Elissa's Castle

by Juliet Greenwood

When Elissa Deryn buys a dilapidated castle in Snowdonia, with the intention of turning it into a B&B to support her in her old age, she has no idea just what she is letting herself in for. Far from fading away into obscure old age, Elissa suddenly finds herself eminently desirable. Suitors appear at an alarming rate. But is it Elissa's charm, or her castle and its unique Elizabethan garden, that is desirable? Can she find one amongst them all who will love her for herself alone, and not for her assets? Or is she having far too much fun as she is?

Genres: Fiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published May 13, 2005

About the author

Juliet Greenwood is the author of seven historical novels, her latest being with Storm Publishing. She has long been inspired by the histories of the women in her family, and in particular with how strong-minded and independent women have overcome the limitations imposed on them by the constraints of their time, and also with the way generations of women hold families and communities together in times of crisis, including WW2.

After graduating in English from Lancaster University and Kings College, London, Juliet worked on a variety of jobs to support her ambition to be a full-time writer. These ranged from running a craft stall at Covent Garden to collecting oral histories of traditional villages before they are lost forever, and more recently as a freelance editor and proof-reader.

She finally achieved her dream of becoming a published author following a debilitating viral illness, with her first novel being a finalist for The People’s Book Prize and her first two novels reaching #4 and #5 in the UK Kindle store.

Juliet now lives in a traditional quarryman’s cottage in Snowdonia, North Wales, set between the mountains and the sea, with an overgrown garden (good for insects!) and a surprisingly successful grapevine. She can be found dog walking in all weathers, camera to hand.

Reviews

[Jacula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's written in a fresh, sassy style that echoes its author's roots as a short story writer. This is her first full-length novel and, in my eyes, it has worked beautifully. The publishers, Transita, handle books by and about 'older women' - books that celebrate the years and the experience. Knowing Wales also added to my enjoyment of this book.

[Plum-crazy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, I was disappointed with this book. From the back cover blurb I was expecting to really enjoy it it sounded like chick-lit but with a 50+ heroine. But for some reason I just didn't gel with Elissa & while it was a passable story it didn't keep me hooked.

 

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elissa Deryn is an interesting character of a certain age. She is a single mother of two grown children who has worked many jobs to keep them clothed, fed and housed (as well as keep the bailiff away). Her ex-husband abandoned them to find himself. From the sounds of it, she is not a person to mess with (she calls herself an old trout). She is finally in a place where she can put herself first and she buys herself "a castle" to restore - an old Victorian home that she and her sister often visited as children. She loved Elinor, the old woman who was head of the house and quite an adventurer. She and her sister were even left something in Elinor's will. She loves the grounds and the house and wants to convert it to a B&B as security in her golden years. But, then, she seems to change. Robin, a close male friend who seems to have "feelings" for her but who she fervently keeps at arms length, is overseeing the restoration, keeping an eye on her best interests and "bossing" her around. She spars with him more than once. She makes many references to "Raf" - a past lover who wanted to take her and the kids away to Tuscany to live ( not completely sure why she didn't go). She meets two people in her garden - one a handsome younger man - who seem very interested in said gardens but act quite mysterious. She's accused of having family papers by the current head of the family who she has purchased the house from. Her sexy, younger sister, Cadi, makes a few appearances and then, to top it off, her ex-husband shows up - and she lets him stay! Where is this no nonsense woman that's been hinted at - I think she's lost her backbone. Not a bad story, a bit wordy at times and the story drags just a bit but an interesting read. I would give it a 3.5 stars out of 5. As has been stated in other reviews, it appears that there could be a sequel to this book, a bit of a surprise ending.

[Seren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amusing and easy brain-fluff. I read the whole thing in about 3 hours. I couldn't help feeling that there is meant to be a sequel, unless the author intentionally leaves the reader to decide on their own ending to the story. I was left thinking 'yeah...and?' at the lack of definite resolution for the characters. It will be finding its way back onto the BookCrossing communal shelf soon. As a Bridget Jones-esque singleton, I could identify with the life of the main character.

I also found the links into classic literature and mentions of modern pop culture quite funny. She paraphrases the opening line to Pride and Prejudice, always hoping for her Mr Darcy (aren't we all?), and James Bond makes a passing 'appearence' too!

[Pippa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book picked up just after I'd written my last comment. I think it's the first book Juliet Grenwood has written and she may be worth watching. I find the characters aren't strong enough though (apart from the heroine.) I keep forgetting which one is which.

[Pam]

rec 02/27/08 via bookmooch

[LindyLouMac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in 2007.

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked up at the Transita Day in Oxford way back in December 2006 and read in 2008. Remember it as being OK, but nothing special. (written January 2012)

[Tracy Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11665793

[Kate Millin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lissa buys an old 'castle' in her home town and does it up. A story about independence (most of the time)