Saturday, September 5, 2015

Edenbrooke


GIVEAWAY

DONALDSON, JULIANNE
EDENBROOKE

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.

My Review:

While not a Christian fiction selection I couldn't resist checking this book out after reading about Edenbrooke on Facebook. And am I ever glad I did. First off the publisher promises romance at its 'very best' and 'cleanest' so the only thing missing in this exceptional read is an inspirational thread.

If you are an Austen fan, this book is for you. If you are a Regency fan, this book is for you. If you are a fan of stories where the developing romance takes precedent, this book is for you. If you have a fainting couch, this book is for you. LOL My toes are so curled I may need surgery to straighten them! That's thanks to Philip -- the dynamic (and flirtatious) hero and his many toe curling scenes. And my heart is still all aflutter over the many engaging encounters between Philip and Marianne. I fell in love a little more each page. In fact, one of the things I loved most about this book is that they are together in just about every scene.

The fact that Marianne is such a sweet contradiction of a proper Regency lady endeared her to me. And oh my goodness, but that provides some of the most hysterically funny situations to grace the pages of a Regency romance. Along with witty dialogue galore! Such a delight to read.

 In between laughing and swooning I found myself nervously biting my nails in grim anticipation of a plot suddenly gone awry. A charming debut novel that was pure pleasure to read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Edenbrooke please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw ill be held and winner announced on Sunday September 6 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

56 comments:

  1. I have had my eye on this one lately and wondered if it was good. Thanks Kav!
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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  2. Thanks for the detailed review. This is s new author to me but she looks like a good one. Is this the first book in the series?

    Diane
    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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    1. It's her debut novel and I believe she has one other out, but don't think it's a sequel. Good luck, Diane.

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  3. I'd like to curl up on the couch and read this romance story! Sounds like a good one!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot(net

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  4. I got this one from the library and loved it!!! I would adore a paperback copy to read again and again. :)

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

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    1. It's the kind of book that begs to be read again, isn't it? Good luck, Anne.

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  5. Oh, this one sounds good, Kav! Thank you for sharing!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  6. Yea you "charmed" me into wanting to read this one too. Lol. I usually stick with inspirational authors and books but I'll take your word for this one. So count me in .... rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. That's me too, Becky. So many good novels in the Christian market who has time to read elsewhere? But I'd actually 'heard' about it from an author on Facebook and I was intrigued so I checked it out of the library. I'll admit to miss the inspirational thread -- but I did love the story so I decided to post it on my retro Saturday. Good luck!

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  7. Time period books are the best to read. I think the 1700 and 1800 was an interesting time. kamundsen44(at)yahoo(dot)com.

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    1. I agree -- though I'm glad I didn't live at that time. Much more fun to read about it! Good luck, Kim.

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  8. would love to read this beautiful novel, kav...thanks for the chance

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  9. OH you find some of the coolest retros!!!!!!! This one sounds GREAT!!!!!!!

    Hugs, Amada
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

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    1. I'm really having fun with the retro books too. Good luck, Amada.

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    2. I love that you keep show casing titles I haven't heard of yet! It definitely's making my to read list grow! ;)

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  10. This is my absolute favorite book to re-read! It's adorable, charming, and irresistible. Phillip is my literary crush <3 I already have a copy but I couldn't help commenting, so glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. I know, I was weak in the knees over Philip -- loved his mix of sarcasm, brooding, tenderness -- and oh so noble!!!! Blissful sigh.

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  11. would love to read this and love finding new authors

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  12. A summer adventure filled with romance and intrigue sounds fabulous! I would love to read more....

    psalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com

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  13. I would love to read this book. It sounds fantastic and being clean is definitely a plus. You don't always have that even in the so called Christian reads anymore.

    spotts06(at)comcast(dot)net

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    1. So true, Stella! Good point and good luck.

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  14. Oh! I have wanted to read this for a while now, and you just confirmed it for me: Austen fan: check. Regency fan: check! Thanks for letting me know it IS as good as I have heard, and for the giveaway!

    danandlyndaedwards (at) msn (dot) com.

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    1. You're welcome, Lynda. I'm really enjoying the number of new Regency books available on the market. Good luck.

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  15. Would love to win this!

    kristen_lee_68 at yahoo dot com

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  16. This really looks like a great read that I will enjoy reading. I will also put this on my TBR list . Thanks for chance to win.

    Judy
    magnolias_1(at)msn (dot)com

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  17. I just recently bought and read this, and couldn't agree more with your review! This was such a satisfying read, and as you said, was only missing an inspirational thread to make it Christian Fiction.

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    1. Thanks for commenting, Nicole. Glad you're a kindred spirit in this. LOL

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    2. Haha! Absolutely! Have you read her "Blackmoore"? I really want to try it now that I've read Edenbrooke. My sister said it has the same style, but is a bit heavier.

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    3. I actually put a hold on Blackmoore at my library. So stay tuned -- it may be featured in a retro Saturday review soon.

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  18. Sounds like the perfect book for me to read! Haven't read or heard of this author before, but I love Regency and Austen and witty dialogue, so count me in! Thanks for the recommendation and the giveaway! ConnieTroyer77ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. This is her debut novel -- published in 2012. I think she only has one other book out. I really enjoy her writer's voice. Good luck, Connie.

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  19. I actually heard about this book somewhere (can't remember where) quite a while back and added it to my Amazon wish list! Not that I always purchase everything on my wish list, but it serves as a good reminder.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Love those wish lists -- they come in handy when you're ready to buy books. I also use mine as a reference to make library purchase requests too. Good luck, Patty.

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  20. This sounds delightful! I'm looking this one up to read. :)
    lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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    1. Oh yes -- bet your library has it if you don't win it here. Good luck, Susan.

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  21. This book is definitely for me.....key phrase....Regency! Wished it was Christian, though. I do so admire a good inspirational thread throughout a story. But from your review, that is the only thing lacking. Sounds like a great read!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I'm with you, Trixi -- you don't realize how much you appreciate an inspirational thread until you are reading a book without one. It's fantastic in every other way though. Good luck!

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  22. Thanks for introducing us to Edenbrooke. It has such a lovely cover and sounds like it will be very enjoyable reading.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. You're welcome, Pam. It certainly seems popular! Good luck.

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  23. One of my favorite authors has this book as one of her top books to read and I have had it on my tbr for quite some time. I am thrilled to hear that you recommend this book, Kav. I don't limit myself to only Christian books, but I am wary of content, so your recommendation means a lot, - Terrill

    tlhcoupon (at) hotmail (dot) com

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    1. I think you'll love it, Terrill. Good luck.

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  24. Wow, what an absolutely stunning cover, Kav. I do not limit myself to just Christian fiction either but I don't want to waste my time reading garbage either. I am so glad you brought this book to my attention it's way at the top of my want to read list. I even saw one of my goodreads buddies has it on their want to read list. I think your definitely going to increase sales for this book.
    Deanne Patterson
    Book1lovingmomma at gmail dot com

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    1. Always glad to share a good book. Good luck, Deanne.

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  25. I like Austin, and don't mind reading a not necessarily Christian book as long as it is clean and written in God taste. AmylsmithATbledsoe DO Tnet

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  26. What a pretty cover, makes me want to read this.
    sonflower277 at gmail dot com

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  27. What a pretty cover, makes me want to read this.
    sonflower277 at gmail dot com

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  28. Just popping by to read your review and recommendation. Wow! You had me at "toe curling." Not entering but AM putting it on my wish list! Oh I can't wait for Christmas or those extra surprises from my husband!

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  29. oh this sounds good!! always love a good clean romance!

    Lea
    ladepooh AT hotmail Dot com

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