The Country House Courtship

Forsythe #3

by Linore Rose Burkard

Linore Burkard's fans devoured her first two Regency novels Before the Season Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square. Now, as her third novel opens, the year is 1818 and Miss Beatrice Forsythe is determined to marry well. After all, her sister, Ariana, married The Paragon, Mr. Phillip Mornay, five years earlier--which all but guarantees that she, Beatrice, can also make a famous match to a wealthy man. But her sister and husband have disappeared from high society as they raise a family at their country estate. Can Beatrice persuade them to chaperone her in London? And what about Beatrice's business with the curate, Mr. O'Brien, whom she rashly promised to marry years earlier. At seventeen now, she has no wish to marry a mere clergyman--despite his agreeable countenance and gentle, understanding ways. When Mr. Tristan Barton becomes the tenant of the Manor House, Beatrice's hopes seem to have found their object. But when Ariana falls gravely ill, secrets come to light, motives are revealed, and the pretenses that are easy to keep up in the darkness begin to crumble. Hearts are bared, truths uncovered, and when all is said and done, a country house courtship like no other has occurred! As always, Linore Burkard delivers "spirited romance for the Jane Austen soul."

Genres: Christian Fiction, Regency, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Christian, Regency Romance

287 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2010

About the author

Linore Rose Burkard ( L.R.Burkard) is a serious watcher of period films, a Janeite, and hopeless romantic. An award winning author best known for Inspirational Regency Romance, her first novel (Before the Season Ends) opened the genre for the CBA. Besides historical romance, Linore writes contemporary suspense (The Pulse Effex Series, as L.R. Burkard), contemporary romance, and romantic short stories. Linore has a magna cum laude English Lit. degree from CUNY which she earned while taking herself far too seriously. She now resides in Ohio with her husband and family, where she turns her youthful angst into character or humor-driven plots.

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Linore is Vice President of the Dayton Christian Scribes, and a Regional Director of CAN, Christian Authors Network. Her biggest guilty pleasure aside from ice cream is cheering the NY Mets. Her husband knows how they're doing from the other side of the house! (It's true what they say, "You can take the girl out of New York, but....." )

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Linore Rose Burkard and I LOVED it! Many people have compared this book to something of the Jane Eyre era and I'm just going to have to take their word for it because I've never read any Jane Eyre!

I was a bit concerned when first received this book to read since it is the third in a series. However, I heard that it could be read as a standalone so I gave it a try. I never felt lost or like I was missing a piece of the story. I do, however, want to go back and read the first two books in the series!

Beatrice is a young woman who is full of anticipation about her "coming out". The only problem is that her mother thinks she's not ready yet. Beatrice is pleading with her sister Ariana (who, by the way, just recently married into a very wealthy and respectable position) to take her to London. Mr. Mornay (Ariana's husband) is needing to secure a vicar and before long, two men are present at Abington to apply for such a position. When Beatrice appears attractive to both of them, and she with an eye for each one of them, whatever is a girl to do? It's only after a couple of significant, trying events, that the decision is made for her.

I found myself hearing the dialects of the characters and envisioning the homes, the beautiful finery, and the carriages. I longed to escape there on a Saturday morning after a long week of work. I even caught myself wanting to refer to my family members as "Mr", "Miss", and "Master". They would have thought I'd lost my mind had I done so but I was so wrapped up in the story that it could have very well happened.

I identified with Beatrice in this story on so many different levels and was anxious to see what "we" would do next. I was not disappointed, not even in the least!

I wish to extend a special thanks to the author and publisher for providing this copy for me to review.

I'm so excited that I was able to finish this book today!! :)

[Dina Sleiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I write this review from a different sort of perspective. Books by Linore Rose Burkard are often touted as, “Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen soul.” Now if you love Jane Austen, chances are you’ve already discovered Linore and her wonderful books based on that glowing recommendation. But I must confess. It scared me away. Although I love much about these books and this time period, I feel like I’m slogging through the formal convoluted language every time I pick up a Jane Austen novel. I have yet to make it to the end of one. For me, pleasure reading they are not.

So it was with some trepidation that began the advanced copy of The Country House Courtship sent to me for this review. By the time I reached the second chapter, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief because I found myself enjoying the book enormously. The language rings of Jane Austen, yet is much friendlier to the modern reader. The omniscient viewpoint made me feel like I was sitting with a friend as they told me a tale and proved a pleasant change from the norm.

In The Country House Courtship Linore combines the best elements of Regency fiction with the best elements of contemporary writing to delightful effect. I would call these books “Jane Austen Lite,” and I mean that in the best sort of way. There is no slogging or trudging through this book. Readers can enjoy a wonderful Regency style novel that is friendly to a modern day audience. So of course, I highly recommend this book to Jane Austen fans. However, I think anyone who enjoys romance or historical fiction will love this book as well.

[Lisa]

Harvest House Publishers
www.linoreroseburkard.com
ISBN: 978-0-7369-2799-4
Historical Fiction-Romance

For the third Inspirational Regency Romance from Linore Rose Burkard, the author takes up the story five years after the events of The House on Grosvener Square. The first romance has achieved the desired result of matrimony and even produced two children, unusually doted upon by their parents, Ariana and Phillip Mornay. Mr. Mornay would become a viscount, if only he’d agree, but he has more vexing business to attend to: Ariana’s family visit with her scheming and somewhat spoiled naïve young sister Beatrice, as well as having to fill his estate’s Country curacy. And that is a nasty business when who should be proposed for the post but a former rival of Ariana?

Burkard’s favorite family of mischief returns for another adventure. Not content to cause madcap mayhem in London, they now find plenty of trouble in the country when a mysterious illness causes an upheaval in housing arrangements. A new neighbor has ulterior motives of several sorts to be in the district. To top it off, no one wants Beatrice to have her own season in London so that she can catch a rich husband like her sister.

Country House Courtship misses none of the high jinx of London society during the era of England’s Prince Regent in the early days of the nineteenth century, when fashion and society are an entertainment to themselves. Burkard fans will enjoy this story which will make many new devotees to period romance.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not aware that there were two other books in the series before this one when I started it, but it certainly can stand alone. Maybe that was why it took me as little longer to get into it at first. But I found the setting, the characters, the topics and conversation to be very nicely woven into a clean romantic story. I tend to appreciate the stories based in England, Ireland, Scotland, so this fit in well for me. It shows character change in the main characters, except one who simply does not understand how greed and position has poisoned his soul. The young lady who thinks she wants to marry him, though, is able to see through his selfish ways as the Lord allows her to view him and the curator almost side by side. There is a happy ending to this tale of relationships and I did enjoy her writing. She also included a glossary at the end for any who did not know terminology connected with the Anglican Church and English life.

[Linore]

This is the next and third book in my Regency series, and picks up the story of Beatrice Forsythe, now all of seventeen, who has come to stay with Ariana and Phillip Mornay at Aspindon, their country estate. Beatrice is certain she deserves to be well matched in her choice of a husband; her sister, after all, married the Paragon, Phillip Mornay. When Mr. Peter O'Brien joins the scene as the next vicar of a nearby parish, and then Ariana falls prey to a terrible illness, pretences that are easy to keep up in the light begin to crumble. Hearts are bared, secrets made known, and in the end a country house courtship like no other has occurred!

Readers who enjoyed the first two books in this series, (Before the Season Ends, and, The House in Grosvenor Square) are sure to treasure this sparkling addition.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read anything by Linore Rose Burkhard but if The Country House Courtship is any indication of what her other books are like I am definitely making a point to read them! The Country House Courtship is tagged as "Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul" and it most definitely is! I am a huge fan of Jane Austen and the "fan" fiction that is so popular doesn't really "float my boat" so to speak, but Linore's regency felt just as if it were written by an author who lived during the Regency period. It was really good! I can't wait to read the first 2 books in the series! The characters were very realistic, the storyline moved along nicely and the romance was sweet. Definitely a must read for Christian fiction fans and regency fans alike.

I received my free review copy from the publisher.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

We watched Ariana come of age in her first London season, back when she charmed both her aunt and the Paragon, Mr. Mornay in the House at Grosvenor Square. Now Beatrice, Ariana's little sister, wants her own Cinderella story. She wants the same prestige, a large estate, and a doting husband like her sister has enjoyed. Ariana, however, never set out to marry into money, but happened upon it while seeking God's will for her life. Beatrice is determined to improve her place in society as she feels her sister has done, and she will never fall for any man who can't give her what she desires.

Which brings us to Mr O'Brien and Mr. Barton. We watched Mr. O'Brien unsuccessfully try for Ariana in the first book of the series. He is the curate, now a humbled and matured man since last we saw him. He is a thorn in Beatrice's side with his genuine kindness, since he cannot give her the material life to which she aspires. But Mr. Barton can. He is charming, even with his lack of interest in the things of God and family. Why is he renting the manor house in the country? His motives are not clear, but Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Mornay suspect they are less than above board.

Linore Rose Burkard's series from the early 19th century rings authentic, compared to many regency novels. Dialogue in regency novels can often be full of 21st century jargon with topics and conversations people would have today, but would never have had back then. Burkard's dialogue and tone reads exactly as you would picture the characters talking in 1818.

The historical situations are based on the culture and beliefs of the period in England - the paranoia of disease that caused workers to be prohibited from working if any family member was sick in order to protect the landlord's family. The age of bloodletting and warming a fever and the fear of not yet understanding how sickness was spread lends itself to superstition and to the mercy of the town apothecary.

When crisis strikes, and Ariana is close to death, Beatrice remembers her faith. She and her close knit family turn to God for help, led by Mr. O'Brien who is no longer Mr. Mornay's nemesis. Marrying for love, regardless of title or dowry, is illustrated beautifully by none other than Mr. Barton's lonely, troubled sister. Will Mr. Barton change his scheming ways? Or will Beatrice grow into the woman of God she was meant to be?

The Country House Courtship lets us in on a life of chaperones and equipages, bonnets and redingotes, romance and obligation. But one thing that never changes from century to century and is skillfully woven into this story, is faith in a loving God who offers salvation to all.

[Caity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say The Country House Courtship was probably my favorite book in the Forsythe series! The entire series was wonderful and I LOVED Before the Season Ends, as well, but this one seemed to have the most interesting plot (the main plot, and the subplots), in my opinion.
I loved the wide variety of characters. The first two installments in the series had lots of fun and endearing characters, but most of them were members of the ton, and upper class. Country House Courtship had all sorts of interesting characters, from the Prince Regent to the poor tenant family- with butlers, curates, and the Paragon between!
Peter O'Brien has undergone a marvelous growth in maturity since the last time we saw him! I was nervous when I read the synopsis- that he was the hero of this story- thinking he would continue to annoy me and that he would seem fickle. I was pleasantly surprised! Linore Burkard acquaints us with his activities between books (a space of 5 years) and leaves no doubt that this is truly a changed man. ^_^
In fact- I found myself liking him a lot, and instead becoming annoyed with Beatrice! She starts out quite immature and flighty, but her character was fun to watch as she grew and became more aware of what is important in life, rather than just what seems right or fun at the time.
The Bartons added a lot to this story and I really enjoyed reading both their parts in the story!
One of my favorites from book 1- Lord Horatio- has returned in this story, but I actually didn't connect it was the same guy until near the end! (No worries, this is not a spoiler, just my not thinking back far enough, and also forgetting his name. :P)
It's common for previous heroines and heroes to appear different in a series once the limelight has been removed from them; either becoming bland and having no depth, or to forget their "demoted" place as secondary characters and try to steal back the limelight from the new leading couple. Burkard did a great job at keeping the Mornays in the story - even a big part in the story - without neglecting the leads of book 3, or making them uninteresting. They had the same characteristics as ever- good thing, too, cause I love them! ^_^ However they have grown up a bit more and now have a family, so they have naturally changed somewhat.
Overall, The Country House Courtship was a delightful read with a charming cast of characters and a highly satisfactory ending. :D

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I never really warmed up to any of these characters except maybe Miss Bluford; the story line was interesting. The writing style was extremely formal for me as were most of the characters. I probably will not read another Burkard but I'm glad I read this one.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this Regency series and focuses on Ariana's younger sister, Beatrice Forsythe age 17, who feels she is quite old enough to have her "season" and quite mature enough to choose the right man. She only wants one kind of man: handsome, wealthy, and like her sister's husband. But God has a completely different plan for Beatrice's life, but it will take some bad choices before Beatrice finally understands who God has chosen for her lifemate.

Thoroughly enjoyable conclusion to this Regence trilogy.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linore Rose Burkard's unique style of writing and passion for this time period spills out onto the pages. She quickly whisked me into the Regency era and I fell right in step with the characters I enjoyed from the first two books of this series. I found Linore Rose Burkard’s stories captivating, inspiring and laugh out loud funny in parts. Linore’s characters are endearing and believable, and I quickly bonded with them. This author deals with a wide variety of situations which lets the reader to experience a full array of emotions. I felt immersed in the Regency period - its trials, the culture, style of clothes and manner in which the classes were treated then. Linore also alludes to medical horrors these people endured with mass sickness, poverty and uncleanliness.

This book opens with Ariana and Phillip Mornay, five years after their marriage. It was fun to read about this couple's passionate love for one another, and how that love has spilled over to their family life. Oh, let’s not forget about Mr. O’Brien, who created quite the stir right before the Mornay’s wedding. Linore shows us another side of Mr. Peter O’Brien we weren’t privy to before. I grew quite fond of Mr. O’Brien and the situation he found himself in. Poor guy, grin!

Ariana and her sister, Beatrice, although from the same family, were driven by different desires in life. Linore did a great job creating Beatrice and I found it difficult, in the beginning, to warm up to Beatrice. She was not at all like Ariana and there were several times I just wanted to tell Beatrice “Wake up girl! There are more important things to be chasing after and worried about in life” I guess this means Linore Rose Burkard has done a great job developing this character and having her get under my skin!!

Don’t let how I felt about Beatrice stop you from reading this book. You won’t want to miss out on experiencing true love, family and forgiveness, and how this household gathered together to let God have His way in their lives. Linore writes a satisfying conclusion to her Regency series. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next, and neither will you. I was very thankful to receive a review copy of this book.


Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linore Rose Burkard's books are simply delightful. This is the third and final installment in the stories of Forsythe/Mornay families. Beatrice is an endearing, charming character. A bit jealous of her sister's situation in life, Beatrice longs for her own wealthy match. She's disappointed that her sister and Mr. Mornay have retired to their country estate and have no plans to return to London, and Beatrice worries that she'll miss her season of coming out.

However, drama comes to the country as an old acquaintance shows up to apply for the position of curate. At the same time, a charming, if not roguish visitor also moves into the neighborhood. Beatrice finds her attentions divided as she grows up and learns that what she searches for is often right in front of her.

A simply charming story and a fitting end to the Regency trilogy. The books Before the Season Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square as well as this one all stand alone, although I recommend reading them in order, simply for wonderful stories, as well as character history.

[Lila Diller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd rate this 3.5 stars, so I'll be nice and round up. ;) As I gave the other two 3 stars, and I liked this one better, I'll give it 4.

I think this was the best of the trilogy, both in quality of writing and in realism of plot except for the climax. (Though there were a few editing mistakes, such as the several times when a single paragraph had dialogue from two speakers, which was confusing, but that might just be because this is a pet peeve of mine as an editor.)

I felt that the setting was handled better, too. There were only a few times where I thought some details about the Regency period were included just to be able to use some research without forwarding the story in any way, not nearly as many as in the first two books, so that was a relief.

My main problem was with the characters. I thought at the end of the second book that if the author had planned to write more about O'Brien that she shouldn't have added such a negative scene as the last one we see him in—one that diminished some of my respect for Mr. O'Brien as well as hardening me against any sympathy I had felt for him prior to that scene. When I started this book, I didn't have a very high opinion of him. Fortunately, the author did a good job of showing how he had changed for the better in several ways (though I didn't understand how his hair color could have changed).

I also was disappointed in Beatrice's character, as she was even more materialistic and shallow than Ariana had appeared when she first went to London. I didn't appreciate that in Ariana, and I still didn't appreciate it in Beatrice. I was interested enough in her improvement, however, to still root for her, which is why I continued to read.

I would almost recommend this third book as a stand-alone, to just skip the first two, for there was only a little bit about Mr. Mornay and Ariana that may not have been fully appreciated by a reader who had not read the previous stories. It was a sweet, fun, entertaining story overall, and I may actually come back and re-read this again.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It has been five years since Ariana Forsythe married the Paragon, Mr. Philip Mornay. Now, Ariana's sister, Miss Beatrice Forsythe, is seventeen and determined to marry advantageously as well. (Surely Ariana's society connexions all but guarantee Beatrice's success -- especially if Mr. Mornay is created a baronet by the Prince Regent! Ariana would be Viscountess Mornay.)

"But the Mornays have disappeared from high society as they raise a family at their country estate. Can Beatrice persuade them to chaperone her in London? And what about her business with the curate, Mr. O'Brien, whom Beatrice rashly promised to marry years earlier? She is too sophisticated now to settle for a mere clergyman -- despite his agreeable countenance and gentle, understanding ways.

"When Mr. Tristan Barton becomes tenant of the Manor House, Beatrice's hopes seem to have found their object. But when Ariana falls gravely ill, secrets come to light, motives are revealed, and pretenses that were easy to keep up in the darkness begin to crumble. As hearts are bared and truths uncovered, a country house courtship like no other cannot be far behind!"
~~back cover

A charming little Regency romance, with lots of intrigue and impulsiveness on the part of our heroine, Beatrice. A very nice description of Regency disease, and the lack of knowledgeable medical treatment thereof.

I would have given this book 4 stars, since I stayed up late to finish reading it, but I felt the end was too cut and dried, too hurried, too compressed.

[Rainee Grason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance is full of unexpected twists and turns and makes for a good read that will not be forgotten. As a reader, you know who the young lady should marry, but her heart is set elsewhere. During course of events, she realizes that having the extravagant venture into lavish balls and dinners are not what she really wants. But, she has no indication of affection from the person she starts to believe is the one. How can she marry someone who does not have the same feelings for her, as she does for him? High expectations and put her life and future into possible jeopardy and compromise more than once. On the other side, are glimpses into the gentlemen's thoughts. One is quite willing to do anything for the sake of showing true love, yet lacks substance. The other does not offer enough evidence of feelings that he doesn't believe are real. The journey is on, and it is certainly entertaining!

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was lovely. I haven't read anything by this author before, but I definitely will again in the future.

Clean regency romance with christian themes, real characters with depth and real life struggles, humour and some mild action.
Though, admittedly, the action at the very end of the book, with the antagonist, wasn't necessary for me, I totally ate up the rest of the book.
There's some coming of age going on with the FMC and I really enjoyed seeing her wrestle with her young selfish self and grow into something more.

Content warnings
Coarse language: none
Violence & gore: no gore, very mild violence if you can even call it violence
Sexual content: some very chaste kisses and discussions about marriage and a pregnancy outside of marriage

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

You really need to read this series in order to get the full picture on this third book - who the characters are and what all they've been through to get where they are. I'm glad Burkard wrote this book to give us a picture of Phillip and Ariana's life after they've been married 5 years. The competition of suitors for Beatrice's hand gets quite interesting, and I stayed up late to find out who finally wins. Once again, I like the spiritual content of this book - keeping prayer and reading God's word, along with a personal relationship with Christ - as being more important that fortune or favor with the world's leaders.

[loriinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I didn't have to wait for the third book!

I stumbled upon The House in Grosvenor Square and read it without understanding it was part of a trilogy until I reached the end. I quickly went back and read Before the End of the Season and then this story. Frankly, I was exasperated by Beatrice's immaturity at the start, but ultimately loved to see her transformation.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Christian regency romance is probably closer to a 3.5. The third book in a series, I found it had characters I loved, such as Arianna and Mr. Mornay, those I didn’t like at all, and one who matures and changes her whole outlook on life

[Gerald Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burkard continues the series with an exciting and authentic continuation of characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this 3rd book even more than the first two, which forces me to encourage her to begin working on a 4th!

[L. Spurgus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss this read!

This is a wonderful story so appropriate for this difficult time we're going thru. A fever is spreading quickly and many decisions have to be made, but the most important is praying and trusting God to intercede. Loved it!

[Lorraine Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book read.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Burkard is skilled at writing a story filled with so many twists and turns, you want to keep reading just to find out what will happen next, and how it will be resolved.

[Jean Ware · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the earlier books better. I was much less sympathetic to & supportive of the heroine.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I mean… we need a part 4!!! *sigh* . I loved this series and hate that it had to end.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay plot; the overall message was good though.

[SOM · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of the series!

[Katrina Lybbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Beatrice's story in this final book of the series.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third installment of this Regency Romance trilogy returns to the standard set by the first - Before the Season Ends. In the first book, Mr Mornay and Ariana Forsythe find love. It managed to be both a true Regency romance and a deeply Christian book, shining light into a fascinating passage of history as methodism emerged from anglicanism.

The second book - The House in Grosvenor Square - tried to continue the story of Mr and Mrs Mornay past the point of their marriage and didn't really work. Sequels to romances are very hard to accomplish.

If you're going to write a sequel to a romance, though, this book is an example of how it should be done. Our heroes from the first book are still on the stage, but the focus shifts to a new romance. Beatrice Forsythe, Ariana's younger sister, thinks what she wants is a London season and the triumph of marrying a wealthy man of high status.

When Mr Barton appears on the doorstep of Mr Mornay's country house, Beatrice tries to convince herself that she's in love. But her attraction to the clergyman, Mr O'Brien keeps tugging at her. But how could she be in love with a clergyman?

This Mr O'Brien is the same character from earlier in the series, who at one point fancied himself in love with Ariana. This makes him an interesting character to re-introduce into Beatrice's life and also makes the sections written from his point-of-view enjoyable.

Also, like the first book, this book is a Regency romance but also provides insight into the surrounding world. It examines the plight of the poor in this period, health and medicine and the challenges faced when contagious disease spread in such a class-stratified environment, and the internal conflicts within the Anglican church at the time.

All in all, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first book in the series.