I’ve been trying to expand my reading horizons lately, and have (for the most part) enjoyed the change. Still it was a great treat to pick up Before the Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkard and come back to one of my favorite eras, 19th Century England.
I was intrigued from the opening lines,
Something would have to be done about Ariana. All winter, Miss Ariana Forsythe, aged nineteen, had been going about the house sighing. “Mr. Hathaway is my lot in life!”
As it turns out, Ariana’s family isn’t quite convinced that Mr. Hathaway, a rector in his late fifties, is God’s plan for her. She soon finds herself in London for a season with her wealthy and widowed aunt. A literal run in with the scheming Lady Covington leads to an unexpected tie with the roguish (handsome, and rich) Phillip Mornay. Can Ariana’s faith withstand her being thrown into the fire of London society?
Pride and Prejudice fans might argue that the Ariana/Phillip romance is a replica of the relationship between Lizzy and Darcy. Certainly, Phillip reminded me of Darcy. However, since I genuinely adore Darcy, I didn’t mind the similarities one bit. And I must admit that the storyline took a turn I didn’t quite expect.
All in all, I thought Before the Season Ends was a delightful read. I’m eager for the sequel, The House in Grosvenor Square to see how the story ends.
Melissa has been captivated by books for as long as she can remember. She resides in Virginia and at her blog, Breath of Life.
Thanks to the wonderful staff at Harvest House Publishers, you have the opportunity to win both books as part of our Summer Giveaway (U.S. addresses only). Leave a comment on this post if you’d like to be eligible to win this book.
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I’ve been reading mostly mystery/thrillers for a while and I need something different. Please enter me.
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The first romance novel I ever read was a Regency, and I have a special place in my heart for the time period.
Looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!
Being a fan of Pride and Prejudice, I really wouldn’t mind reading a story that is similar to it!
This sounds like a great book.
I would also like to read these books.
I love timepiece books as they bring you into another time and place and let you dream.
Saucy! Ribald!
It does sound like a wonderful summer book.
These books sound great. I would love to win.
Thanks for the GREAT giveaway
please count me in 🙂
These sound like great stories – thanks for the chance to win.
Ive been dying to read this one!
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
Would love to read this..great reads
Happy June!