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With This Curse #2
Cursed Once More
She went in search of her past . . . and found danger in the present. Former seamstress Clara Blackwood seems to have found happiness at last. Having defied the Gravesend Curse, she is a blissfully married baroness and mistress of a grand estate. But now a mysterious summons shatters her contented life. Clara grew up believing that her mother's family had disowned them. But the grandmother Clara never knew is now entreating her to visit Thurnley Hall, the family seat in Yorkshire. The old lady is on her deathbed and anxious to disclose vital family secrets before it's too late-for Clara's unborn child may be cursed with a horrible fate. Accompanied by her devoted husband, Atticus, Clara arrives at Thurnley to find intrigue brewing. Her boorish uncle, Horace Burleigh, is greedy for her wealth and desperate to protect the family's mysteries. Superstitious fear of Atticus torments the hulking Romanian servant, Grigore, and even the soft-spoken young ward, Victor Lynch, may have secret motives for getting close to Clara and her husband. When her grandmother dies under suspicious circumstances, Clara feels compelled to investigate. And when Atticus vanishes mysteriously, she must draw on all her strength and determination to find him before his time runs out . . . before her life can be cursed once more.
250 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2015
31 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Amanda DeWees
39 books140 followersAmanda DeWees received her PhD in English from the University of Georgia and wrote her dissertation on 19th-century vampire literature—the perfect training, although she didn’t know it at the time, for writing Victorian gothic romance novels. Her books include With This Curse, winner of the 2015 Daphne du Maurier Award in historical mystery/suspense, and the Sybil Ingram Victorian Mysteries series.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 17, 2016
This is a review for the audio book.
This is a gothic romance from Amanda DeWees. It’s the second of her books that I read but I spent some time reading some classic gothic romance and I have to say I like her style. There are some gothic elements but it’s not completely out and out gothic with twists that are there just to create sensation, especially in this one. She deals more with superstitions and how people deal with their prejudices rather than monsters or supernatural creatures.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one of the series. It seems the story just grew bigger and all the aspects of the atmosphere and the characters that appeared in the first book just came more alive in this one. The main characters, Clara and Atticus, are good characters and together they are a great couple. The book picks up almost exactly from where the last one left and we could go one with the rather recently married couple in a voyage through a gothic England and some Eastern European folklore that create a good atmosphere for the mystery and the romance (and the romance was even better than in the beginning, since there was more understanding between the characters). We have some twists and turns for the mystery that are entertainment enough to make this a good and light book.
I was given a copy of the audio book to review and I would really recommend it to fans of this style (even if you are not completely a fan of the gothic style, this one is a light one so if you like mystery and romance, I would still recommend it).
The narration is outstanding with an excellent range of voice and tone, improving the listener experience. It’s a first person narration, and Elizabeth Klett as Clara is a perfect match.
This is a gothic romance from Amanda DeWees. It’s the second of her books that I read but I spent some time reading some classic gothic romance and I have to say I like her style. There are some gothic elements but it’s not completely out and out gothic with twists that are there just to create sensation, especially in this one. She deals more with superstitions and how people deal with their prejudices rather than monsters or supernatural creatures.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one of the series. It seems the story just grew bigger and all the aspects of the atmosphere and the characters that appeared in the first book just came more alive in this one. The main characters, Clara and Atticus, are good characters and together they are a great couple. The book picks up almost exactly from where the last one left and we could go one with the rather recently married couple in a voyage through a gothic England and some Eastern European folklore that create a good atmosphere for the mystery and the romance (and the romance was even better than in the beginning, since there was more understanding between the characters). We have some twists and turns for the mystery that are entertainment enough to make this a good and light book.
I was given a copy of the audio book to review and I would really recommend it to fans of this style (even if you are not completely a fan of the gothic style, this one is a light one so if you like mystery and romance, I would still recommend it).
The narration is outstanding with an excellent range of voice and tone, improving the listener experience. It’s a first person narration, and Elizabeth Klett as Clara is a perfect match.
February 18, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! I Loved the characters, the writing style and the story. Although I guessed what was going to happen, it was still very enjoyable. I'm sad that I won't be reading any more of Clara and Atticus; I'll miss them... but I'll definitely be reading more of this author!
June 19, 2017
3.5/5.0
July 31, 2015
Once again, Amanda DeWees knocks it out of the park. We pick up right where we left off in the epilogue of With This Curse, less than a year after the wedding, the happy couple setting up homes for unwed mothers and Clara just aware of her own impending bundle of joy. Can I briefly mention my disgust for books (and films) that think that a series featuring the same couple means you have to keep breaking them up for stupid reasons to keep up the “tension”? It’s like they look at something that is working great, and ask, “How can we ruin this?” (Stephenie Meyer, Jerry Bruckheimer, I’m looking at you.)
Fortunately, Amanda DeWees is not one of those authors. The relationship between Atticus and Clara is as adorable and endearing and sweet and the highlight of the story. I so loved the strength and support they got from one another. All of the characters were excellent, realistic human beings (the realism perhaps highlighted in the number of times I wanted to punch a character or two in the nose—but we all know people like that too). Our villain was thrillingly creepy and shudder-inducing. I enjoyed the introduction this gives to Eastern European folklore; it added some great flavor to the story.
The atmosphere was great—I’ve never had the opportunity to visit England, but Ms. DeWees’s descriptions conveyed the loneliness and isolation in the misty bogs and moors.
I also appreciated the little touches of modern morality/ethics that Atticus and Clara offered. Sometimes the Victorians really were confused about how the world should work.
This was a great read, and—once again—I can’t wait for the next one. She can’t put them out fast enough. I should probably go reread it now while I wait.
Fortunately, Amanda DeWees is not one of those authors. The relationship between Atticus and Clara is as adorable and endearing and sweet and the highlight of the story. I so loved the strength and support they got from one another. All of the characters were excellent, realistic human beings (the realism perhaps highlighted in the number of times I wanted to punch a character or two in the nose—but we all know people like that too). Our villain was thrillingly creepy and shudder-inducing. I enjoyed the introduction this gives to Eastern European folklore; it added some great flavor to the story.
The atmosphere was great—I’ve never had the opportunity to visit England, but Ms. DeWees’s descriptions conveyed the loneliness and isolation in the misty bogs and moors.
I also appreciated the little touches of modern morality/ethics that Atticus and Clara offered. Sometimes the Victorians really were confused about how the world should work.
This was a great read, and—once again—I can’t wait for the next one. She can’t put them out fast enough. I should probably go reread it now while I wait.
April 12, 2023
I loved this book . It was the sequel to With This Curse. Clara and her husband and baron, Atticus visit with the same relatives that tossed her mother out years before.Her grandmother is said to be very ill. Clara finds the family very strange and foreboding. Strange secrets, even stranger events keep her and Atticus in danger. This was a great gothic mystery. with lots of twists. The village seemed afraid of the people in her family, and even Atticus. I love the relationship between Clara, and her handsome. Romance, and mystery at its best. One of my favorites.
July 25, 2017
I enjoy the voice of the main characters, Clara & Atticus, and so appreciate the way this author presents their love as something that uplifts, cleanses & makes each one a better person. They go through life hand-in-hand, using their property & fortune to make the world a better place for the downtrodden women & children the other nobles discard. I'm not sure that this was a stellar mystery because whenever Clara & Atticus are "on stage," they're all I notice! Thanks to author Amanda DeWees & narrator Elizabeth Klett for a lovely experience!
November 22, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed Amanda DeWees' previous novel, With This Curse, winner of the 2015 Daphne du Maurier Award for historical mystery/suspense, so I eagerly dived into this sequel. Cursed Once More has all the romance, suspense, intrigue, and action of the previous novel, taking us ever deeper into the lives of Clara and Atticus Blackwood. I hope there will be more novels in this series. Victorian Gothic at its finest.
October 30, 2017
This book, the second in a series of modern gothic Victorian Romantic suspense novels, could be read as a stand-alone, but the first is so wonderful this should be read second. In fact, the author tried so hard to make this a stand alone novel in the beginning chapters that it was annoying. Far too many pages at the beginning recapping the first novel with information that was not necessary for this story.
Another aspect of the narrative style drove me crazy – the foreboding comments peppered throughout the early portion of the novel. The book is told in first person narrative style and Clara, the narrator, drops vague foreboding statements about the loss of future happiness. I know this is probably an attempt at styling this as a gothic novel, but ultimately this is a romance novel. Which means, we get a happy ending – which renders the foreboding comments really odd. There is plenty of suspense in the story, but the comments build expectations and feel overblown. I’d prefer the suspense build through the story itself.
Those complaints are minor though. I enjoyed this book even more than the first. The the mystery unraveled in a more suspenseful manner (though one aspect of the resolution felt too sudden and pat). I so enjoyed revisiting Clara and Atticus’s characters so much – I wish it was a longer series.
4/5 on the romance scale
December 4, 2020
Clara Blackwood had finally defeated the Gravesend curse—the ill-fortune that seemed to haunt the manor in which she grew up as a servant and now reigns over as the baroness. She lives at Gravesend in marital bliss with her devoted husband Atticus, working together with him on their philanthropic projects. But when a series of desperate-sounding letters arrive from her estranged relatives, Clara can’t resist the chance to learn more about her mother’s family. Clara and Atticus arrive at Thurnley Hall to find her grandmother on her deathbed and anxious to reveal vital information to Clara. But her boorish uncle Horace seems willing to go to any length to prevent the Burleigh family secrets from being revealed. And how does her uncle’s charming young ward, Victor Lynch, fit into this tangled web of secrets and mistrust? When Atticus goes missing, Clara realizes that discovering the nature of the Burleigh family curse may be a matter of life and death—for herself, her husband, and their unborn child.
See my full review: https://www.thegothiclibrary.com/revi...
See my full review: https://www.thegothiclibrary.com/revi...
May 19, 2019
Amazing!
This is another fascinating book by Amanda DeWees and continues the story of Clara and Atticus! It keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. This is another classic Gothic book. I really enjoyed it!!
This is another fascinating book by Amanda DeWees and continues the story of Clara and Atticus! It keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. This is another classic Gothic book. I really enjoyed it!!
April 24, 2019
I loved both books in this series. I was sad it ended. Please write more books like these!
June 15, 2015
"Cursed Once More" picks up where the exception gothic mystery/thriller "With This Curse" leaves off. Atticus and Clara are happily married following the harrowing events at Gravesend (I won't go into detail there in case you haven't read the first book, which if you haven't -- what are you waiting for?). But a mysterious letter from a long-lost relative places Clara in danger again as she unravels family secrets and plunges headfirst into madness, deceit.... and murder. As gripping a read as "With this Curse" was, the sequel ramps up the suspense, the danger, and provides a villain even more insidious than the first - like any good sequel should. Through it all, there's the kind of tender romance that we veteran readers of Ms. DeWees have come to expect, made all the more engaging by the playful and charming nature of Clara and Atticus's relationship. In her usual way of hewing to traditional gothic conventions while keeping them fresh and avoiding cliche, DeWees here avoids the tired, worn-out old chestnut of introducing domestic calamity to facilitate romantic tension. Instead, she takes the rather novel approach of keeping her lead characters deeply devoted and physically attracted to one another even as they face a new deadly threat together. If you're a fan of Daphne du Maurier or Barbara Michaels, you will definitely want to check out this author, who is rapidly emerging as their heir apparent.
June 15, 2015
"Cursed Once More" picks up where the exception gothic mystery/thriller "With This Curse" leaves off. Atticus and Clara are happily married following the harrowing events at Gravesend (I won't go into detail there in case you haven't read the first book, which if you haven't -- what are you waiting for?). But a mysterious letter from a long-lost relative places Clara in danger again as she unravels family secrets and plunges headfirst into madness, deceit.... and murder. As gripping a read as "With this Curse" was, the sequel ramps up the suspense, the danger, and provides a villain even more insidious than the first - like any good sequel should. Through it all, there's the kind of tender romance that we veteran readers of Ms. DeWees have come to expect, made all the more engaging by the playful and charming nature of Clara and Atticus's relationship. In her usual way of hewing to traditional gothic conventions while keeping them fresh and avoiding cliche, DeWees here avoids the tired, worn-out old chestnut of introducing domestic calamity to facilitate romantic tension. Instead, she takes the rather novel approach of keeping her lead characters deeply devoted and physically attracted to one another even as they face a new deadly threat together. If you're a fan of Daphne du Maurier or Barbara Michaels, you will definitely want to check out this author, who is rapidly emerging as their heir apparent.
March 16, 2016
As with the first book, With This Curse, I flew through Cursed Once More. I simply love Clara and Atticus. Some may find their relationship unrealistic, but I am a secret romantic with an INFJ personality and it was a perfect example of my ideal relationship...so I drooled over it.
The plot of this story was not as easy for me to predict as the previous one. I was so caught up in the happenings of the plot that I did not even catch the signs indicating who the true villain was - something I am normally on the lookout for and very good at catching. In fact, the climax of the story kept me so on edge that I was literally unable to put the book down this morning until I finished it. (I'm sure the sight of me cooking breakfast and doing my makeup while trying desperately to keep reading would have been very amusing.) I found myself so anxious on behalf of the characters that I had to know what the resolution was going to be.
Overall, I loved this book just as much as the previous one. It's a short, quick read with a compelling plot and lovely characters. I hope Ms. DeWees writes another adventure for Clara and Atticus soon!
The plot of this story was not as easy for me to predict as the previous one. I was so caught up in the happenings of the plot that I did not even catch the signs indicating who the true villain was - something I am normally on the lookout for and very good at catching. In fact, the climax of the story kept me so on edge that I was literally unable to put the book down this morning until I finished it. (I'm sure the sight of me cooking breakfast and doing my makeup while trying desperately to keep reading would have been very amusing.) I found myself so anxious on behalf of the characters that I had to know what the resolution was going to be.
Overall, I loved this book just as much as the previous one. It's a short, quick read with a compelling plot and lovely characters. I hope Ms. DeWees writes another adventure for Clara and Atticus soon!
June 15, 2015
COM picks up a little after With This Curse (you could read this one first but the character's have a rich back story). Clara and Atticus have been enjoying marriage, and their relationship is maturing when Clara receives a letter from her grubbing previously disinterested uncle. Summoned to her ancestral home to attend her ailing grandmother, Clara starts to learn more about her family's secrets.
True to the genre, the book is full of brooding atmosphere and mysterious characters. What I love about it is the depth of the main characters' personalities and the witty dialogue. And like me, if you're tired of The Misunderstanding as the plot device, read freely. The plot is propelled by character development AND action, but the main couple never falter in their love - a nice antidote to the boxed, historical romance plot. It's refreshing to read a romance between a married couple working in tandem. The pacing is wonderful, maintaining suspense the entire way through, although my favorite parts were at the mysterious, and decrepit ancestral manor and grounds. A must read for fans of mid-century romances (e.g. Barbara Michaels, Daphne du Maurier).
True to the genre, the book is full of brooding atmosphere and mysterious characters. What I love about it is the depth of the main characters' personalities and the witty dialogue. And like me, if you're tired of The Misunderstanding as the plot device, read freely. The plot is propelled by character development AND action, but the main couple never falter in their love - a nice antidote to the boxed, historical romance plot. It's refreshing to read a romance between a married couple working in tandem. The pacing is wonderful, maintaining suspense the entire way through, although my favorite parts were at the mysterious, and decrepit ancestral manor and grounds. A must read for fans of mid-century romances (e.g. Barbara Michaels, Daphne du Maurier).
June 15, 2015
COM picks up a little after With This Curse (you could read this one first but the character's have a rich back story). Clara and Atticus have been enjoying marriage, and their relationship is maturing when Clara receives a letter from her grubbing previously disinterested uncle. Summoned to her ancestral home to attend her ailing grandmother, Clara starts to learn more about her family's secrets.
True to the genre, the book is full of brooding atmosphere and mysterious characters. What I love about it is the depth of the main characters' personalities and the witty dialogue. And like me, if you're tired of The Misunderstanding as the plot device, read freely. The plot is propelled by character development AND action, but the main couple never falter in their love - a nice antidote to the boxed, historical romance plot. It's refreshing to read a romance between a married couple working in tandem. The pacing is wonderful, maintaining suspense the entire way through, although my favorite parts were at the mysterious, and decrepit ancestral manor and grounds. A must read for fans of mid-century romances (e.g. Barbara Michaels, Daphne du Maurier).
True to the genre, the book is full of brooding atmosphere and mysterious characters. What I love about it is the depth of the main characters' personalities and the witty dialogue. And like me, if you're tired of The Misunderstanding as the plot device, read freely. The plot is propelled by character development AND action, but the main couple never falter in their love - a nice antidote to the boxed, historical romance plot. It's refreshing to read a romance between a married couple working in tandem. The pacing is wonderful, maintaining suspense the entire way through, although my favorite parts were at the mysterious, and decrepit ancestral manor and grounds. A must read for fans of mid-century romances (e.g. Barbara Michaels, Daphne du Maurier).
November 15, 2015
Cursed Once More is another thoroughly enjoyable Gothic historical romance written by Amanda DeWees. Picking up after the events that transpired in With This Curse, Clara and Atticus are enjoying being newlyweds when Clara receives a letter from her grandmother whom she's never met. With hopes of learning more about her mother, as well as her father who died soon after she was born, the pair head off to meet the estranged family. Soon after they arrive, the couple are faced with murder, imprisonment, and kidnapping.
Like in With This Curse, the story flows naturally, the plot is suspenseful, and the setting is haunted. There are several bad guys in this story, instead of only one, and there are several family secrets and superstitions that are entertaining and leave you guessing. Atticus and Clara are truly heroic and their love for each other is undeniable.
Elizabeth Klett’s narration is fantastic. She really brings Atticus and Clara to life, as well as the secondary characters, giving each one their own distinct voice. Her intonation and pace is simply sublime. In summary, I can't wait for the next book written by Amanda and narrated by Elizabeth!
Like in With This Curse, the story flows naturally, the plot is suspenseful, and the setting is haunted. There are several bad guys in this story, instead of only one, and there are several family secrets and superstitions that are entertaining and leave you guessing. Atticus and Clara are truly heroic and their love for each other is undeniable.
Elizabeth Klett’s narration is fantastic. She really brings Atticus and Clara to life, as well as the secondary characters, giving each one their own distinct voice. Her intonation and pace is simply sublime. In summary, I can't wait for the next book written by Amanda and narrated by Elizabeth!
February 29, 2016
Another exciting adventure for newlyweds, Clara and Atticus.
'Cursed Once More' takes place in Clara's ancestral home. Clara is invited to stay and meet her family and she is determined to find out as much as possible about them and her parents. However, there is more to this family reunion than meets the eye. Her grandmother alludes to a terrible family secret but is murdered before she gets the opportunity to divulge any useful information.
Clara's relatives are stranger than Atticus's family and it isn't long before Clara seriously considers certain members of the household of being a cold blooded murderer. The killer has to be caught before they strike again.
There is a rich cast of spooky and strange characters in 'Cursed Once More.' The crumbling, dreary old mansion and the local people's fear of Clara's Romanian relatives, heavily influenced by vampire lore, lend a moody feel to the story.
Again Elizabeth Klett, the narrator, does a fabulous job of performing the story. Listening to the audio version certainly heightened my enjoyment of the novel and I will be looking out for her name when considering buying audiobooks in the future.
'Cursed Once More' takes place in Clara's ancestral home. Clara is invited to stay and meet her family and she is determined to find out as much as possible about them and her parents. However, there is more to this family reunion than meets the eye. Her grandmother alludes to a terrible family secret but is murdered before she gets the opportunity to divulge any useful information.
Clara's relatives are stranger than Atticus's family and it isn't long before Clara seriously considers certain members of the household of being a cold blooded murderer. The killer has to be caught before they strike again.
There is a rich cast of spooky and strange characters in 'Cursed Once More.' The crumbling, dreary old mansion and the local people's fear of Clara's Romanian relatives, heavily influenced by vampire lore, lend a moody feel to the story.
Again Elizabeth Klett, the narrator, does a fabulous job of performing the story. Listening to the audio version certainly heightened my enjoyment of the novel and I will be looking out for her name when considering buying audiobooks in the future.
July 10, 2015
This series does need to be read in order for complete understanding. I had forgotten how much I love this series. This review contains spoilers if you have not read the prior works. Clara who was supposed to marry one brother ends up marrying the other. In this book we follow their journey to uncovering her family's past. The story is fast paced and keeps you pulled into the story line, which takes many adventurous twists and turns. I had a feeling that a few of them were coming, but was blown away by them none the less. I love this authors writing style, the book flows naturally and keeps you entertained through out. I hope we get to hear more about this family, I have grown quite attached to them.
August 20, 2016
This is 3.5 stars
The storyline was good, the writing was great. But I kept loosing interest. Even when "things were getting interesting" as some would say, But I just could not get wrapped up in the book.
I loved the characters, The author did great with them. I don't think that I would really change anything about how the book was written, I just could not keep going sometimes.
However, I am so glad that I did keep going! I was very interested in the mystery that was going on!!!
So I had to find out who did it and why.
My feelings on this book are really hard to describe. I would recommend it, but I don't love it.
*I received my copy in exchange for an honest review.
The storyline was good, the writing was great. But I kept loosing interest. Even when "things were getting interesting" as some would say, But I just could not get wrapped up in the book.
I loved the characters, The author did great with them. I don't think that I would really change anything about how the book was written, I just could not keep going sometimes.
However, I am so glad that I did keep going! I was very interested in the mystery that was going on!!!
So I had to find out who did it and why.
My feelings on this book are really hard to describe. I would recommend it, but I don't love it.
*I received my copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2015
Another deliciously creepy spellbinding tale about Clara and her husband Atticus. Long-lost family, family secrets, a crumbling estate, non-cheesy vampire lore, and yes, yet another curse all made for a real page turner. Amanda's lush prose and vivid descriptions bring her characters and setting to life. She is masterful at creating atmosphere and foreboding.
Now I'm selfishly hoping she'll keep writing more books about Clara, even though I feel kind of bad that she has to keep dealing with curses. ;-)
Now I'm selfishly hoping she'll keep writing more books about Clara, even though I feel kind of bad that she has to keep dealing with curses. ;-)
July 31, 2018
Book Two : Clara's Family
Lusting for atmospheric gothic tales of danger, curses, murder and mystery? Needing a bit of true love thrown in to increase the tension? Read on and you will not be disappointed in any way by the second book which focuses on Clara's family, who turn out to be equally cursed along with Atticus' . Amanda DeWees is truly a direct and worthy descendant of the Brontes, and Du Maurier.
Lusting for atmospheric gothic tales of danger, curses, murder and mystery? Needing a bit of true love thrown in to increase the tension? Read on and you will not be disappointed in any way by the second book which focuses on Clara's family, who turn out to be equally cursed along with Atticus' . Amanda DeWees is truly a direct and worthy descendant of the Brontes, and Du Maurier.
February 25, 2017
3.5/5.0
In this sequel to “With This Curse”, Ms. DeWees once again creates the times and people of the regency era with such grace and beauty that one actually feels a part of that world!
Read full review in the 2015 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
In this sequel to “With This Curse”, Ms. DeWees once again creates the times and people of the regency era with such grace and beauty that one actually feels a part of that world!
Read full review in the 2015 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 19, 2016
Love love love
Miss DeWees keeps you guessing throughout, spins a wonderful tale. I'm not easily fooled and find many romantic fictions cheesy and obvious. This book is not either of those! Another review compared her writing to Victoria Holt, whom I really enjoy; I say DeWees is better!
Miss DeWees keeps you guessing throughout, spins a wonderful tale. I'm not easily fooled and find many romantic fictions cheesy and obvious. This book is not either of those! Another review compared her writing to Victoria Holt, whom I really enjoy; I say DeWees is better!
July 12, 2015
Like the first, a decent historical mystery. The heroine's gushing over her new husband's perfection got a little old, but not enough to really detract from the story.
December 26, 2015
Admittedly not as carefully crafted as the first book, but still madly entertaining and a very good depiction of the genre.
May 5, 2016
pretty good read. ..not as good as the first
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews