The Broken Gate

by Anita Burgh

Mortimer Cresswell is an old man now, about to breathe his last, and at his deathbed the members of his family hover, waiting to scrap over his fortune. When Stanislas von Ehrlich, a self-made man of fortune, moves into the neighbourhood, the natural order of things changes. Stanislas—ruthless in his desire to succeed—has his eye on Mortimer's land, but the Cresswells refuse to sell, sparking a massive feud. When Esmerelda von Erlich finds herself drawn to a member of the Cresswell household, she is determined to exact her will and exercise her desire. Bound to one another by conflict, passion, and betrayal, both families are set on a collision course so powerful, it will completely alter their world.

Genres: Historical Fiction

514 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Anita Burgh was born in Kent. She began to write in her late forties and was first published at the age of 50. She has subsequently had 23 novels published, numerous articles and short stories. Her themes are those of class, rejection and wealth. She writes books set in the modern world but also historical novels set in Victorian and Edwardian times – her latest being The Cresswell Inheritance trilogy. She has been a member of the RNA for many years, was a committee member and has been short-listed for the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year award. Now in her 70s, she enjoys teaching and mentoring others who are, as yet, unpublished. She continues to write novels, proving that authors never retire.

Reviews

[LindyLouMac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anita Burgh is an author I have been reading for many years since 1994 in this case, when I read ‘Overtures’

‘The Broken Gate’ is the first in a trilogy and was published in 2004 but I have only recently managed to get hold of a copy via Bookmooch another great aid for obtaining books as an ex-pat. I will read the next two when they come my way but I will not be actively hunting them down, only because I already have a huge number of books waiting TBR (to be read). An enjoyable enough read but nothing spectacular, certainly not my favourite from this author. I would recommend this to fans of Anita Burgh who like me want to keep up to date with her work or fans of historical romance.

The Broken Gate the first volume in the trilogy covers just the year of 1901 in the life of the aristocratic Creswell family who have owned and loved on a country estate in Devon for over four hundred years. They are entering a time of economic and social changes with the start of a new century and there is bitter rivalry among family members. The year starts with the senior member of the family Mortimer Cresswell on his deathbed already fighting over their inheritance. His daughter Hannah seems to be the only member of the family aware of the damage this jealousy is causing amongst them. The situation worsens when a member of the new generation of self made men, Stanilas von Ehrlich buys an adjoining estate causing an inevitable feud which is exaggerated when his daughter Esmeralda falls in love with a member of the Cresswell household. The second son Oliver,certainly not suitable for his precious daughter.

The families hurtle along a collision course for impending disaster.

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[Leila · Rating 1 out of 5]

The characters were somewhat enjoyable. The ending was simply for shock value.
\nThere evidently was not a copy editor for this novel, as there were a myriad of mistakes.
\nIt's in my recycling bin...only because I recycle...otherwise it would find itself in my garbage!

[Delia Gersh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I STARTED THE BOOK AND I WAS VERY CONFUSED ABOUT THE CHARACTERS. Decided to give this series a miss. Why battle along.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read although a bit confusing at times. Lots of characters to keep track of too.

[Tina86 · Rating 4 out of 5]

i picked this up randomly at mums place and thought the cover looked boring! But persistent me thought i'd give it a go AND i couldn't put it down after the first few pages.

Beautiful story, and very well written. By the end of it you just can't wait to read the continuing story after this and you really care/hate or love the characters.

Definently recommend and make sure you read all three books. They make one great story!!

[Suzi Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is a well written novel with a good plot and comprehensive charachter development but the last few pages spoilt the book for me as it causes you to think differently about the sweet hannah and that is what destroyed the book.

[D Wedd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting to like this book, but I was gripped. There are a lot of characters so at times I lost track of who was who but I enjoyed it. This is one for downtown fans.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book!