Helpful Score: 5
I am not particularly fond of what I generally think of as 'soap opera fiction' or romance stories that all have the same plot, the same characters, blah blah blah borrrringgg.
I was offered this book to read and review, and began to read it with an open mind. I did so with a sense of foreboding that this was going to be one that I would need to force myself to finish reading. Not so, fortunately.
I was immediately drawn into the world of Charmaine, the main character of the story, feeling her pain at the loss of her mother and others in her life as well as the apprehensions of the new life she starts for herself in the house of the wealthy Duvoisin family as the new governess. She finds herself easily falling in love with the children, befriending the beautiful Colette, avoiding the wicked Agatha, and tormented by brothers Paul, and especially the brother to hate - John.
Just as quickly as Charmaine was caught up in this family's mysteries and secrets, I was caught up as well, and held there until the last words of the last chapter.
And that is where disappointment hit me.
I am afraid I did not realize this was Book one of a trilogy. I was not anticipating that the book would end rather abruptly, leaving me feeling irrational ire at the authors of this collaboration for ending this book where they did.
If it weren't for that particular bit of irritation I may well have given this book another star.
So, if you are willing to invest in reading the entire trilogy (the next one isn't due out until April 2009) then by all means read this book! Heaven knows I will have no choice because I will have to find out what happens next.
I was offered this book to read and review, and began to read it with an open mind. I did so with a sense of foreboding that this was going to be one that I would need to force myself to finish reading. Not so, fortunately.
I was immediately drawn into the world of Charmaine, the main character of the story, feeling her pain at the loss of her mother and others in her life as well as the apprehensions of the new life she starts for herself in the house of the wealthy Duvoisin family as the new governess. She finds herself easily falling in love with the children, befriending the beautiful Colette, avoiding the wicked Agatha, and tormented by brothers Paul, and especially the brother to hate - John.
Just as quickly as Charmaine was caught up in this family's mysteries and secrets, I was caught up as well, and held there until the last words of the last chapter.
And that is where disappointment hit me.
I am afraid I did not realize this was Book one of a trilogy. I was not anticipating that the book would end rather abruptly, leaving me feeling irrational ire at the authors of this collaboration for ending this book where they did.
If it weren't for that particular bit of irritation I may well have given this book another star.
So, if you are willing to invest in reading the entire trilogy (the next one isn't due out until April 2009) then by all means read this book! Heaven knows I will have no choice because I will have to find out what happens next.
Helpful Score: 5
From page one of this story, DeVa Gantt (Debra & Valerie Gantt) managed to pull me into Charmaine Ryan's life. I was transported from the here and now to 1800s Virginia and then to Les Charmantes, an island in the Carribean. I felt sadness in some parts, laughed in others, and dislike for some of the characters of Charmaine's world.
Charmaine starts her "working" life at an early age as a companion to Loretta Harrington. The Harrington's treat Charmaine as their own, especially after her father, John, murders her mother, Marie. Early in the story, John runs from the crime and is not seen nor heard from, except in Charmaine's nightmares.
After learning of a Governess position on Les Charmantes with the wealthy Duvoisin family, the Harrington's provide Charmaine with an opportunity to start a new life. They travel to the island and after a few interviews with Coletta, the three children's mother, Charmaine is hired and moves into the mansion.
Charmaine finds herself becoming entwined in the wealthy family's life and the mystery, adventure, and intrigue swirled with each page turned. She comes to adore and is adored by the children and Coletta. Frederic, the master and patriarch, treats her indifferently. Frederic's illegitimate son, Paul, attempts to court her. Agatha, Frederic's first wife's sister, is cruel and selfish. Eventually John, the heir of the Duvoisin fortune, returns to the island and torments Charmaine relentlessly.
I found myself unable to put this book down until I finished the last page. My only regret is this is the first book of a trilogy and at book's end there are many unanswered questions. The next book isn't due for release until April 2009. I definitely will be looking for the next books in this series.
Charmaine starts her "working" life at an early age as a companion to Loretta Harrington. The Harrington's treat Charmaine as their own, especially after her father, John, murders her mother, Marie. Early in the story, John runs from the crime and is not seen nor heard from, except in Charmaine's nightmares.
After learning of a Governess position on Les Charmantes with the wealthy Duvoisin family, the Harrington's provide Charmaine with an opportunity to start a new life. They travel to the island and after a few interviews with Coletta, the three children's mother, Charmaine is hired and moves into the mansion.
Charmaine finds herself becoming entwined in the wealthy family's life and the mystery, adventure, and intrigue swirled with each page turned. She comes to adore and is adored by the children and Coletta. Frederic, the master and patriarch, treats her indifferently. Frederic's illegitimate son, Paul, attempts to court her. Agatha, Frederic's first wife's sister, is cruel and selfish. Eventually John, the heir of the Duvoisin fortune, returns to the island and torments Charmaine relentlessly.
I found myself unable to put this book down until I finished the last page. My only regret is this is the first book of a trilogy and at book's end there are many unanswered questions. The next book isn't due for release until April 2009. I definitely will be looking for the next books in this series.
