Synopses & Reviews
At eighteen, Kate Worthington knows she should be getting serious about marriage, but her restless heart won't let her settle down. To escape her mother's meddlesome influence, she dreams of traveling with her spinster aunt to exotic India. But when the opportunity arises, Kate finds herself making a bargain with her mother: she will be allowed to go only if she spends a season at the family's wealthy estate, Blackmoore, where she must secure and reject three marriage proposals.
Enlisting the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield, Kate sets out to collect her proposals so she can be on her way. But Henry's decision to help threatens to destroy both of their dreams in ways they could never imagine. Set in Northern England in 1820, Blackmoore is a regency romance that tells the story of a young woman struggling to learn how to listen to her heart. With hints of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters, Blackmoore is a page-turning tale of romance, intrigue, and devotion.
Review
"Donaldson's second Regency romance (after Edenbrooke) is riveting and evocative. . . . Readers will be absolutely captivated by the beautiful imagery, sizzling tension (which never manifests explicitly, earning the book its designation of "proper"), and mesmerizing plot."—
Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
Review
"Admirers of Austen, Gaskell, and the Brontë sisters will enjoy this light tale of romance set in the early nineteenth century…Donaldson can turn a phrase…
Blackmoore is light and easy to read, perfect for a day at the beach or over tea and crumpets served in the best china."—
ForeWord ReviewsReview
"Delightful and completely engrossing. This beautiful love story will warm the reader's heart."—
Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
Review
"Shadow Mountain Publishing debuted its new spin on the Romance novel recently...and its enchanting debut title
Edenbrooke...has proven itself to be a winner right out of the gate."—
The Huffington PostReview
"Ms. Donaldson shows great promise. As a debut novel Edenbrooke was delightful and diverting. She particularly excelled at the witty repartee between the main characters and developed the second string beautifully to support the narrative."—Austenprose.com
Review
"Delightfully witty dialogue is engaging... our heroine operates slightly outside the expectations of a “genteel” lady of her time. And unlike many romances which drag the characters through conflict, prolonging their joy until the finale, this refreshingly straightforward tale provides tender interludes throughout. This debut novel captures all the charm of the Regency period — while offering plenty of romance for readers who crave a bit more than the tight-lipped love scenes written by 19th century writers."—The Horn Book
Synopsis
Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she'll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.
From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.
About the Author
Julianne Donaldson grew up as the daughter of a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. She learned how to ski in the Italian Alps, visited East Berlin before the wall came down, and spent three years living next to a 500-year-old castle. After earning a degree in English, she turned her attention to writing about distant times and places. She lives in Utah with her husband and children. You can find her online at www.juliannedonaldson.com.