The story is truly great! It has a really wonderful storyline that immediately grabs your attention.

However, there is one aspect that could be improved upon. The characters and the plot seem to be a little bit vague. It's as if there are details that are missing, leaving the reader with a sense of wanting more.

I, for one, would have absolutely loved to read a more in-depth version of this story. I can only imagine how much more engaging and captivating it would be if the author were to flesh out the characters and the plot further.

Perhaps with more detailed descriptions of the characters' personalities, motives, and backgrounds, we could really get to know them on a deeper level. And a more intricate and developed plot would add an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the story.

Overall, while the story has a lot of potential, I believe that a more in-depth treatment would take it to the next level and make it an even more enjoyable read.

It was just okay.

It wasn't my favorite Susan Howatch novel.

While the story had its moments, it didn't quite capture my attention and hold it throughout as her other works have.

The characters were somewhat developed, but I didn't feel a deep connection to them.

The plot had its twists and turns, but they didn't seem as engaging or original as I had hoped.

Perhaps it was my own expectations that were too high, but overall, this particular book by Susan Howatch didn't live up to the standards I have come to associate with her name.

However, I still appreciate her writing style and the effort she put into creating this story.

Maybe upon a second reading, I will discover more to like about it.

For now, though, it remains an okay read that didn't quite make it into my list of favorites.

MINOR SPOILERS!!!!!

Maybe it's the naivete of the recently married titular character, or perhaps it's her desperate need to appear strong in front of her husband. Whatever the reason, this harlequin-esque thriller manages to retain its charm upon re-reading.

Admittedly, it's not one of Howatch's finest works. For those seeking her best, Cashelmara, Penmarric, or even better, the Starbridge Series, would be the ideal choices. However, it still makes for an enjoyable read on a day when you simply need to unwind and not tax your brain too much.

Sometimes, we all crave a light and easy story that can transport us to another world without requiring excessive mental effort. This particular book fits that bill perfectly. It may not have the depth and complexity of Howatch's more acclaimed novels, but it has its own unique appeal.

So, if you're looking for a quick and entertaining read, give this harlequin-esque thriller a try. You might just find yourself pleasantly surprised.

I'm giving it a five.

This has always been one of my favorites. Ever since I first read it back in high school, it has held a special place in my heart.

Re-reading it now, I still find myself thoroughly enjoying every page.

The story, the characters, and the writing style all combine to create a truly captivating experience.

It's a book that I can pick up time and time again and always discover something new.

Whether it's a deeper understanding of the themes or a new appreciation for the author's craftsmanship, it never fails to disappoint.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

I started reading the story, but after getting through about half of it, I decided to skip ahead to near the end.

What I discovered was rather disturbing. The hero's past relationship with his step-mother was, to put it mildly, off-putting.

It seemed to be filled with complex emotions and perhaps even some hidden secrets.

I couldn't help but wonder what had really happened between them and how it had affected the hero's life.

This aspect of the story really stood out to me and made me question the nature of their relationship.

I'm not sure if I would have continued reading if I had known about this earlier, but it definitely added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the plot.

Overall, it was an interesting read, but this particular detail left a lasting impression on me.

The characters presented in this story are not overly convincing, and the situations that unfold strike me as rather improbable, even when considering the context of the beginning of the 19th century.

However, it is important to remember that this is, after all, a work of fiction. And despite my initial reservations, I found myself compelled to continue reading simply to discover how it would all end.

I have, in the past, come across and read better works penned by Susan Howatch. Her writing usually has a certain charm and depth that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged.

But in this particular instance, while the story held my attention to a certain extent, it did not quite reach the high standards that I have come to expect from her.

Nevertheless, I am still interested to see if there are any surprises or twists in the remaining pages that might change my overall perception of the work.

I wasn't overly certain about this book when I initially began reading it. However, after perusing the first couple of chapters, I discovered that I was completely hooked.

It had such a captivating hold on me that it kept me awake until 1 am on the final night, engrossed in its pages. The numerous twists and turns of the plot truly had me constantly guessing right up until the very end.

It narrowly missed out on achieving the fifth star. The only reason for this was that I felt some of the characters could have been more fully developed. Nevertheless, despite this minor flaw, overall it was an absolutely terrific read. It had me engaged from start to finish and left me with a sense of satisfaction. I would highly recommend this book to others who enjoy a thrilling and engaging story.

The story showcases remarkable skill in both plotting and characterization.

The plot is intricately woven, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters are vividly drawn, with unique personalities and motives that make them come alive on the page.

However, despite these strengths, there is a fundamental flaw in the story. After the tale is told, it simply doesn't add up.

The various elements of the plot do not seem to fit together in a cohesive whole, and the actions and decisions of the characters lack a clear logical progression.

As a result, the story leaves the reader with a sense of dissatisfaction and a feeling that something is amiss.

It's a shame, really, because with a little more work on the overall structure and coherence, this could have been a truly great story.

If you have a penchant for gothic novels, this particular one might catch your interest. It brought to my mind DuMaurier's Rebecca, yet it didn't quite measure up in terms of suspense, writing finesse, or overall compelling nature.

It wasn't until I perused some other reviews that I became aware that the heroine's name was Marianne (though she is commonly referred to as Mrs. Brandson). The story centers around a young bride who arrives at a secluded estate, where there is an air of mystery surrounding the family.

Interestingly, even the last paragraph of the book seems to harken back to Rebecca.

All in all, it's not a terrible read, but it doesn't reach the high quality that some of Howatch's later novels possess.

It has its moments, but it lacks that certain je ne sais quoi that would make it truly outstanding.

Solid writing, a gothic setting, a tight plot, and interesting characters. These are the elements that make a story truly captivating, and this one had them all.

The writing was so solid that it pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me engaged until the end. The author's use of descriptive language painted a vivid picture of the gothic setting, making me feel as if I was actually there.

The plot was tightly woven, with no loose ends or unnecessary filler. Every scene and every character served a purpose, adding to the overall tension and mystery of the story.

But what really made this story stand out for me were the characters. They were all so unique and interesting, with their own flaws and motivations. I found myself rooting for some and despising others, which is a sign of great character development.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It had everything I look for in a good read: solid writing, a gothic setting, a tight plot, and interesting characters. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery or a thrilling adventure.

Really 2 and 1/2 stars.

This is a Gothic mystery/suspense story. It starts off quite entertainingly, drawing the reader in with its spooky atmosphere and engaging plot.

However, as the story progresses, things take a bit of a turn in the last chapter. There is a rather confusing and possibly contradictory info dump that leaves the reader scratching their head.

Overall, it's not a bad read, but it's nothing special either. It has its moments of entertainment, but the flaws in the last chapter prevent it from being truly outstanding.

If you're a fan of Gothic mystery/suspense, you might give it a try, but don't expect to be blown away.