For literal years, I've seen some of my book blogging friends raving about Julianne Donaldson's Edenbrooke. I snagged it on a Kindle deal a while back, but it just sat there, unread ...
Flash forward to a couple months ago, when I was asked to join the blog tour for Promised, one of Shadow Mountain Publishers' "Proper Romance" novels. I practically inhaled the novel. Same story with the second "Proper Romance" I read, Lakeshire Park. So then I went looking for other books in the line, and I discovered Edenbrooke on the list. So I started reading ...
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 Marianne 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.
Seriously, these "Proper Romance" books are like catnip! I just want to bathe in them! (Does that sound weird? That's a little weird, right?) I started reading Edenbrooke at 10 p.m. I actually had the self control to stop reading at 11:30, but then I picked it up during my lunch break, which was a huge mistake. I had such trouble concentrating all afternoon because I just kept thinking of the story!
I loved Marianne and Philip together! She was a little naive, but I suppose that's acceptable, considering her background. But Philip ... he was such a swoonworthy hero! I loved the way he cared for Marianne and gently wooed her. And I really loved the way that love letters played into the story.
There were a few loose threads and/or things that didn't quite make sense, but I could forgive them because I just had such fun reading this novel! It's one that I think I could read again to equal enjoyment. 4-1/2 stars.
Buy the book.
Julianne Donaldson grew up as the daughter of a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. She learned how to ski in the Italian Alps, visited East Berlin before the wall came down, and spent three years living next to a 500-year-old castle. After earning a degree in English, she turned her attention to writing. She writes historical romance when she is not busy with her four young children and husband. Edenbrooke is her first novel.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased this book myself and chose to review it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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I read Blackmoore by her a few years ago and at the time it was one of my favorite books! I still intend to get a copy for my keeper shelf. I'm glad you enjoyed this one as well. It has been on my list ever since I read Blackmoore, but I haven't gotten to it yet.
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You should definitely read Edenbrooke, Becky! I read the two back-to-back (and will post a review of Blackmoore soon). While I really liked Blackmoore, I loved Edenbrooke even more! There's just something about Philip :-)
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