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english_lady03's review
3.0
This was another title which I used an audible credit on because I forgot/neglected to download it from Netgalley.
It was a decent short Regency set in Devon. Unlike some other such titles, there was quite a strong 'sense of place' in this one, with the landscape providing an essential element to a lot of the story.
The American audio-book narrator really struggled with the Cornish accents though, bless her.
There was romance, mystery, smuggling, and some interesting nods to the Arthurian Legends based in Tintagel and some of the surrounding regions. For those unfamiliar, Tintagel was the birthplace of Arthur, according to legend and Merlin is supposed to have lived in a cave on the cliffs below.
This could be dismissed as myth, since the castle dates from the 13th century, but recent archeological expeditions have uncovered evidence of a settlement there before the castle, possibly dating from as early as the 5th century. So you never know.
Moving on, the story was jarred by a few Americanisms and some inconsistencies: especially involving the 'scandal' which brought Elaine's family back to their Cornish estate. In the glossary at the end, there was the assumption that Brits/Cornish people call blackberries 'brambles'. Nope, we call them blackberries. Brambles are the prickly thorny shrubs that they grow on.
At times, it was a little hard to connect to the characters, and they were a little simplistically 'black and white': the perfect guy who everyone loved except the hero is bad, for example.
Overall though, it was an enjoyable once I got onto the story, despite some darker content, and a reliance on danger involving the smuggling ring to move the story along. So some parts might have been a bit predictable, but it was still interesting.
I would call this more of a clean read than overtly inspirational, and some readers might wish to note that it comes from a Mormon publisher rather than one of the well-known Christian ones.
It was a decent short Regency set in Devon. Unlike some other such titles, there was quite a strong 'sense of place' in this one, with the landscape providing an essential element to a lot of the story.
The American audio-book narrator really struggled with the Cornish accents though, bless her.
There was romance, mystery, smuggling, and some interesting nods to the Arthurian Legends based in Tintagel and some of the surrounding regions. For those unfamiliar, Tintagel was the birthplace of Arthur, according to legend and Merlin is supposed to have lived in a cave on the cliffs below.
This could be dismissed as myth, since the castle dates from the 13th century, but recent archeological expeditions have uncovered evidence of a settlement there before the castle, possibly dating from as early as the 5th century. So you never know.
Moving on, the story was jarred by a few Americanisms and some inconsistencies: especially involving the 'scandal' which brought Elaine's family back to their Cornish estate. In the glossary at the end, there was the assumption that Brits/Cornish people call blackberries 'brambles'. Nope, we call them blackberries. Brambles are the prickly thorny shrubs that they grow on.
At times, it was a little hard to connect to the characters, and they were a little simplistically 'black and white': the perfect guy who everyone loved except the hero is bad, for example.
Overall though, it was an enjoyable once I got onto the story, despite some darker content, and a reliance on danger involving the smuggling ring to move the story along. So some parts might have been a bit predictable, but it was still interesting.
I would call this more of a clean read than overtly inspirational, and some readers might wish to note that it comes from a Mormon publisher rather than one of the well-known Christian ones.
melissasbookshelf's review
4.0
Loved this latest from Julie Daines! Set in Cornwall in the late 1800's at the sight of Merlin's cave and where the legend of King Arthur began. This story is full of romance, smugglers, and mystery. It's hard to put down. I loved the characters. Elaine is a smart, strong woman who feels responsible for her brother's death and for her family leaving for London five years ago. Gareth is a miner's son who has risen in ranks to become the owner of the mine. He proposed to Elaine five years ago, but was turned down. He has tried to forget her, but still loves her. When her family is forced to return to Cornwall following a scandal, Gareth may have another chance to win her love.
I would definitely recommend this to my daughter to read. Looking forward to Ms. Daines' next book. Love this author!
I would definitely recommend this to my daughter to read. Looking forward to Ms. Daines' next book. Love this author!
ghumpherys's review
5.0
Really enjoyed this story! While it wasn't hard to figure out the villain, I thought all the historical elements were well done regarding the smuggling operations and the mines. Loved the characters and the growth they all experienced.
jamiegc's review
4.0
There is something so alluring about a book set in Cornwall! The land itself becomes a character in the book, as well as the Arthurian Legend. (I have now added Tintagel Castle to my bucket list of must-see places!)
wannabe_bibliothecary's review
5.0
Lovely setting and characters, and a great story full of bad guys, peril, and surprises. I think I need to go to Cornwall now!
sarahsbookstack's review
4.0
I won a copy of this through Goodreads giveaways and it's my second by Ms. Daines. I loved this story. I loathed Lord Chiverton who was not as perfect as he first seemed. Gareth was amazing. I loved the romance and smuggling in the Cornish coast setting with the tales of King Arthur and Gweneveire and that most were not what they seemed!
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