admirable things the girl did in the entire novel). At said inn, she's insulted by a gentleman, because of her dishevelled appearance. Once he realises that she is of good standing, he apologises for his incredible rudeness and instead proceeds to condescendingly take matters completely out of her hands. He insists that they be on first name basis, and refuses to divulge anything about his identity.

Once Marianne arrives at Edenbrooke and promptly falls in the river, twice (because she loves to twirl uncontrollably to express happiness, and apparently never looks where she does this), she discovers that Philip is indeed Lady Wyndham's second oldest son. They two strike up a highly unlikely and inappropriate friendship, and just before Marianne's twin Cecily is about to arrive complications rear their ugly head when it's revealed that Philip's older brother died a few years back, making him the lord of the manor, and the man Cecily has set her sights on as a future husband. As Marianne apparently always gives in if her slightly older sister calls dibs on something, this means she has to give up on Philip. Oh noes! How can this conflict ever be resolved!?!

As this book is currently one of the finalists in the Goodreads Choice 2012 awards, and has a huge number of positive reviews both there and here on Amazon, I decided to give it a try. Many of the reviews compare the writing to that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, and all I can say is that both women must be spinning in their graves. Or possibly "twirling" like the heroine in this preposterous story.

It's labelled as a "proper romance", because there aren't any graphic love scenes, but the behaviour of the hero and heroine is deeply improper from the moment they first meet. As the heroine is an inexperienced young girl from the country, her ignorance and foolishness might be explained away, but the so-called "gentleman" hero should know better than to encourage the girl to call him by her first name, flirt inappropriately with her in private and in front of his family. At one point, Philip encourages Marianne to take a nap outside, while he sits around watching her (Edward Cullen alert!), and subsequently claims that "she snores like a big, fat man". If that's the makings of a "proper" romance, give me the kind with sexy times every day of the week.

The first half is full of badly done exposition, the author overuses adjectives, and in pretty much every scene, all the characters seem to feel an excess of emotions from joy to anger to despair, if the descriptions of their feelings and facial expressions is to be believed. The book is wildly melodramatic, and might have been better if it was written in 3rd person - but sadly, it's not.'

Then there's the plot, highwaymen, falling into rivers, inappropriate flirting and banter, dreadfully characterised supporting characters (both Marianne's twin sister Cecily and Philip's younger sister Louisa are total mean girl bitches for most of the story, only to make a total turnaround and become super supportive and helpful "fairy godmothers" in the wrap up of the story), kidnappings, random due (inside in the common room at an inn - how do you even go about that?) - it may sound exciting, but most of the time, it's just dull, and there's a limit to how far I can suspend my disbelief.

I fully understand that readers may be looking for clean, chaste Regency romances - but do yourselves a favour and read something by Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer novel instead. This is simply a very poor excuse for a novel, pretty cover notwithstanding. ...more

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Feb 16, 2016 Chantel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: re-readable, owned-books, cover-love, best-of-2016, 2016-reads, noteworthy-reads, my-favorites, cfd-2016-group-reads, blast-2-the-past, kindle

I hope you do not let anyone else's expectations direct the course of your life.” -Julianne Donaldson, Edenbrooke

O Edenbrooke, O Edenbrooke!!

There are some books that come along that you know you will instantly love, and Edenbrooke is exactly that for me. Reading this story was equivalent to eating chocolate!!

This book was just delightful! This story had everything you want in a Regency romance; endearing characters, dashing hero's, humorous and quick-witted dialogue, and villains that will ...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Sophie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourites, favourite-favourites

(UPDATE: As amazing the second time, if not more!)

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!

It really was a 'proper romance' like it says - it satisfied, more than satisfied, my romantic wishes and I am such a hopeless romantic!

I loved the whole story and some parts came as a complete shock. It kept me on tender-hooks which is always the best way in a story.

I loved all the major and minor characters. The heroine, Marianne, is the best heroine! Being my age, I could relate to ...more

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May 06, 2013 Anne rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: All the hopeless romantics of this world!

Recommended to Anne by: Soph, Alice, Becca, Kathryn, Tadiana, Tweety, Maria, Beth & so many others!! Thank you all!

Shelves: buddy-reads, favorites, dear-sir-i-am-in-love-with-you, romance, gentleman-like-heroes, swoony-heroes, love-heroine, best-of-2014, grab-during-fire, owned

This book had been recommended to me ever since I joined Goodreads, and by so many people that I have lost count. When it finally arrived in the mail about a week ago, I pounced on it like a tiger and started jumping up and down in excitement. And if it hadn't been for all the furniture, I might even have twirled... ;) Hahaha just kidding, I don't *ahem* twirl.

So, with exceedingly high expectations after having heard Edenbrooke praised to the skies for so long, I plunged in it wholeheartedly, p ...more

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Apr 06, 2012 Kristina Brownell rated it it was amazing

This was a very well-done Regency period novel. Other reviews are drawing parallels to Jane Austen. That's a fair assessment based on time period only. Let me share a shocking secret with you...Ready? I do not love Jane Austen novels. There, I said it. I do not love Jane Austen novels. It feels good to have that out in the open. I don't feel light or free when I read those books. I feel weighted down. I don't like the societal customs. I don't find the romance engaging and I am bothered by the l ...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Amy rated it did not like it

Shelves: abandoned

I adore Georgette Heyer and her Regency romances and was excited that I might find a new favorite author in this book. I drove my little Volvo home from the library in a flurry of excitement to get started on this book. This is where the story turns sad. I had to abandon this book and I am a little leery of posting my scathing review here because it was recommended by a friend and I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. That said based on the Goodreads reviews LOTS of people loved this book and I adore Georgette Heyer and her Regency romances and was excited that I might find a new favorite author in this book. I drove my little Volvo home from the library in a flurry of excitement to get started on this book. This is where the story turns sad. I had to abandon this book and I am a little leery of posting my scathing review here because it was recommended by a friend and I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. That said based on the Goodreads reviews LOTS of people loved this book and I’m one of the few that didn’t so let's just assume there's something wrong with me and this is a great book. I'm still going to give you the reasons why I detested it though.

There were four main problems that I could tell in the book – one dimensional character, weak plot line, non-existent setting for being a period piece, and poor writing.

Characters – All of the characters were without personality. I believe the author had a checklist of character traits expected in a Regency romance and randomly assigned a few traits to each character. That makes for boring characters. I think boring is too weak of a word. I actively disliked the characters. I was rooting AGAINST them. Had I been in that family I believe I would have run away and tried to be adopted into the Darcy family.

■Grandmother – an old curmudgeon woman with a heart of gold behind her rough exterior. We know this because we are repeatedly told it.
■Marianne – a plucky untraditional beauty that doesn’t fit society’s norms. Oh but she doesn’t really realize she’s a beauty. And she isn’t shunned by society because she’s likeable. Oh and she’s going to be rich someday.
■Philip – You’ll love this one. Totally original. Handsome, rich, and comes off as arrogant when you first meet him. But really he’s a great guy.
■The sister – Beautiful and charming. She’s trying to marry well. I believe in those two phrases I gave her more personality than the author did.

Plot – I hope I don’t give too much away here. Boy meets girl under harrowing circumstances. Boy behaves badly for about two seconds. Boy and girl proceed to have witty banter for two hundred pages. I think it was supposed to be witty banter. I didn’t find them interesting but it appears they found each other interesting.

Setting – What do you think of when you thing “Regency”? Do you picture beautiful people, interesting locals, society, foppish men, stately manors, and lovely gowns? Well, you’d be wrong if you were looking for it in this book. It could easily have taken place anywhere at any time. You could have changed coach to limo and it could have taken place in the upscale neighborhood down the street from me last year. There were no unique problems anyone had to solve because of the time period. Nothing. For pity’s sake at least give the reader some beautiful dresses and a guy with a stylishly cut suit.

Writing – There is no way I can describe the quality of writing and not come off as a pompous jerk. It was bad. If this was fanfiction I read on the internet then it still would have been bad.

If you read this and loved it then I’m glad. I realize I must be in the wrong because everyone else (EVEN MEN!) love this book. I hated it. I double hated it. I want to give this negative stars.
...more

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Aug 23, 2014 Julie Carpenter rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015, personal-library, austenesque, chick-lit, letter-writing, foreign-country, laugh-out-loud, go-to-read-agains, 2018

This is my umpteenth time reading Edenbrooke and I love it more and more each time! Julianne Donaldson is a fabulous author and storyteller!!! If you are a regency era fan this is the next book you need to grab and read! Warning: you probably won't want to put it down once you start so don't start when you have lots going on or you will either putting everything off or rushing to finish it so you can read! Lol.

I love both of the MCs. Marianne is a sweet girl who is hurting from losing her mothe This is my umpteenth time reading Edenbrooke and I love it more and more each time! Julianne Donaldson is a fabulous author and storyteller!!! If you are a regency era fan this is the next book you need to grab and read! Warning: you probably won't want to put it down once you start so don't start when you have lots going on or you will either putting everything off or rushing to finish it so you can read! Lol.

I love both of the MCs. Marianne is a sweet girl who is hurting from losing her mother and being separated from her twin sister and father. She is not interested in London society and social expectations but enjoys the country and the freedom to be herself. She lives with her grandmother and aunt and is trying to behave like a proper lady but sometimes can't help using her wits and speaking her mind, or twirling or running out of doors. Her grandmother decides to name her as the heir to a small fortune and at the same time Marianne is invited by her twin sister to Edenbrooke for the summer. Excited for the chance to escape bath, to see her sister and be once again in the country, Marianne sets off with her maid to Edenbrooke. On the way their coach is attacked causing them to stop at an inn along the way to recover. While there Marianne meets a gentleman who turns out to be Phillip, one of the residents of Edenbrooke. She doesn't know that at the time but eventually discovers that. Marianne is in need of a friend and someone she can talk to and trust. Phillip becomes that friend and it is fun to read and watch their friendship develop.

There are twists and turns throughout. Devious men, a silly sister, horses, silly relations, sorrow, love letters, a duel, books, highway men, fainting, battle of the wits, balls and hidden identity. Plus much much more!

I have also read Donaldson's other novel "Blackmoore" several times. I am anxiously awaiting to see what else Donaldson will write, she's wonderful!! If you have seen these titles but haven't tried them do so now! I've loaned my copies of these books out to numerous friends and the consensus is all the same: they love them and want more. If you've never heard of these books or author go check them out!!!

Happy Reading!!! ...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Heidi by: Michele

Shelves: kindle, reviewed, library, regency, romance

Words cannot express how much I adore this book. I totally relate to Marianne, her insecurities and strengths, and Phillip is the perfect hero in my mind. The romantic tension is off the hook. I can't count how many times I've read it (especially my favorite parts). Also highly recommend the prequel novella, Heir to Edenbrooke.

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Jan 31, 2012 Cherine rated it it was amazing

My favorite read of 2012!! Actually it tops as one of my favorite reads ever. Julianne Donaldson is so a kindred spirit! I am in love with Philip maybe even more than my beloved Mr. Darcy :)

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Sep 15, 2016 Melindam rated it did not like it

Shelves: graveyard-of-dnf-books, idiotic-heroine, vastly-overrated, meh

UUUUUUGGGGHHHHH! I CAN'T EVEN...

The MC is a surefire medallist in the Stupidest-and-Most Annying-Heroine-Ever competition.

description

Poor Jane Austen must be twirling in her grave.

A pretense-research on Wikipedia about the dos and don'ts of the Regency era might have helped. Or not.

This book is beyond saving for me.

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Aug 27, 2012 Angie rated it it was ok

This is one of those books I hesitate to rate since everyone seems to love it and I didn’t. It’s the same old story with a new title. Self-admitting less attractive younger women unknowing to herself falls in love with dashingly handsome and rich heir to an estate. The same man her beautiful blonde, blue eyed, supposedly refined older twin sister (along with several other eligible girls) has been trying to ensnare for over a year. He falls for less refined twin but has to convince her his love i ...more

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Feb 13, 2016 Deanne Patterson rated it it was amazing

This is the first book I've read by this author. It has everything you want in a Regency , a dashing hero, a beautiful heroine,traveling,shy looks,stolen kisses, a duel,trickery,kidnapping,rescuing. Ahhh, this book was pure bliss as I could imagine being there at Edenbrooke and experiencing it all myself.

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Feb 05, 2017 Charlie Holmberg rated it it was amazing

Shelves: seriously-stunning

Absolutely the best recency romance I've read to date. Emotional, clever. I cried and laughed. 100% recommend.

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Mar 27, 2012 Shannon rated it it was amazing

I absolutely LOVED Edenbrooke. I won an ARC in a blog giveaway and cracked it open yesterday...I was immediately so captivated that I didn't want to put it down. I wasn't able to finish it in one sitting, but rather had to muster the self control to put it down in order to tend to my 21-month-old throughout the majority of the afternoon, but I immediately picked it up again after putting him to bed and read late into the night. I finished the book this morning and I can tell you that I was thoro ...more

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Mar 22, 2013 Penny Reid rated it it was amazing

Shelves: new-favorites, will-rread-again, 11-stars

Even though I spend most of my time rushing around like a hummingbird on meth, I consider myself a true romantic at heart in that whimsical, day-dreamer kind of way. This book is for true romantics. It's not Jane Austen and it is not- necessarily- one million percent historically accurate but it is funny and smart and it made me sigh and my chest all achy. The hero is heroic and the heroine is sweet. I loved it and have already re-read it. It was by far my favorite romance of 2012.

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Jun 01, 2016 Tito rated it really liked it

Shelves: popular-author, lots-of-hype, cute, historical, not-what-i-was-expecting, love-the-main-character-s, amazing-side-characters, best-couples, insightful, love-the-cover

If I could describe this book in one word it would be cute. Honestly while reading I had the most ridiculous grin on my face the entire time. Most of it was because of the dialogue between Marianne and Phillip. Honestly, I have never read of a couple more perfect than these two, and they compliment each other really well.

Marianne's just a normal sweet 17 year old girl who doesn't really see herself as anything great compared to her sister, but as you read, you see that she's endearing, funny, a ...more

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Dec 02, 2011 Fred Donaldson rated it it was amazing

I don't really read romance novels, so I lack a frame of reference. Edenbrooke tells an exciting regency story while giving insights into the main character. I stayed up really late in order to finish the second half of the book. It really is like nothing I have ever read--in a good way. This book is special.

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Jun 09, 2014 Hannah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: outread-aubrey-2014, regency-england, owned-books

Yes, a bit cliche at times, but the kind of book you can just put your feet up and enjoy! It was a pleasant, enjoyable book all the way through. The ending was somewhat predictable in one way, but there were very surprising circumstances that really shook things up.
I loved the descriptions of the setting. It made me feel like I was right there.
It's squeaky clean and something I would not hesitate to recommend (although I might think twice about allowing young teen girls to read a strictly romanc ...more

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Nov 20, 2012 Misfit marked it as abandoned

Shelves: regency, most-annoying-heroine-ever, die-in-a-fire, wall-banger

I yield at page 22. Most annoying herione ever, and WTF is with the twirling? How many times can you put the same word in just the first chapter?

Have to make a note re: the blurbs on the back jacket. Three of them, all from wives of supposedly famous best selling authors (authors I have never heard). Since when do wives of authors qualify as book blurbers?

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Oct 09, 2012 Angie rated it it was ok

Shelves: what-did-i-just-read, historical, romance

Originally reviewed here @ Angieville.

Okay. So there's a difference between retellings and readalikes, yes? Retellings (which I adore when done well) take the original story and carry it into hitherto unexplored places. Perhaps Mr. Rochester becomes a washed up rock star. Or Beauty becomes a drug dealer's neglected daughter. Robin Hood can actually be a very reluctant, very bad archer indeed. And Captain Wentworth can pilot ships through the sky rather than the sea. Anything is possible. As long Originally reviewed here @ Angieville.

Okay. So there's a difference between retellings and readalikes, yes? Retellings (which I adore when done well) take the original story and carry it into hitherto unexplored places. Perhaps Mr. Rochester becomes a washed up rock star. Or Beauty becomes a drug dealer's neglected daughter. Robin Hood can actually be a very reluctant, very bad archer indeed. And Captain Wentworth can pilot ships through the sky rather than the sea. Anything is possible. As long as you understand and stay true in some sense to the spirit of the original tale, I am on board. Readalikes (which I avoid like the plague), on the other hand or in my experience or what have you, tend toward the fawning, toward the somewhat less mature forms of imitation. And as readalikes go, the Austen ones seem to be the most prevalent. To be honest, I've never read one. The notion always seemed a bit laughable to me. I've read Austen retellings I've loved, and even a few that rather subtly nod their head in her direction that I have thoroughly enjoyed. But I'd firmly stayed away from pastiches. Then everyone and their dog went and loved EDENBROOKE, and when I asked for your best recommendations a little while back, this one popped up a number of times. I decided to put away my preconceived notions and jump right in.

Marianne Daventry is not fond of Bath. She's been relegated there by her father, who fled to the Continent upon the death of her mother and has yet to be seen since. The anniversary of her death and his departure has come and gone and Marianne is beginning to come to grips with the notion that he is not coming back. That she is, in fact, stuck in Bath with an inappropriate maid, an impossible suitor, and a grandmother who despairs of her. Then she receives word from her twin sister Cecily that she is to be invited to Edenbrooke--the estate of the man Cecily intends to marry. Or rather it is his parents' estate. But he is to be there. And therefore Marianne is to meet Cecily there and accompany her on her quest to land a wealthy husband. Cecily's ruthless pursuits aside, Marianne is monumentally relieved to be escaping Bath and returning to the countryside she loves. But calamity overtakes her on the journey to Edenbrooke. And when a mysterious stranger helps her along the way, Marianne has no way of knowing how quickly he will pop up in her life again. And in the most unexpected (and not necessarily welcome) of ways. Torn between wanting her life to return to the way it was and being tempted to explore the new possibilities in her path, Marianne must navigate her new life with care.

Sounds like a fun setup, right? And it is. The problem is that nothing surprising whatsoever happens in this book. No, more than that--no one character stands out, no turn of phrase delights, and no twist or development captured my attention in the slightest. Everything about EDENBROOKE is perfectly competent. And everything about EDENBROOKE falls desperately short of its inspiration. The dialogue mimics Austen to a fault, though in a decidedly less sophisticated and cheesy manner. I lost count of the number of times I winced at the banality of it all, and found myself silently begging the characters to do something less predictable. That is not to say that the writing is not clean. It is nothing if not smooth and clean and . . . utterly unremarkable. The entire time I was reading it, I was put in mind of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation--another readalike (of the Scarlet Pimpernel variety) that fell massively short for me due to its terminal silliness and lack of complexity. I wanted to like them both so much. But, in the end, they both required more. More in the way of subtlety, more in the way of character nuance to work for me. This reaction may be a personal quirk when it comes to the classics or possibly some kind of hang up I have related to retellings vs. readalikes. I've certainly been known to enjoy a number of breezy, even silly reads. But when I do, I still have to connect with the writing and with the characters on a visceral level. I have to feel like they themselves are not contemptible or that there is something to figure out or guess at along the way, even if I can see the ending coming. That was not the case here. I'm sorry, guys. I'm afraid, for me at least, EDENBROOKE was a case of charming veneers masking very little at all. ...more

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Jul 03, 2019 Elizabeth Dragina rated it it was amazing

Shelves: memorable

Oh my lanta. This has been the most enjoyable romance since Pride and Prejudice. It is by far a pure jem.

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Apr 07, 2012 Cathy rated it it was amazing

One of my favorite books of all time! I can't believe I just said that. But I haven't stayed up all night reading a book in a VERY long time. This one did it to me. Why? Donaldson hints at some of it herself in the Q & A section at the back of the book. She loves the Regency Era, (who doesn't) but she wanted to make it more accessible to modern readers, so she eliminated the sometimes entangled 1800's language and kept it simple. She also streamlined the plot for accessibility, leaving out t One of my favorite books of all time! I can't believe I just said that. But I haven't stayed up all night reading a book in a VERY long time. This one did it to me. Why? Donaldson hints at some of it herself in the Q & A section at the back of the book. She loves the Regency Era, (who doesn't) but she wanted to make it more accessible to modern readers, so she eliminated the sometimes entangled 1800's language and kept it simple. She also streamlined the plot for accessibility, leaving out the social criticism found in Austen and Dickins. (See below) It is shorter, with 258 pages, and an easy read. But that wouldn't keep me up all night, surely. Nope. Once again, I can blame it on, that darned sooo effective, naive 1st Person narrator, which produces so much Dramatic Irony. Marianne is such an endearing doofus. We all see clearly, as do all the other characters, what she does not. He loves her, even as she insults his "Gentleman-liness", or he sees her twirl right into the muddy river or grasping tree branches that catch her hair, which Sir Phillip has to untangle. Embarrassing, great HUMOR. Great characters help too. The heroine is a noble, good character, one easy to empathize with. She underrates herself, is self-sacrificing, moral, loyal,- this is beginning to sound like the Boy Scout Code of Honor so I'll stop. Of all the Regency heroines,- this one is one we want to be like. She's not the stupid Emma - "Poorly done Emma, poorly done." Nor the easily taken in Marianne, nor Elinor, the sensible sister in Sense & Sensibility. She is 17, childlike, and likeable. Sir Phillip is likewise honorable, noble, desirable, etc. But the thing that kept me up all night reading is the Perfect Pure ROMANCE! When Sir Phillip "teaches" Marianne how to write a love letter, a lesson in Romance, we KNOW, and Marianne suspects (Duh) that he might be writing these luscious, love words to and for HER!!! It is just Great! Best part of the book! I am sooo pleased that Donaldson read all the Georgette Heyer Regency romances after the Austen novels. Both writers set such a high standard or characterization, plot and theme, and I think Donaldson meets that standard, and shapes it to the 21st century. The reader will see shades of the other writers' characters in Donaldsons: The snootiness of P. & P's Mr. Bingley's sister in some of the "elegant Ladies" Marianne is supposed to emulate. The abduction is so like Heyer's Regency Buck 1st scenes. Marianne's expression of joy in twirling so much like the release when Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennett in P. & P. finally admit their joy in each other. What Austen (and Dickins) does, that Donaldson doesn't, is pick 19th Century social issues, such as women who can't inherit (S. & S.), or unwed mothers whose orphaned children end up as street urchins. (Oliver) Donaldson veers far away from any criticism of the Time and its social structures. That's okay. But certainly doesn't push this novel into the "Classic"-must-read-in-AP-Classes" level. What the genius is is that ever present RESTRAINT of emotion and of lust (except in the most despicable) which builds such great tension and longing. When finally tears flow from the heroine, yours will too. I am so pleased that in the acknowledgements the author makes at the end of the book, she thanks God for his help and hope He is pleased. I think He is. We are!!! ...more

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Aug 11, 2012 Julie rated it did not like it

I had heard good things about this book, so I was excited to read it, but a big red flag started waving the minute I read "Praise for Edenbrooke" on the back cover. Mary Mull, Kodi Wright, and Lynette Dashner, all WIVES of bestelling authors, were the people quoted who loved the book. I'm not sure how being a spouse of a writer automatically makes you a credible critic to put on the back of the book, but you should have seen my face when I kept reading "wife of New York Times bestselling author ...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Kathryn rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, british

A sweet, lovely (and clean!) romance. I think I would have LOVED it if I read it as a young teen-actually, it reminded me of something I would have written then. (Not sure this is a compliment to me or to "Edenbrooke" though!)

Reading it today, less naive about love, and more knowledgable about history (and truly great writers like Jane Austen), I found much of it too predictable, our heroine at times far too oblivious to her own feelings, our hero rather unbelievably perfect (not that I minded ...more

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About Julianne Donaldson

Julianne Donaldson

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Julianne Donaldson grew up as the daughter of a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. She learned how to ski in the Italian Alps, visited East Berlin before the wall came down, and spent three years living next to a 500-year-old castle. After earning a degree in English, she turned her attention to writing. She writes historical romance when she is not busy with her four young children and husband. Edenbr ...more

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Trivia About Edenbrooke (Edenb...

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Quotes from Edenbrooke

“To my unsuspecting love.
When I look into your eyes, I lose all sense of time and place. Reason robbed, clear thought erased, I am lost in the paradise I find within your gaze.
I long to touch your blushing cheek, to whisper in your ear how I adore you, how I have lost my heart to you, how I cannot bear the thought of living without you.
To be so near to you without touching you is agony. Your blindness to my feelings is a daily torment, and I feel driven to the edge of madness by my love for you.
Where is your compassion when I need it most? Open your eyes , Love, and see what is right before you: that I am not merely a friend, but a man deeply, desperately , in love with you.
Longing for you.” — 230 likes

“I hope you do not let anyone else's expectations direct the course of your life.” — 103 likes

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