Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

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 she 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.

~Published March 27th 2012 by Shadow Mountain

Food to Eat While Reading: Orchard Peach Pie (recipe coming shortly)

Orchard Peach Pie
for Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

I knew when I read the dedication to Edenbrooke, by Julianne Donaldson, that I would fall in love on my journey through its pages. It reads, "To kindred spirits everywhere". Edenbrooke is Anne of Green Gables meets Pride and Prejudice, a lovely combination.

Edenbrooke is the first of a line of "Proper Romances" put out by Shadow Mountain. This means that the book is without racy scenes, but not without a good dose of wholesome sexual tension.

Marianne is a refreshing contrast to the stuffy society ladies around her.  She loves to paint and ride horses and doesn't take to stifling gentlemen who write her horrible poetry. She longs to be a free spirit in the country and I can quite relate to that.

I enjoyed Marianne's journey, and though I'm not a huge fan of regency romance, the love story is sweet and the dialogue so witty that it kept my interest. Phillip is quite the catch and I found myself routing for the couple to be together.