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Proper Secrets
Love vs. Sense - A "clean" social romanceProper Secrets is a love story set in an alternate Europe akin to the Regency England period. Truth and consequences are central to the book, for good and for worse. Emily Worthing is a strong-minded, practical country lady, determined to stay unwed and keep her independence. When the Wingraves move into Reddester Hall, Emily and the rest of the Worthings are challenged to keep their principles as day by day they grow to love a family that won't allow anyone close enough to find out their true purpose.It takes no time at all for the Wingraves' troubles to follow them to Tripton in the form of Jude Annesley, a disowned man rife with depravity and disorder. Unable to fool Emily with false charm, Jude plots a course of revenge that will strip away all pretense, leaving no secret intact.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 4, 2013
I have to admit I did what I hardly ever do, and picked this one, provided by netgalley, because of the cover. Will you check out those crossed pistols? How cool are they?! I immediately thought, great, a historical romance where obviously there is a bit of danger and maybe violence attached! And then I read about the "alternate history" bit and thought, "WTF?! I have to read this now.."
This one is hard to categorize, and personally, I like books that cross genres and don't adhere to the typical script of what a historical romance should be. There are millions of historical romances published, which I can pick up in bundles of 10 for 10c at a thrift store (even if they don't have covers attached), so, for preference, I like to read something a bit different.
Well, this one opens up all Austenesque, with a perfect family of beautiful young women, all doing their embroidery and flower arranging, gossiping about the latest parties, and then the hero enters and everyone oohs and aahs over just how mahvellous he is etc. etc. and I was left wandering when the wretched pistols would come on to the scene and liven things up a bit.
At first, it felt like a syrupy piece of Jane Austen confectionary/fanfic until the odd note of discord appears, so subtle that you almost miss it, suggesting that perhaps all is not as it seems. And then, slowly, slowly the plot spirals into a dark, confusing place which appears to have no resolution, but has a lot of pain, a lot of secrets and a lot of frustration for the poor characters. There is court maneuvering - not the light and airy Regency version with tickets to Almacks and oh-isn't-your-dress-lovely stuff - but really malicious stuff, and reflects how I always assumed live at court actually was. And the threat of death and bloodshed is always present in the background as a never-ending war on the border rumbles on.
It wasn't all to my taste though. For me, the strength in this story was the slightly dystopian, dark version of history it presented, and the contrast between that and the daily, tedious, happy lives in the country and back-stabbing, ambitious, bored lives in the capital. I felt for this to work, however, there needed to be more pain, more death, less of a neat resolution. It would have been a more depressing ending, but, boy, it would have been an ending I would never have forgotten!
I don't want to imply that I didn't really enjoy this one, because I did, and I think the alternative history is clever and works incredibly well. Some parts of the plot are a little bit confusing, and in some spots time and place are a bit rushed, but generally, it was a different, thought-provoking book and I look forward to reading the next one by this author.
4 stars. I really liked it.
This one is hard to categorize, and personally, I like books that cross genres and don't adhere to the typical script of what a historical romance should be. There are millions of historical romances published, which I can pick up in bundles of 10 for 10c at a thrift store (even if they don't have covers attached), so, for preference, I like to read something a bit different.
Well, this one opens up all Austenesque, with a perfect family of beautiful young women, all doing their embroidery and flower arranging, gossiping about the latest parties, and then the hero enters and everyone oohs and aahs over just how mahvellous he is etc. etc. and I was left wandering when the wretched pistols would come on to the scene and liven things up a bit.
At first, it felt like a syrupy piece of Jane Austen confectionary/fanfic until the odd note of discord appears, so subtle that you almost miss it, suggesting that perhaps all is not as it seems. And then, slowly, slowly the plot spirals into a dark, confusing place which appears to have no resolution, but has a lot of pain, a lot of secrets and a lot of frustration for the poor characters. There is court maneuvering - not the light and airy Regency version with tickets to Almacks and oh-isn't-your-dress-lovely stuff - but really malicious stuff, and reflects how I always assumed live at court actually was. And the threat of death and bloodshed is always present in the background as a never-ending war on the border rumbles on.
It wasn't all to my taste though. For me, the strength in this story was the slightly dystopian, dark version of history it presented, and the contrast between that and the daily, tedious, happy lives in the country and back-stabbing, ambitious, bored lives in the capital. I felt for this to work, however, there needed to be more pain, more death, less of a neat resolution. It would have been a more depressing ending, but, boy, it would have been an ending I would never have forgotten!
I don't want to imply that I didn't really enjoy this one, because I did, and I think the alternative history is clever and works incredibly well. Some parts of the plot are a little bit confusing, and in some spots time and place are a bit rushed, but generally, it was a different, thought-provoking book and I look forward to reading the next one by this author.
4 stars. I really liked it.
July 24, 2014
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
An Austen influence is apparent: the regency type setting, emphasis on an intelligent romance, and extremely well crafted language/dialogue. In fact, the pleasure I derived from reading this was that it was so very much like a study in manners and mannerisms from the early 1800s. The author does present this as an AU - an alternative history/universe. That frees up some conventions of history but honestly, other than the difference in a few titles of soldiers and countries, I didn't notice at all. The book feels like a very well crafted regency romance on par with good literature.
The plot follows Emily Worthing and her well to-do family located in the country. When the neighboring mansion is let to new owners, happenstance will bring Emily into contact with heir of the family, Mr. Elijah Wingrave and his sister Mary. But the Wingrave family has a secret, even a mysterious reason for purchasing the estate next to Emily's family home. As Emily begins to know Wingrave better, and the two families become closer, she begins to lose her heart to Wingrave. But allowing himself to love her will risk the safety of his family - something he cannot do.
As noted early, this really is a beautiful homage to Austen. Emily is very much Elizabeth Bennet - strong minded and the backbone of the family. Sister Jane is well represented in Emily's sister Bridget. Wingrave reminds me very much of the honorable Captain Wentworth in Persuasion. Echoing Pride and Prejudice's villain Wickham, we have Jude Annesley, stirring the pot. Not to mention a Bingley in the form of Annesley's put upon brother, Edward. And a huge cast of characters are given strong characterizations and inhabit the story well. It's almost like a play with a large plot and several subplots that converge tightly at the end of the book.
One might fear that an amalgamation of Austen themes would fall flat. But Rachel Francis presents the plot so tightly, and written with all the wonderful banter, witty bon mots, and intelligent reparte, that it works seamlessly and effortlessly. It is in the writing that this book achieves so beautifully. A unique story but with the right influences thrown in - a great blend of characters, romance, and setting/plot.
So, definitely do not let the AU trapping, fear of yet another Austen retread, or brief summary of what is an intricate plot dissuade you. This is an excellent book and one of the more satisfying romance reads I have had in a long time.
July 22, 2013
Review taken from my Blog Post #383 in July 2013 (please see the actual Blog Post.
Oh dear, I hate it when this happens ... no reviews so far, and then my one isn't going to be a particularly flattering.
The plot had potential, but unfortunately it just fell short by some margin, I found it to be a tad cumbersome. The characters' too only appeared to have a very thin veneer of authenticity about them.
For the majority of the book, I simply read and waited for something ..... for goodness sake ........... anything to happen. Other than "oh I don't want to marry, I made a pact, you can't make me lose my independence, money, blah, blah, I'm better than being married, blah, blah, blah, I will never find somebody to love me as much as I love myself, blah, blah" - please love, get a grip!
In the end there was a short burst of pace and action around 60%, and then a little bit more towards the end, and then tailoring off to blandness again.
It could have been better, oh so very much better if the plot pace had a quicker, snappier pace.
On a more happy and positive note, I was particularly pleased to read the Author's notes regarding the fact that it was historical, but in a Fantasy Land, albeit that it was called "Endland". Perhaps a little more imagination could have been brought into play for that bit. Although, I did enjoy the name of the neighbouring country!
Given my comments above, it really only earns 2 stars.
I would strongly urge a re-write to engender a little bit more interest, pace and jeopardy. That in, and of itself, might give a little bit more of flesh to the bones of the characters, and stop all the repetitive whining about the main protagonists situation.
If this was an end of term report for this novel, it would "could try harder" written in the comment box. However, there would also be a B+ mark for relative neatness of work (see errors/bug bears on my Blog Post).
Oh dear, I hate it when this happens ... no reviews so far, and then my one isn't going to be a particularly flattering.
The plot had potential, but unfortunately it just fell short by some margin, I found it to be a tad cumbersome. The characters' too only appeared to have a very thin veneer of authenticity about them.
For the majority of the book, I simply read and waited for something ..... for goodness sake ........... anything to happen. Other than "oh I don't want to marry, I made a pact, you can't make me lose my independence, money, blah, blah, I'm better than being married, blah, blah, blah, I will never find somebody to love me as much as I love myself, blah, blah" - please love, get a grip!
In the end there was a short burst of pace and action around 60%, and then a little bit more towards the end, and then tailoring off to blandness again.
It could have been better, oh so very much better if the plot pace had a quicker, snappier pace.
On a more happy and positive note, I was particularly pleased to read the Author's notes regarding the fact that it was historical, but in a Fantasy Land, albeit that it was called "Endland". Perhaps a little more imagination could have been brought into play for that bit. Although, I did enjoy the name of the neighbouring country!
Given my comments above, it really only earns 2 stars.
I would strongly urge a re-write to engender a little bit more interest, pace and jeopardy. That in, and of itself, might give a little bit more of flesh to the bones of the characters, and stop all the repetitive whining about the main protagonists situation.
If this was an end of term report for this novel, it would "could try harder" written in the comment box. However, there would also be a B+ mark for relative neatness of work (see errors/bug bears on my Blog Post).
June 12, 2013
Name: Proper Secrets
Author: Rachel Francis
ISBN: 9780985834647
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Smith Publicity
Publication/Expected Publication: February 1, 2013
As a Jane Austen/Brontë sisters fan, I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I am generally somewhat skeptical of historical fiction (The Other Boleyn Girl - need I say more?), but Ms. Francis was very upfront that her story was NOT historical fiction and actually took place on a sort of alternate timeline. That is to say, the setting and characters closely mirrored that of Regency era England, but the names of places and general government structure were entirely of Ms. Francis's creation.
I thought Emily Worthing was a strong female main character. She took it into her mind that she would not marry (which, in this time period, also meant no children of course) and was none too shy about her position. As someone who remained unmarried for a long time (and is still personally childless, although I have a stepdaughter), I admired her assertiveness in maintaining her so-called "spinsterhood" and not allowing people to tell her "oh you'll change your mind eventually."
I expected the friendship between Emily Worthing and Elijah Wingrave to be a fairly typical, Austen-esque relationship; however, there are a few twists and turns they must navigate that completely took me by surprise.
The fact that I personally identified with Emily may make me biased, but I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, especially if you love the more classical (rather than steamy) romances!
**Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book via Netgalley.**
Author: Rachel Francis
ISBN: 9780985834647
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Smith Publicity
Publication/Expected Publication: February 1, 2013
As a Jane Austen/Brontë sisters fan, I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I am generally somewhat skeptical of historical fiction (The Other Boleyn Girl - need I say more?), but Ms. Francis was very upfront that her story was NOT historical fiction and actually took place on a sort of alternate timeline. That is to say, the setting and characters closely mirrored that of Regency era England, but the names of places and general government structure were entirely of Ms. Francis's creation.
I thought Emily Worthing was a strong female main character. She took it into her mind that she would not marry (which, in this time period, also meant no children of course) and was none too shy about her position. As someone who remained unmarried for a long time (and is still personally childless, although I have a stepdaughter), I admired her assertiveness in maintaining her so-called "spinsterhood" and not allowing people to tell her "oh you'll change your mind eventually."
I expected the friendship between Emily Worthing and Elijah Wingrave to be a fairly typical, Austen-esque relationship; however, there are a few twists and turns they must navigate that completely took me by surprise.
The fact that I personally identified with Emily may make me biased, but I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, especially if you love the more classical (rather than steamy) romances!
**Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book via Netgalley.**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews