I am truly relishing Howatch's work. It is quite astonishing how I managed to overlook her for all these years. I am an avid enthusiast of gothic novels, and this particular one has been captivating me right from the start.

I have noticed that she has penned quite a number of books, and I have already borrowed some of them from the library. :) I always experience a surge of joy whenever I come across an author who is similar to Barbara Michaels, whether it be in the realm of gothic supernatural or simply within the gothic genre.

Alright, she shows promise. She may not be on par with Michaels just yet... but nevertheless... I am determined to read more of her works. I am eager to explore the depth and breadth of her literary creations and see how she evolves as an author. I have a feeling that there is much more to discover and appreciate in her books.

I have read a significant number of Gothic romances, both for work and for pleasure. However, this particular one is not one that I would recommend.

The mystery aspect was rather serviceable, and there was a certain degree of tension present. Nevertheless, a large part of this tension was caused by Axel, the love interest. He continuously kept our heroine in the dark, issued commands to her without any explanation, and ultimately went so far as to lock her in her room after drugging her teenage brother with laudanum! This is classic behavior that one would not expect from a so-called "good guy." It is also a prime example of how simply talking to her and treating her as an adult rather than a child to be commanded and obeyed without question would have resolved the problem immediately.

The main concern for me, though, was the romance. It is the kind of romance that was the target of all the negative feminist criticism directed at the early Gothic romances. These criticisms accused them of normalizing the brutal or abusive behavior of a spouse and somehow making it "acceptable" because "he really does love her after all." I usually don't give much weight to statements that condemn an entire genre consisting of hundreds of books by numerous different authors based on just a couple of reading experiences. However, this book is precisely the kind that gave rise to such criticism. Axel spends the majority of his time bossing her around, downplaying her fears, and explaining how at 17 (while he is 34), she is the perfect age to bear his children (something she is understandably afraid of for various reasons). He also has sex with her without seemingly any regard for her enjoyment. To illustrate how the relationship is portrayed, here is a passage from their first night as "man and wife":

"I relaxed happily in the supreme bliss of my ignorance. I had thought myself so sophisticated in knowing all about the passion and ecstasy and fulfilment of the act of love. No one had ever told me that this same act could also be painful, embarrassing and repulsive.

Later after he had gone I curled myself up into a ball as if to ward off the horror of the memory, and for the third night in succession I cried myself to sleep."

If you are a fan of Gothic romance, there are far better books available that will not leave you feeling so uncomfortable about the central relationship.

It all began in a rather ordinary way, just like a typical romance novel. The characters seemed to be following the familiar path of falling in love, with all the usual tropes and clichés. However, as the story progressed, something unexpected happened. It took a sharp turn and transformed into a thrilling murder mystery.

The writing in this book, to be honest, left a lot to be desired. There were times when the prose felt a bit flat and unpolished. But despite its flaws, the story itself had a certain charm that managed to hook me well enough. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, desperate to find out what would happen next.

The author did a good job of creating an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. The twists and turns in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and I was constantly guessing who the culprit could be. It was a pleasant surprise to see a romance novel evolve into something so different and exciting.

Overall, while the writing could have been improved, the story was engaging enough to make up for it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of romance.

A Covid-19 level 4 lockdown was put in place, which, although not ideal, was at least something.

But what about Edwin? He seemed to have completely ignored the fact that Alice was 4 months pregnant.

This oversight could have serious consequences for both Alice and the unborn child.

In a lockdown situation, it is crucial to consider the special needs and circumstances of those around us.

Alice may require additional care and support during this difficult time.

Edwin should have been more attentive and taken steps to ensure her well-being.

Perhaps he was preoccupied with other matters, but that is no excuse.

Now, it is important for him to rectify his mistake and provide the necessary care and attention to Alice.

Only then can they hope to get through this lockdown period safely and healthily.

Kratka and Sempla are both short, but they are very intriguing.

Kratka may seem simple at first glance, but there is often more to it than meets the eye. Its brevity can hide a depth of meaning or a unique charm that draws people in.

Similarly, Sempla, despite its shortness, has the power to captivate. It might have a certain elegance or a clever twist that makes it stand out.

Both Kratka and Sempla show that sometimes, less is more. Their simplicity and intrigue make them worthy of attention and exploration.

Whether it's in literature, art, or any other field, these short yet captivating elements can leave a lasting impression on those who encounter them.

It took almost half of the book to truly capture the eerie essence of the gothic mystery genre.

The storyline was filled with numerous twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

However, in this relatively short novel, there was not much major character development.

Despite that, it was still an enjoyable read within the genre.

The author managed to create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense that was engaging from start to finish.

The gothic elements added an extra layer of spookiness, making it a unique and captivating experience.

Although the characters may not have been fully fleshed out, their actions and interactions contributed to the overall plot in an interesting way.

Overall, it was a satisfying read for fans of the gothic mystery genre.

3.5 stars. This is a quick and readable gothic mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is filled with dark and foreboding atmospheres, as well as mysterious characters and events. You'll find yourself drawn into the world of the mystery, trying to solve the clues and figure out what's really going on.

The pacing of the story is excellent, with just the right amount of tension and suspense to keep you engaged from start to finish. The writing is clear and concise, making it easy to follow along even as the plot thickens. And while the mystery itself may not be the most complex or original, it's still a fun and entertaining read.

Overall, if you're a fan of gothic mysteries or just looking for a quick and enjoyable read, this book is definitely worth checking out. With its engaging story, well-developed characters, and excellent pacing, it's sure to satisfy.

A Suspenseful Tale Set in 1700's England

In the 1700's of England, a young orphaned girl finds herself in a rather unusual situation. She marries a stranger, a decision made out of convenience for both. He requires a wife in order to receive his inheritance, while she needs a husband to provide financial support for herself and her brother. However, when she arrives at his family home, she quickly realizes that things are not as they appear. There is a murderer lurking in the shadows, determined to claim the inheritance for themselves. But the question remains, which of the various family members could it be? And to make matters worse, is her own life in danger as well? This is an easy to read thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the identity of the culprit and find out if the young girl will manage to escape unscathed.

I was taking a break from reading "Sins of the Father" by the same author when I came across this.

It's truly fascinating to note that her older books bear a striking difference from her newer ones.

This particular piece had a strong resemblance to the works of Mary Stewart, which was quite a pleasant surprise.

The story was engaging and held my attention throughout.

The writing style was smooth and easy to follow, making it a great choice for a relaxing read.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to others who are fans of this genre.

It's a wonderful addition to any bookshelf and a great way to spend a lazy afternoon.

I look forward to reading more of this author's works in the future.

I thought this was truly engrossing.

As I delved into the story, I could sense the heroine Marianne's emotions with great acuity. The feelings of entrapment, fear, and helplessness that she experienced were palpable, as if they were my own.

However, when it came to the love story, I was rather meh. It didn't quite capture my heart in the way I had hoped.

Despite this, I did manage to correctly guess who the villain was. Although, I must admit, I questioned myself many times along the way.

Overall, it was a nice read. It had its strengths and weaknesses, but it kept me engaged from start to finish. I would recommend it to others who enjoy a good mystery with a touch of romance.

Perhaps they will have a different perspective on the love story and find it more captivating than I did.

Nice read.

It is a classic gothic romance. An older man marries a younger woman, and there is a nasty older woman in the form of a housekeeper type, in this case, a mother-in-law. The story unfolds as the younger woman spends most of the book distrusting the older man. However, as the plot progresses, they gradually fall in love. It is not a bad read at all. Howatch definitely has the ability to draw her readers into the story. She creates a captivating atmosphere that keeps the readers engaged from beginning to end. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships are complex and interesting. The gothic elements add an extra layer of mystery and intrigue to the story. Overall, it is a great read for those who enjoy classic romance novels with a touch of mystery and drama.

A true favorite of mine is a book that has had a profound impact on my life. It is a literary masterpiece that I have read countless times, each time discovering something new and exciting.

The story is set in a fictional world filled with richly developed characters and a captivating plot. The author's writing style is engaging and descriptive, allowing me to vividly imagine the scenes and events as they unfold.

What makes this book so special to me is the way it makes me feel. It has the power to transport me to another place and time, and to make me forget about the stresses and worries of my own life.

Whether I'm reading it for the first time or the tenth, it always manages to touch my heart and leave a lasting impression. It is a true classic that I will continue to cherish for years to come.