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Cinders & Sapphires

(At Somerton #1)

Leila Rasheed

3.52 · Rating details · 2,276 ratings · 415 reviews

One house, two worlds...

Rose Cliffe has never met a young lady like her new mistress. Clever, rich, and beautiful, Ada Averley treats Rose as an equal. And Rose could use a friend. Especially now that she, at barely sixteen, has risen to the position of ladies' maid. Rose knows she should be grateful to have a place at a house like Somerton. Still, she can't help but wonde ...more

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Hardcover, 400 pages

Published January 22nd 2013 by Disney-Hyperion (first published January 3rd 2013)

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Jan 17, 2014 Cora Tea Party Princess rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Fans of Downton Abbey

5 Words: History, romance, upstairs, downstairs, responsibility.

If you like Downton Abbey, you'll love this. I definitely loved it. Secrets and Sapphires nicely filled up that empty gaping hole that's been sat inside of me.

I loved the intrigue and the lifestyle and even the class system. I loved the whole upstairs, downstairs relationships and how Rose was so torn by how those relationships were starting to change. She's such a loyal and proper young girl, such a gem of a character. She has all ...more

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Jun 10, 2015 Erin rated it did not like it

Shelves: 2015

All I'm saying is that when you see this book on a list of YA with LGBT characters and the cover features two girls canoodling while some pretty boy stands off to the side and the jacket copy talks about forbidden love, you're gonna assume you're in for a delightful Edwardian Gossip Girl ft. fledgling lesbians. AND THAT IS NOT WHAT THIS BOOK IS. It's just plain old boring Edwardian Gossip Girl. I feel betrayed. ...more

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Jan 27, 2013 Mitch rated it liked it

Um.

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Feb 19, 2016 Beth rated it it was ok

Shelves: young-adult, one-and-done

Cinders & Sapphires drew my attention because of its superficial resemblance to Upstairs/Downstairs and Downton Abbey that I gathered from the synopsis and a review on a YA website I follow. The comparison isn't inaccurate, especially with Downton Abbey. At this point I'd almost call this kind of story a mini-genre.

The Earl of Westlake has only daughters, and has remarried a widow after being widowed himself, so there's a chance that new wife Edith will provide a son and the inheritance won't f Cinders & Sapphires drew my attention because of its superficial resemblance to Upstairs/Downstairs and Downton Abbey that I gathered from the synopsis and a review on a YA website I follow. The comparison isn't inaccurate, especially with Downton Abbey. At this point I'd almost call this kind of story a mini-genre.

The Earl of Westlake has only daughters, and has remarried a widow after being widowed himself, so there's a chance that new wife Edith will provide a son and the inheritance won't fall to another branch of the family--in this case, Westlake's wastrel nephew. The time frame is shortly before World War I.

There are two primary point-of-view characters, Westlake's eldest daughter Ada, and Rose, a chambermaid who it's revealed to the reader early on is Westlake's illegitimate daughter. Each young woman has an interest or aspiration; Ada wants to attend Oxford and have her own career, and Rose wants to be a composer. Each also has a SCANDAL! If this gets out, it's the end of everything!

Unfortunately, the characterization never goes beyond this level. There's no internal conflict in these people--every problem they have, anything that needs to be overcome, comes from their circumstances and/or from other characters' plotting against them. Earnest characters are earnest, spiteful ones are spiteful. And that is that. No growth, no change. It gets even worse with, for example, Edith's son Sebastian and his valet Oliver, whose homosexuality and a threat of blackmail is the only thing about them, who don't even have a minor personality quirk between the two of 'em.

One unique point of interest in Cinders and Sapphires is that there's not only mention of the colonization of India, but the idea that its independence is desirable. There are a couple of characters from India in this novel, too. Ada's insta-love interest, Ravi, ends up leaving Oxford to join a revolutionary faction in India. Priya is the nursemaid for the wastrel nephew's awful kid, and she, sad to say, exists in the story mainly to be a victim of microaggressions from white women, and predatory behavior from white men.

Without that sole point of uniqueness, this novel would have been a complete waste of time for me. Scandal, by itself, won't motivate me to keep reading. Actually, at about the 75% mark, I was tempted to mark this "did not finish" and move on, but decided to stick it out a bit longer. The end was a tsunami of scandal breaking over the Somerton estate and even involved a character's death, which, well. It was better than Ada mooning over Ravi for the hundredth time.

I dislike comparing this to Downton Abbey, but having seen a season or two of that show, the comparison is inevitable. The characterization in Cinders & Sapphires is about as deep as a tea saucer, which in my view makes it the weaker offering. Even Downtown Abbey’s wickedest characters have crises of conscience sometimes, and the straightforward presentation of the characters in this novel doesn't allow for nuance of that kind.

Aside from that, its being YA, this novel has to shy away from the more adult aspects of its scandals, whether in merely hinting at them, or avoiding them entirely. Oscar Wilde's imprisonment and eventual death was only a few years earlier than this novel is set in, and that risk to valet Oliver, where his life is literally at stake, wasn't mentioned at all. (One would assume that Sebastian would be immune to that level of punishment, though his marriage prospects could suffer.)

This series isn't worth pursuing more of, for me, but it could be a winner for a more age-appropriate reader interested in scandals among fictional British elites and servants in the early 20th century. ...more

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May 31, 2015 Tiffany (About to Read) rated it it was amazing

This review was originally posted on About to Read. For Fairytale fashions, reads, and more visit abouttoread.com

***

I loved Cinders & Sapphires. Last summer I read a book called Manor of Secrets, which I was expecting to be like Downton Abbey but ended up just not being that great. You know what I should’ve read instead? Cinders & Sapphires.

This book has been sitting on my kindle app for a while now and I’m so happy I finally picked it up. It started off a bit on the slower side, but I was quic ...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Rebecca marked it as to-read

Please please please be better than Wentworth Hall. It's probably not possible for it to be better than Downton Abbey, but AT LEAST be better than Wentworth Hall! ...more

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Jan 21, 2013 TheBookSmugglers rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult, historical-fiction, soap-opera-fun, fluff

Originally reviewed on The Book Smugglers

The year is 1910, the place the grand estate of Somerton. Lady Ada, her younger sister Georgina and her father, Lord Westlake, have left India amidst whispers of scandal and disgrace - Lord Westlake has resigned from his post without explanation, inciting the worst possible rumor-mongering - and return to Britain for the first time in many years. Despite the hints of scandal that follow them to Somerton, it is a happy return for the Averleys as Ada's fath ...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Ksenia added it

Holy moly, what a fun book to read. If you need something to tide you over until the next season of Downton Abbey, this is it. The drama unfolds like a soap opera and can be a bit silly/ridiculous, but it is still a fun romp. I'm happily awaiting the next installment. ...more

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May 06, 2018 Vampire-lk rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourite-topic, hidden-identities, regency-era, only-the-best-of-the-best, historical-romances, best-rogues-and-vixens, re-read-favs, heart-wrenching, witty-sassy-bluestockings, own-no-battery-required-for-reading

OMG!!!!!!!! Highly recommended!!!!! Very sweet & not bawdy at all!!!! Still a breathe of fresh air as all the characters major & minor are so well developed that I feel like I’m right there with them & can for most predict what they might be thinking! I’m swept away with the details that I seriously finished this light fun novel in 2 days!!!!! With work & reality trying to intrude 😢😵😱🤯😂Can’t wait for the sequel I know where I am going after work tomorrow 😉😂🤩😍

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Mar 07, 2013 Emma Rogers rated it did not like it

I still don't know what to think. But I do think I disliked this book. I thought everyone was much too in love (about 90% of the total characters were in love with someone, often with little foundation for said "love") and much too serious. So many characters are nasty it left me with a sour feeling in my stomach while reading. I like this era and the characters could be solid foundations for more but they're sorely lacking. I thought Ada was almost stupid and immature at points and the love for I still don't know what to think. But I do think I disliked this book. I thought everyone was much too in love (about 90% of the total characters were in love with someone, often with little foundation for said "love") and much too serious. So many characters are nasty it left me with a sour feeling in my stomach while reading. I like this era and the characters could be solid foundations for more but they're sorely lacking. I thought Ada was almost stupid and immature at points and the love for Ravi seemed too forced, there was no chemistry or passion that came across through the pages, I was bored and grew annoyed with her whining and the way she constantly pined for him. Throughout the novel she is portrayed as a smart girl but she just came across as intolerably stupid, she was hopelessly in love with a boy she knew nothing about and constantly pined for him, she thinks about him all the time and he eclipses her want for education and independence. It's silly and it seems the author threw it in for pure scandal material as he is Indian and could never be approved of. In fact, The whole novel is rife with scandals that all feel as if I've read it before and it's as if the author knew this and felt that compiling it into one novel would make it more interesting or scandalous. Interracial love, a young lady who wants an education, bankrupt estates, illegitimate children, love affairs, a gay guy living in fear, blackmailing, public displays of affection that turn Into scandal, a murder, rumors of military disgrace, and more that I can't even deal with thinking about right now. Anyhow, I can't root for Ada and Ravi because they have no chemistry and they make no sense. They had seen each other, I believe, a total of three brief times when he turned into a jealous maniac because she talked to Lord Fintan, who I like much more. They only saw each other four times in the novel and I'm supposed to sympathize with this "intelligent" girl's sulking and whining? I cannot! They barely spoke at all and had nothing much to say when they did. And several of the names in this novel are so ridiculous I had to make sure they weren't typos by reading forward and seeing them printed just the same. Also there's a blatant mistake towards the end that just annoyed me, but I won't say because of spoilers. But I feel as if I have to read the next one, I don't know why, after writing this all out I see I quite disliked it. And I had such high hopes for this novel *sigh*. ...more

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Feb 27, 2013 Sophie rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2013

There were some likeable characters, the writing was decent, and it had moments where it really explored things like women's rights, class issues, and the problems of India under British rule. Unfortunately this was buried under the other things: over the top scandals and drama, the "bad" characters, and my favorite, the insta-love. One of the main characters seems willing to risk everything after what, 3 conversations, a handful of kisses, and a few letters?

A few people compared this to Downto ...more

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May 07, 2012 Misty rated it liked it

Shelves: juvenile-ya, arc-or-galley, own, series, historical, review-copy_unsolicited, gift, read-in-2012

3.5
It wouldn't be a lie to say that I wanted to read this because of the cover and its obvious Downton Abbey inspiration, but it also wouldn't be a lie to say I probably would never have actively sought this out, because of those things, and because reasons. But when its pretty self showed up* in my mailbox before Christmas, luring me in the packets of Walkers shortbread and Twinings English Breakfast tea - well, frankly it was just too tempting a scene to pass up. So picture me, curled up on ...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Merin rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2013

3.5/5 stars.

As a fan of well done historicals, I eagerly dove into Cinders & Sapphires. I was expecting drama and scandal, mostly revolving around the two characters mentioned in the summary, Rose and Ada. And we definitely get that, in spades. But I wasn't expecting all the other stories going on in this book. Pretty much every character mentioned, from Ada's family members, to her father's new wife and her children, to the household staff, have some sort of point of view moment in this book. W 3.5/5 stars.

As a fan of well done historicals, I eagerly dove into Cinders & Sapphires. I was expecting drama and scandal, mostly revolving around the two characters mentioned in the summary, Rose and Ada. And we definitely get that, in spades. But I wasn't expecting all the other stories going on in this book. Pretty much every character mentioned, from Ada's family members, to her father's new wife and her children, to the household staff, have some sort of point of view moment in this book. While overall I did enjoy the book, I couldn't help coming away feeling like there was just too much going on in this single volume.

It's difficult to even know where to start with my review of this story. Ada is our main character; she's spent the past ten years in India, is a very bookish sort, and desperately wants to attend Oxford, which is not really the done thing. Throw in her unexpected feelings for Ravi, a young Indian man she meets on the boat back to England who is also attending Oxford, and things get very complicated, very quickly, and that's just with one storyline. You then have Rose, who has just been promoted to ladies' maid. She has a gift for music, and has spent the past ten years working at Somerton while Ada and her family has been away. The story would have been perfect if we'd just focused on these two girls and their lives, but when you add in the drama with Sebastian and Oliver, Georgiana's crush on her new stepbrother, Michael (and Michael's crush on the new nursemaid, Priya), and the bad feelings and bitterness of some of the household staff toward Rose's new position, and this book began bordering on confusing. I can't help but feel that some of these storylines were added just to create the scandal and drama promised in the summary; they really didn't add anything to the story, and it almost felt like the author was inserting tried and true ways to create problems for the characters.

Nonetheless, this book had a very easy flow to it. It read at a pretty fast clip - I would have been done much sooner if I'd just been able to squeeze in more reading time - and it definitely keeps the reader engaged. I definitely felt for both Ada and Rose, who both had their worlds turned upside down in different ways. Charlotte, Ada's new stepsister, however, is a mean and spiteful character, as is Stella. Their actions and emotions left a bad taste in my mouth, and I really could have done without reading from their points of view. I also think it perhaps would have added a more mysterious atmosphere to the book if we hadn't known what they knew and thought; now it's just a matter of how they'll use the knowledge to further upset things. In fact, Charlotte's final thoughts made me think of a quote by Gandalf in The Return of the King: "Sauron's wrath will be terrible, his retribution swift." It definitely bodes ill for Ada!

While I couldn't help but feel like Cinders & Sapphires perhaps tries to do too much with too many people, overall I very much enjoyed Ms. Rasheed's style of writing and the two main characters she's created. If you enjoy scandalous historical novels that focus on both the gentry and working class, then do check this one out; I'm certainly intrigued enough to read the next book in the series!

An e-galley was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

***

To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!

...more

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Dec 02, 2012 Angelc rated it it was amazing

Shelves: already-own-read

4.5 Stars

Finally, authors and publishers are catching on to the Downton Abbey trend! Many readers are starved to read more stories about the glittering era in which Downton is set, and finally more books are being published about this time and setting. Is it jumping on the bandwagon? Sure, but I am glad for it, and hope there are more to come. This book fits the bill for readers wanting more of this type of story.

At first, I will admit that I wasn't getting into the story. There was a prologue ( ...more

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Oct 02, 2013 Anissa rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, ya, 2014, series

What to say about this one? Hm. It hit all the Downton Abbey hallmarks for good and bad. It felt a bit like Luxe too with a bit of the tone of Gossip Girl. Are these good or bad things to me? I'll say this, it didn't make for the most surprising read but there were things that kept me turning the pages, so it couldn't have been all bad. I did like the historical nods to British Colonialism with regard to India. I think I'd have liked more emphasis on that aspect but this isn't a historical novel ...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Katt Hansen rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult, romance, historical

NetGalley's 13 chapter preview was certainly not enough - and leaves you hanging in the most awkward of places. Whew! Where to begin on this one.

Having just gotten though a handful of Austen novels, I can see the influence upon this writer. Think of this as a cross between Pride and Prejudice, Upstairs Downstairs, and a bit of Downtown Abbey thrown in for good measure. Meaning if you love vintage pieces, with lots of characters from varying levels of society, you'll enjoy this one.

The story move ...more

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Apr 28, 2020 Deidra rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks-i-own, historical-fiction

This book has been on my TBR FOREVER! I picked it from my Kindle in my attempt to read the many unread books on there. It was a great period piece. I love a good old British colonial society story. The drama, betrayal, and intrigue. It's just too much.

This particular story follows both the ladies of the house as well as their staff. As you read, you get many different perspectives about each of the people in the house. There is a definite element of evil stepmother/evil stepsister trope in ther ...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Dianne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley, ya, romance, family-saga

I have to say, if the complete book is as good as the Sneak Peek, we have greatness coming!

Normally, I look at Sneak peeks and say, nope, not interested, but I took a chance and have definitely added Cinders & Sapphires to my "Gotta Have It" list!

The wealthy Averleys have returned to their country estate after a decade of being away. Tales of scandal have followed them, there is to be a new Lady of the Manor, meaning two families must try to blend into one.

Ada Averley must choose between love an ...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Sara Jones rated it really liked it

Shelves: teen, romance, ya, historical-fiction, scandal

Poor Ava, who is all beautiful-but-too-innocent-to-know-it, is all about being a proper lady and upholding her family's honor, blah, blah. The problem is that she's actually kind of smart and she really wants to go to Oxford, which is NOT a proper thing for a lady to do at the turn of the 20th Century. Oh, and she has the hots for an Indian dude who isn't rich. Not cool. Throw in a lot more scandal, evil step-mother and step-sister, oh yeah and a GAY step-brother! (that's my favorite part) and y ...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Rose rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley, historical, young-adult, arc-or-galley, needs-review

Review to come. I actually read a brief snippet of this book as provided from Disney Hyperion on NetGalley. I really wish it'd been the full book, so that I could've had a better grasp on the plot details, and that affected my enjoyment of this selection, but what little I read was a decent periodic story. Hopefully I can expand upon the preview in further reflection. ...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Pam Pho rated it really liked it

I couldn't put this book down. It was full of intrigue and courtly gossip. Downton Abbey for teens with an East Inda Trading Company feel. The writing is super good and the characters well thought out and portrayed well for the time period. A completely lush and guilty pleasure read. Highly recommended. ...more

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Nov 05, 2012 Daphne (Illumicrate) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: age-ya, genre-historical-fiction, type-arc-hardcopy, pub-hotkey

An addictive little read, deliciously scandalous! Finished it in a day. Full review to come.

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Apr 20, 2021 kit rated it it was ok

Shelves: ya, historical-fiction-20th-century, spite-finished, stop-describing-each-other-s-tongue, background-gay

I HAVE LONGSTANDING PERSONAL BEEF WITH THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT QUEERBAITED ME WHEN I WAS 14 AND HAS BEEN LIVING IN MY MIND RENT-FREE FOR ALMOST A DECADE. THIS WAS NOT GOOD AND YET I AM GOING TO READ THE OTHER TWO BOOKS BECAUSE I THINK IT'LL PURGE ME THANK YOU GOODNIGHT

cinders & sapphires isn't good and i remember reading it for the first time and having this moment of clarity where my smooth 14-year-old brain realised that not only could things be bad because i don't like them but things could I HAVE LONGSTANDING PERSONAL BEEF WITH THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT QUEERBAITED ME WHEN I WAS 14 AND HAS BEEN LIVING IN MY MIND RENT-FREE FOR ALMOST A DECADE. THIS WAS NOT GOOD AND YET I AM GOING TO READ THE OTHER TWO BOOKS BECAUSE I THINK IT'LL PURGE ME THANK YOU GOODNIGHT

cinders & sapphires isn't good and i remember reading it for the first time and having this moment of clarity where my smooth 14-year-old brain realised that not only could things be bad because i don't like them but things could be bad because they're just sloppy. for example...
➡️if you took a shot for every simile you may not even get through the first two chapters
➡️the prose is clunky and unclear to the point where i sometimes had to reread a few sentences because i had no idea what the subject was. rogue commas. syntax that's almost BACKWARDS it's so elementary
➡️ada gets proposed to not one, not two, but three times!! THREE TIMES!!
➡️nobody has any sort of defined character except for charlotte, fiona, and stella all of whom are Evil and Scheming
➡️ada and rose are THE SAME in that they're both Good. their characters are interchangeable except for rose being shy. also ada is *not* smart lmaoooo
➡️speaking of characters there are at least a dozen different pov characters, only about half of whom are really necessary, and these povs aren't even divided equally
➡️(really you could cut the povs in half and be fine with just ada, rose, oliver, stella, and georgiana. equal number of upstairs/downstairs characters, no major plotlines lost)
➡️however i would frankly love to cut out georgiana's plotline because she a) does nothing b) spends all of her page time being in love with her stepbrother
➡️i was setting myself up to get queerbaited by ada and rose, remembering that they were secret half-sisters only to be blindsided by georgiana being like "yeah i'm romantically in love with my stepbrother"
➡️she KNOWS THEY'RE RELATED.
➡️their parents get married ON PAGE
➡️WHY IS NOBODY LIKE HEY GEORGIE GIRL UHH WHAT THE FUCK
➡️speaking of georgiana, who old is she supposed to be? 15? 16? is that ever stated?
➡️speaking of things that are never stated, is there a given location for somerton besides somewhere in generic southern england?
➡️why are all the relationships except for ada and ravi 99% off-page? sebastian and oliver have maybe 3 interactions, one of which is committing manslaughter together like this is rope (1948) dir. alfred hitchcock, but we're supposed to somehow Know they're a couple? those previous interactions were JUST flirting. i don't think they even touched. too many storylines disease
➡️sebastian tells so many people he's gay like this isn't 1912 and he won't lose his entire livelihood if the press tells. you are so stupid god bless.
➡️wait back to ada and ravi. they meet on the first chapter, talk for like two minutes, he tells her he thinks women are people and talks about stars, and then they MAKE OUT?? ada is SEVENTEEN she's never kissed a man before why is she kissing a dude she literally just met
➡️they also break up two or three times and say they're going to be Just Friends and then don't try at all. go girl give us nothing!!

this was somehow dreadfully dull and absolutely off the walls and yet as an adult with my brain turned off i didn't completely hate the experience however my frontal lobe is leaking out of my ears as we speak ❤️ if you see me reading the other two mind your own business ...more

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Nov 19, 2017 Leelynn (Sometimes Leelynn Reads) ❤ rated it liked it

Shelves: cya2018azchallenge

Find this review and more on my blog Sometimes Leelynn Reads.

Those who ride on high horses have a long way to fall.

This book definitely had a lot of scandal in it. I don't really read "romance" novels or "contemporary" novels like this book was, so it was interesting to read. In essence, this book was about the two different worlds in the Somerton Court: the elite and the servants. Lady Ada, one of the main characters, is the daughter of Lord Westlake who leans on the more educated side of life. Find this review and more on my blog Sometimes Leelynn Reads.

Those who ride on high horses have a long way to fall.

This book definitely had a lot of scandal in it. I don't really read "romance" novels or "contemporary" novels like this book was, so it was interesting to read. In essence, this book was about the two different worlds in the Somerton Court: the elite and the servants. Lady Ada, one of the main characters, is the daughter of Lord Westlake who leans on the more educated side of life. She would rather attend Oxford and learn more about politics than be one of those proper ladies that cares more about the clothes she wears and the potential husband she can have. One of the things I do appreciate about her is that she tries her best to educate herself about what's going on in the world, even if she isn't always correct in her thoughts. The other main character, Rose Cliffe, has become Lady Ada's lady maid, which is technically a promotion from her previous station. The cool thing about Ada and Rose, is that they actually grew up together and were friends when they were younger. Of course, that was before they had to really grow into their proper stations. Will they end up being friends again? Or will they play the game of class, and only be professional towards one another?

Does it even really matter to me? Not really, honestly.

I think the one part that I did appreciate - although it really irritated me - was the discussion on British Occupation in India. Since Lord Westlake had been working and living with his family in India for the past ten years - only now coming back to England because of some scandal surrounding his resignation - and on their trip back to their home country, Ada meets an Indian boy by the name of Ravi. She falls for him after a brief conversation about Oxford, and they end up kissing. At a party, the topic of India comes up, and Ravi - being the only Indian person in attendance of this party - obviously has a differing opinion on the occupation from the rest of the guests. One of the main quotes from Ravi that I loved was this:

I, too have spent several years in India - my entire life, as it happens - and more than this, I am Indian. You must allow me a different perspective on its government by the English than you might have.

Of course he would have a different opinion! Why wouldn't he? How would the British even understand what the native Indians are actually going through when they aren't on the receiving end. Like so many people have said, history is told through the eyes of the victors, and therefore is very subjective to make it sound like this occupation was a good thing. It was the only way these Indian "savages" could have a sustainable government. Of course, right? And yet everyone dismisses his thoughts because he's "young". Of course.

This book was alright for me. It really just shows me that the people during this time were so... difficult to deal with. So much drama and deception for almost no reason. Did it add to the story? Not really. Did it make it enjoyable? Not so much. But other than that, it was an okay read. If you like contemporary, historical fiction romances, then I think you would like it. ...more

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Apr 29, 2017 Sparkleypenguin rated it it was ok

Shelves: ya-historical-fiction, ya-romance

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

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Jan 15, 2022 Gina rated it really liked it

When I first heard this book was like Bridgerton, I was honestly curious how much like Bridgerton it is. It turns out the book is very much like the PG13 version of Bridgerton: same atmosphere, same societal rules (mostly), same discussions of politics (just in a different region of the world), and same love interests everywhere. I liked it. I'm really glad it's a series. I can't wait to read the next one. ...more

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Apr 10, 2020 Bella Vita rated it liked it

Shelves: owned

I loved this book. The suspence was everything. I had to rate it down because I don't agree with the lifestyle some of characters have. But overall a hreat book. ...more

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Jul 07, 2013 Alice in Readerland rated it liked it

Review originally posted on ALICE IN READERLAND (aliceinreaderland.com): For the first time in a long while, Lady Ada, her sister, and her father are returning to Somerton estate from India, though this time they’re also bringing along a new difficult step-family, new servants, and of course, plenty of secrets.

For the servants already working at Somerton, the surprise arrival (and additions of people) means working harder in the house as well as working harder to keep secrets. For Rose, a maid a ...more

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Jun 30, 2012 Stephanie rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2013, historical-fiction, sisters, ya-read

4.5/5

Source: Received an ARC from Jen Ryland/YA Romantics

Wow-this book basically has everything! It has so many of the plotlines from "Downton Abbey" and similar stories, all jam-packed into a very easy reading style. I polished this book off very fast and felt quite accomplished as I've been a bit behind on my reading goals.

Since I mostly liked the book, I'm just going to point out a few criticisms, not to be a downer but in order to be more balanced. The book is narrated in third-person past t 4.5/5

Source: Received an ARC from Jen Ryland/YA Romantics

Wow-this book basically has everything! It has so many of the plotlines from "Downton Abbey" and similar stories, all jam-packed into a very easy reading style. I polished this book off very fast and felt quite accomplished as I've been a bit behind on my reading goals.

Since I mostly liked the book, I'm just going to point out a few criticisms, not to be a downer but in order to be more balanced. The book is narrated in third-person past tense and although it mostly focused on just a few people, it shifted around, sometimes quite abruptly and caused some confusion. This mostly happened at the beginning so either it was edited out or I became accustomed. My second main criticism is just that there is so much stuff, much of which felt familiar (due to the fact that I actively seek out books set in this time) but also which subsequently didn't receive much treatment. There is only so much space and we have a serious amount of plot threads set up. The upside is that now there is so much to look forward to learning about in book 2. Third and final criticism would have to be the instant love that strikes Lady Ada in the prologue; one kiss and she's a goner, this secret, forbidden love motivating her for the entire novel. Never mind that there are a ton of cute boys to kiss (or at least to flirt with since kissing was much more serious back then); I just didn't feel the love for this guy since we barely got to spend any time with him.

Now that the negative is over, what did I like? Well I really liked our two main characters Ada and Rose, young lady of the house and maid respectively who have the lion's share of the narrative. I especially liked how Ada is a bluestocking, interested in studying at Oxford and promoting women's suffrage, a cause close to my heart (think about it: just 100 years ago, I would not have been allowed to vote! That makes me kind of mad!) Rose is the sweet and shy ladies maid with a secret past (that should be fairly obvious to most readers). Other characters include Ada's new stepfamily with a conniving stepmother, whose portrait was much more cartoonish than the similarly crafty Lady Summerset, really conniving stepsister, and two stepbrothers with their own secrets, more extended family, various politicians, and a household of servants. Although there are a lot of characters, I did not feel overwhelmed by them, keeping their names easily straight for the most part.

I also loved the many themes that were touched on, especially women's education as touched on above. I feel like this book has the potential to be fun and frothy while also exploring the fascinating history. Of particular interest was the British Empire's involvement with India as well as hints at trouble on the Continent (it is only 1910 so we still have quite some time before WWI breaks out-hope the series will reach that point!)

Overall: A light, fast-moving historical novel-perfect for those craving another hit of "Downton Abbey" as well as for people who like lighter stories in general.

Cover: Love! Although the title makes me think of Cinderella, which is not really a part of the story, I don't mind the misleading. I love the swirls all around although I feel bad for the girl (I'm guessing it's supposed to be Rose) having it go through her head. ...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Chelsey Wolford rated it it was amazing

Fans of Downton Abbey are sure to relish in this fascinating new series that highlights life in luxurious London at an estate called Somerton. Lady Ada and her family have just returned back to London, England from India at the beginning of this novel, when Ada’s father announces his plans to remarry again to the elegant, prestigious Mrs. Templeton. Everyone in the manor is shocked by the news but understands that Mr. Averley needs the good name and fortune of Mrs. Templeton in order to save wha Fans of Downton Abbey are sure to relish in this fascinating new series that highlights life in luxurious London at an estate called Somerton. Lady Ada and her family have just returned back to London, England from India at the beginning of this novel, when Ada’s father announces his plans to remarry again to the elegant, prestigious Mrs. Templeton. Everyone in the manor is shocked by the news but understands that Mr. Averley needs the good name and fortune of Mrs. Templeton in order to save what is left of his family and their beloved manor. Ada has enough to worry about on her own after just being proposed to by a man that she doesn’t love and never will, while juggling her affections for a man whom would never be found worthy enough for her hand in marriage by her father or anyone for that matter.

This story focuses on the accounts of Ada Averley and her ladies’ maid, Rose Cliffe. Readers will experience life with the upper classes staying at Somerton as well as the working class. Rose soon becomes a personal friend of Ada’s and helps Ada to sneak around and visit Ravi, the young man she has secretly fallen in love with of which she knows no one will approve. I loved the relationship that was developed by Ada and Rose because I cannot stand when the working class is treated poorly and I love how Ada takes Rose under her wing. It is also nice to think that maybe situations like theirs really did happen every now and again. I am sure that ladies of the ton were likely to befriend their ladies’ maids and their relationship seemed very realistic and personable to me.

Ada was the perfect heroine for me because she had such a strong desire to be educated and not live under the confines normally placed on a woman during this time. Ada was at first a monotonous character and I was worried that she might bore me; however, once her passions started to rise to the surface and I saw what she was all about, I began to see her develop more and more. Her love interest was another of my favorite things to read about. Ada has feelings for an Indian student staying at Somerton called Ravi. Ada knows that no one, including her father, would ever approve of her union but her burning desire will not let her stay away from him, and he is just as persistent. For some reason I always relate India to London and I can see the areas in which their cultures intertwine. Ravi and Ada are an unlikely pair but I think their union works really well with the storyline.

This novel fit perfectly in between both the young adult and historical fiction genres. Fans of both will surely love this book. I have read many mixed reviews regarding this book and I am still trying to figure out what everyone doesn’t like about it. I found no problems with the book, other than having so many characters to keep up with. The story was a fabulous account of the life of the rich and famous as well as what it was like to be part of the working class in a large estate such as Somerton. I really did not care for Mrs. Templeton, but I believe this was the point, as she was supposed to feed into the evil stepmother archetype. Overall, very well written story! I will be reading the sequel whenever it releases.

***A huge thank you to the publishers at Hyperion for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest & unbiased review***
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What's the Name o...: SOLVED. YA Historical Fiction series set in England either in Victorian or regency era. About the lives of two girls, one who is a lady and the other is her maid. The lady falls in love with a Indian man and the servant girl for a duke. Spoilers ahead. [s]	4	12	Mar 18, 2021 08:50AM
Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish	1	1	Mar 17, 2015 10:36AM

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About Leila Rasheed

Leila Rasheed

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Leila Rasheed has gained an MA in both Children's Literature and Creative Writing. She started work at Reading Is Fundamental, a children's literacy charity, before moving to Belgium. Leila now works as the children's bookseller for Waterstone's in Brussels. ...more