What do you think?
Rate this book
Louisiana Plantation Collection #2
Midnight Waltz
He came to her in the dark of the moon...
Arranged marriages are common among Louisiana's aristocratic Creoles, but Amalie's new husband shows little interest in his bride. That is, until his handsome cousin Robert arrives at Bonheur Plantation. How can the man she married remain so cool and aloof during the day, while approaching her with such tender passion at midnight?
Robert declines the outrageous favor asked of him -- yet some sins are impossible to resist...
As mystery, deception and murderous danger stalk the sultry land, Amalie and Robert must choose between love and duty, between desire's sweet rhapsody and the painful truth.
Arranged marriages are common among Louisiana's aristocratic Creoles, but Amalie's new husband shows little interest in his bride. That is, until his handsome cousin Robert arrives at Bonheur Plantation. How can the man she married remain so cool and aloof during the day, while approaching her with such tender passion at midnight?
Robert declines the outrageous favor asked of him -- yet some sins are impossible to resist...
As mystery, deception and murderous danger stalk the sultry land, Amalie and Robert must choose between love and duty, between desire's sweet rhapsody and the painful truth.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1984
70 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blake
171 books542 followersA pseudonym used by Patricia Maxwell.
Jennifer Blake has been called a “pioneer of the romance genre”, and an “icon of the romance industry.” A New York Times and international best selling author since 1977, she is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, member of the RWA Hall of Fame, and recipient of the RWA Lifetime Achievement Rita. She holds numerous other honors, including two “Maggies”, two Holt Medallions, multiple Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, and the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence. She has written over 60 books with translations in 20 languages and more than 30 million copies in print worldwide.
Jennifer and her husband reside in a lakeside Caribbean-style retreat in North Louisiana where they often entertain family and friends. Always a gardener, she spends much of her time encouraging her garden to bloom with her favorite daylilies and antique roses. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Buffy and Lucky, and indulging in needlework, painting, and travel.
Jennifer Blake has been called a “pioneer of the romance genre”, and an “icon of the romance industry.” A New York Times and international best selling author since 1977, she is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, member of the RWA Hall of Fame, and recipient of the RWA Lifetime Achievement Rita. She holds numerous other honors, including two “Maggies”, two Holt Medallions, multiple Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, and the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence. She has written over 60 books with translations in 20 languages and more than 30 million copies in print worldwide.
Jennifer and her husband reside in a lakeside Caribbean-style retreat in North Louisiana where they often entertain family and friends. Always a gardener, she spends much of her time encouraging her garden to bloom with her favorite daylilies and antique roses. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Buffy and Lucky, and indulging in needlework, painting, and travel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 27, 2015
I can't even finish this. It's just...ugh. An incredibly dull book with an unbelievable premise based on the heroine's monumental stupidity. No woman would be that dense. Once, maybe -- but repeatedly mistaking another man for your husband? *facepalm* HOW DUMB ARE YOU?? His smell, his voice, his cadence of breathing, the way his hands feel -- these things would all be familiar, regardless of whether you've consummated the marriage skin-to-skin. The author compounds Amalie's idiocy by repeatedly assuring the reader how her husband & his cousin (whose name I already forget) look so similar that they could almost be twins. How convenient! Though apparently hair color, height, & breadth of shoulder are sufficient to fool her brain -- the fact that they have completely different personalities, mannerisms, & attitudes makes no nevermind to Amalie once the lights are out. But FFS. No room is THAT dark. I could understand her unwillingness to pitch a fit & lose the material security of her marriage, but her ignorance regarding Julian's completely obvious & the mistaken identity of her lordly lover was ridiculous.
The remaining prose was a slog of highly detailed & completely uninteresting infodumps regarding architecture, interior decorating, housekeeping, clothes, & routines. The only semi-interesting conflict revolved around the "noble slave" concept (the merits of highly educated, pampered favorites vs their issues returning to general slave society), & even that was handled with clumsy back-and-forth dialogue between the H/h.
Overall: boring, boring, & more boring.
The remaining prose was a slog of highly detailed & completely uninteresting infodumps regarding architecture, interior decorating, housekeeping, clothes, & routines. The only semi-interesting conflict revolved around the "noble slave" concept (the merits of highly educated, pampered favorites vs their issues returning to general slave society), & even that was handled with clumsy back-and-forth dialogue between the H/h.
Overall: boring, boring, & more boring.
June 18, 2015
3.5
Yes another one with the plotline of heroines husband not being up to the task of giving his wife a child.Of wich I have been reading several of late.
The heroine Amalie has been married for 3 months to charming,handsome and rich Julien Declouet. She should count her luck have gotten such a husband at her advanced age (24) especially since she had figured herself to be firmly on the shelf before he proposed to her.
But in the months since their marriage he hasnt managed to consume the marriage.And the times he did make an attempt he started crying and ran away. You can guess what Amalie feels about this.
The story starts when Amalie walk in on her mother in law (called M´mere) and a unknown man who she is introduced to and learns is her husbands cousin Robert Farnum.She finds him pleasant enough (and looks quite a bit like her husband Julien)but there seems to be some tension between her husband and his cousin,wich she finds strange when she learns they are actually supposed to be good friends.
She puts this out of her mind when she is visited by her husband one night and their marriage is finally consumated.She is so happy,she feels she must be the luckiest woman in the world.She had thought it would be a burden,but her husband made their time together pleasurable.
But why does he act so strangely in the morning? Like they hadnt shared a life changing experience at all? She feels shy about confronting him about it since she does live in the victorian era after all.
With this type of plotline its usually an excuse to cram it full of sanctified extramarital sex scenes. But while there are some sensuous love scenes (once in a summmerhouse to boot) It never drifted into what I would call gratitious.
I found the hero and heroine to be a good match and both to be very likeable and earnest people. It was very touching how their relationship was described (when heroine didnt even know he was her midnight lover)
I am not sure if this was intentional or not but the scenes where her unseen lover comes to her and when she strikes a match to be confirmed of her suspicions reminded me of the story of Eros and Psyche.
Something that people can find troubling is that this is 1850s/40s(?)Louisiana and there are plantations and yes you guessed it -slavery.
This made me dock a star from my review.
Heroine nor any of the other characters even contemplate that its wrong to enslave somebody.(brief mention was made of abolutionists though)
Amalie does try to care for her "people" and even take an interest in a young slave boy who shows a talent for drawing.But she feels bad about her encouragement since it would be a shame to waste such a gift.But if she doest it she might raise expectations that will never be met,making the boy miserable when he realizes the truth.
I found this book to have three parts.First part is the heroine getting introduced and "intimately" acquainted with the hero. Some will find the notion that Amalie couldnt tell her husband and cousin apart ridicilous but I found that I could suspend disbelief and let this one pass.Maybe Amalie supressed this thought since she was so happy to be a real wife at last.
The second part is Amalie having growing doubt about her nightime lovers true identity and it finally coming out in the open. Wich ignites a conflict between Julien,his mother and Robert. spoiler>he was told to visit Amalie at night to try and make her pregnant.But he abused the right since he fell in love with her.Julien might not want his wife on account of him being gay but he still feels she belongs to him
Things get even more tricky when
The third part is Amalie and Robert trying to come to terms with their own actions and mend things between them.
The ending was maybe a bit rushed for somes tastes but the couple had been through so much already and I felt that they could understand each other perfectly.
Maybe not for all on account of the slavery,but I found this a gritty,emotional story.
Yes another one with the plotline of heroines husband not being up to the task of giving his wife a child.Of wich I have been reading several of late.
The heroine Amalie has been married for 3 months to charming,handsome and rich Julien Declouet. She should count her luck have gotten such a husband at her advanced age (24) especially since she had figured herself to be firmly on the shelf before he proposed to her.
But in the months since their marriage he hasnt managed to consume the marriage.And the times he did make an attempt he started crying and ran away. You can guess what Amalie feels about this.
The story starts when Amalie walk in on her mother in law (called M´mere) and a unknown man who she is introduced to and learns is her husbands cousin Robert Farnum.She finds him pleasant enough (and looks quite a bit like her husband Julien)but there seems to be some tension between her husband and his cousin,wich she finds strange when she learns they are actually supposed to be good friends.
She puts this out of her mind when she is visited by her husband one night and their marriage is finally consumated.She is so happy,she feels she must be the luckiest woman in the world.She had thought it would be a burden,but her husband made their time together pleasurable.
But why does he act so strangely in the morning? Like they hadnt shared a life changing experience at all? She feels shy about confronting him about it since she does live in the victorian era after all.
With this type of plotline its usually an excuse to cram it full of sanctified extramarital sex scenes. But while there are some sensuous love scenes (once in a summmerhouse to boot) It never drifted into what I would call gratitious.
I found the hero and heroine to be a good match and both to be very likeable and earnest people. It was very touching how their relationship was described (when heroine didnt even know he was her midnight lover)
I am not sure if this was intentional or not but the scenes where her unseen lover comes to her and when she strikes a match to be confirmed of her suspicions reminded me of the story of Eros and Psyche.
Something that people can find troubling is that this is 1850s/40s(?)Louisiana and there are plantations and yes you guessed it -slavery.
This made me dock a star from my review.
Heroine nor any of the other characters even contemplate that its wrong to enslave somebody.(brief mention was made of abolutionists though)
Amalie does try to care for her "people" and even take an interest in a young slave boy who shows a talent for drawing.But she feels bad about her encouragement since it would be a shame to waste such a gift.But if she doest it she might raise expectations that will never be met,making the boy miserable when he realizes the truth.
I found this book to have three parts.First part is the heroine getting introduced and "intimately" acquainted with the hero. Some will find the notion that Amalie couldnt tell her husband and cousin apart ridicilous but I found that I could suspend disbelief and let this one pass.Maybe Amalie supressed this thought since she was so happy to be a real wife at last.
The second part is Amalie having growing doubt about her nightime lovers true identity and it finally coming out in the open. Wich ignites a conflict between Julien,his mother and Robert. spoiler>he was told to visit Amalie at night to try and make her pregnant.But he abused the right since he fell in love with her.Julien might not want his wife on account of him being gay but he still feels she belongs to him
Things get even more tricky when
The third part is Amalie and Robert trying to come to terms with their own actions and mend things between them.
The ending was maybe a bit rushed for somes tastes but the couple had been through so much already and I felt that they could understand each other perfectly.
Maybe not for all on account of the slavery,but I found this a gritty,emotional story.
June 22, 2020
Our last buddy-read sucked, but that never stopped Nenia and I before. Coming to a GR near you.
REVIEW:
For every good bodice ripper, there are about 100 that are just absolute trash, and not in a fun way. I picked this up from a thrift store because the promise of the heroine being visited at night by a sexy man who is secretly NOT her husband, and then falling in love with said man, was just too good to pass up. I had my reservations when I started reading, however, because IMO there are more bad vintage romances than good ones (then again, I'm kind of picky). But! It was so good! And it's not going in the donation pile! Yay!
The thing that made this book so successful for me was the almost unrelenting focus on the romance, but not at the expense of the plot. So many bodice rippers separate the main characters for stretches at a time, and while the MCs in Midnight Waltz didn't spent every moment together, there was such a good balance between them spending time together, time apart, and thinking about each other, but also the necessary action to move the plot along.
Not only that, but the entire book was from the perspective of the female gaze. I personally love the female gaze, which is a term that means to put emphasize on how women actually are (rather than as physically flawless objects of desire), and oftentimes what the women themselves desire, rather than men (who usually control the perspective of films and TV). I think a good example of this is the movie Dirty Dancing. It was so refreshing to have this in a book, especially an older one, because even in many modern romances there is so much of the male gaze.
Since this book was published in 1984, it isn't without its non-PC issues, although I found it rather progressive for the time (and pretty realistically so within the context of its setting). For a list of content warnings, be sure to check out Nenia's review. They include attempted rape and actual rape (the heroine didn't know her lover's true identity), portrayal of a gay man as a pedophile, and I think one use of the n-word by the villain.
I do feel the book lost some steam near the end, but the descriptions were really good, if a bit too involved at times. The sex scenes were numerous and detailed, and really made the book for me. I had read Jennifer Blake before, but this is the first of hers that's really impressed me. I'm glad Nenia and I finally found a buddy-read we both enjoyed!
REVIEW:
For every good bodice ripper, there are about 100 that are just absolute trash, and not in a fun way. I picked this up from a thrift store because the promise of the heroine being visited at night by a sexy man who is secretly NOT her husband, and then falling in love with said man, was just too good to pass up. I had my reservations when I started reading, however, because IMO there are more bad vintage romances than good ones (then again, I'm kind of picky). But! It was so good! And it's not going in the donation pile! Yay!
The thing that made this book so successful for me was the almost unrelenting focus on the romance, but not at the expense of the plot. So many bodice rippers separate the main characters for stretches at a time, and while the MCs in Midnight Waltz didn't spent every moment together, there was such a good balance between them spending time together, time apart, and thinking about each other, but also the necessary action to move the plot along.
Not only that, but the entire book was from the perspective of the female gaze. I personally love the female gaze, which is a term that means to put emphasize on how women actually are (rather than as physically flawless objects of desire), and oftentimes what the women themselves desire, rather than men (who usually control the perspective of films and TV). I think a good example of this is the movie Dirty Dancing. It was so refreshing to have this in a book, especially an older one, because even in many modern romances there is so much of the male gaze.
Since this book was published in 1984, it isn't without its non-PC issues, although I found it rather progressive for the time (and pretty realistically so within the context of its setting). For a list of content warnings, be sure to check out Nenia's review. They include attempted rape and actual rape (the heroine didn't know her lover's true identity), portrayal of a gay man as a pedophile, and I think one use of the n-word by the villain.
I do feel the book lost some steam near the end, but the descriptions were really good, if a bit too involved at times. The sex scenes were numerous and detailed, and really made the book for me. I had read Jennifer Blake before, but this is the first of hers that's really impressed me. I'm glad Nenia and I finally found a buddy-read we both enjoyed!
July 28, 2011
Amalie Peschier was almost permanently on the old-maid shelf when her family arranges a too good to be true marriage to Julian Declouet. Julian is very kind to his young bride, almost too kind as he seems unwilling (or perhaps unable?) to consummate the marriage. Just when Amalie is ready to give up hope of children, her husband visits her room in the dark of night (so dark she can't see him) and makes wild passionate love to her, but come daylight her passionate lover is gone and Julian's amiable (and somewhat petulant) persona returns. Since there's no other way into Amalie's bedroom except through Julian's rooms it couldn't possibly be anyone else, could it?
"Such things did not happen to well-brought-up young ladies. How had it come about that they happened to her?"
So's not to spoil, I'm not taking that plot line any further, although you will figure it out lickety split. But don't give up the ship and send the book flying, because after the big ta-dah is revealed things heat up and start cooking. There's a mysterious disappearance, a murder (or is it an accident?), the obligatory evil slave abusing overseer with a secret agenda of his own, and of course Julian's deep dark secret (yep, you'll guess it). All kidding aside, I did enjoy this and despite the predictable beginning Blake does finish it off quite nicely. Amalie and he-who-shall-not-be-named have sex and plenty of it and it really is rather well done. Despite its original 1980's publication date, you won't find heaving bosoms, ripped bodices (well there was one time with the bad guy...), or weeping vulvas here. The biggest plus for this history geek is the seamless way Blake portrays the period and Creole society, from the food, buildings, what's involved in running a large plantation (from the female side of course), the social mores and most especially the clothes (loved watching Amalie and you-know-who taking them off I might add).
"Belle Grove had been built during the early years of the nineteenth century when every closet, chimney, and enclosed staircase was taxed. As a result, the house and two outside staircases, one in back and one in front, but none inside; only two enclosed chimneys, but four fireplaces; and armoires instead of closets."
That was a new factoid for me.
"Women in the Creole portion of Louisiana did not attend burials, though they might be present at the mass for the should of the dead. They could give birth in a welter of gore, tend the incontinent elderly in their last days, and witness, not to mention clean up after, the bodily degradation caused by most illnesses; but they were, of course, far too delicate to sustain the sight of their loved ones being lowered into the grave."
Sigh. All in all a good solid read and a nice bit of brain candy for when you're in the mood for something lighter. As noted earlier, there is quite a bit of sex in this one, but compared to what you'll see in today's books (or those OTT old school bodice rippers), it is quite tame and tastefully done IMHO. Just not for the kiddos.
Thanks to Sourcebooks for an advance review copy.
"Such things did not happen to well-brought-up young ladies. How had it come about that they happened to her?"
So's not to spoil, I'm not taking that plot line any further, although you will figure it out lickety split. But don't give up the ship and send the book flying, because after the big ta-dah is revealed things heat up and start cooking. There's a mysterious disappearance, a murder (or is it an accident?), the obligatory evil slave abusing overseer with a secret agenda of his own, and of course Julian's deep dark secret (yep, you'll guess it). All kidding aside, I did enjoy this and despite the predictable beginning Blake does finish it off quite nicely. Amalie and he-who-shall-not-be-named have sex and plenty of it and it really is rather well done. Despite its original 1980's publication date, you won't find heaving bosoms, ripped bodices (well there was one time with the bad guy...), or weeping vulvas here. The biggest plus for this history geek is the seamless way Blake portrays the period and Creole society, from the food, buildings, what's involved in running a large plantation (from the female side of course), the social mores and most especially the clothes (loved watching Amalie and you-know-who taking them off I might add).
"Belle Grove had been built during the early years of the nineteenth century when every closet, chimney, and enclosed staircase was taxed. As a result, the house and two outside staircases, one in back and one in front, but none inside; only two enclosed chimneys, but four fireplaces; and armoires instead of closets."
That was a new factoid for me.
"Women in the Creole portion of Louisiana did not attend burials, though they might be present at the mass for the should of the dead. They could give birth in a welter of gore, tend the incontinent elderly in their last days, and witness, not to mention clean up after, the bodily degradation caused by most illnesses; but they were, of course, far too delicate to sustain the sight of their loved ones being lowered into the grave."
Sigh. All in all a good solid read and a nice bit of brain candy for when you're in the mood for something lighter. As noted earlier, there is quite a bit of sex in this one, but compared to what you'll see in today's books (or those OTT old school bodice rippers), it is quite tame and tastefully done IMHO. Just not for the kiddos.
Thanks to Sourcebooks for an advance review copy.
June 26, 2016
This book was terrible. I've read worse but it was also boring as fuck.
The heroine was like plain oatmeal. There was nothing about her that was actually interesting or make her real to me. She was boring and bland. Completely forgettable.
Also the sex scenes were boring and so unrealistic omg. Sarah will tell you all about it here.
The heroine was like plain oatmeal. There was nothing about her that was actually interesting or make her real to me. She was boring and bland. Completely forgettable.
Also the sex scenes were boring and so unrealistic omg. Sarah will tell you all about it here.
May 30, 2011
Well, that sure ended with a bang. Can't post the review until later in July for new publication date. Sorry.
Quote too long for an update Page 260,
"Women in the Creole portion of Louisiana did not attend burials, though they might be present at the mass for the should of the dead. They could give birth in a welter of gore, tend the incontinent elderly in their last days, and witness, not to mention clean up after, the bodily degradation caused by most illnesses; but they were, of course, far too delicate to sustain the sight of their loved ones being lowered into the grave."
Quote too long for an update Page 260,
"Women in the Creole portion of Louisiana did not attend burials, though they might be present at the mass for the should of the dead. They could give birth in a welter of gore, tend the incontinent elderly in their last days, and witness, not to mention clean up after, the bodily degradation caused by most illnesses; but they were, of course, far too delicate to sustain the sight of their loved ones being lowered into the grave."
February 12, 2018
Elegí este libro por su argumento, y es que la historia apuntaba a una historia de esas donde las cosas no son lo que parecen con eso de que el esposo era frío con ella durante el día, pero muy apasionado por la noche, y claro, no me quedó más remedio que ponerme a leerlo para ver que le pasaba a esta chica que estaba tan confundida con su marido hasta el punto de no saber si es la misma persona o no.
Y me diréis, ¿cómo puede ser que no reconozca a su marido? Pues en cuanto vas conociendo a Amalie ves que es algo muy fácil, porque nuestra protagonista es una chica ingenua que lleva muy poquito tiempo casada, solo tres meses, pero aún es virgen, aunque ella piensa que sí ha consumado el matrimonio pues su marido ha dormido con ella en alguna ocasión. Así de inocente e ingenua es la pobre chica.
Pues en la oscuridad de la noche, las puertas que comunican con el cuarto de su marido se abren para dejar paso a un hombre apasionado cuyo comportamiento difiere mucho del que Julien tiene con ella a la luz del día y eso hará que nuestra protagonista empiece a hacerse preguntas algo incómodas, aunque no creáis que eso lo hace desde el primer momento, que la chica es muy ingenua y le cuesta horrores ver las cosas como son, aun cuando empieza a sospecharlas, prefiere cubrirse de un velo de ignorancia y obviar lo obvio para no tener que enfrentarse a las consecuencias de sus sospechas.
La historia nos sitúa en St. Martinville, Luisiana. Aunque no se nos indica el año en concreto, pero por comentarios de los protagonistas sabemos que es poco antes de la Guerra de Secesión.
Amalie es una chica que estuvo prometida y muy enamorada, pero las sucesivas muertes de su padre, madre, y finalmente su prometido, y el estricto periodo de luto entre cada una de ellas, ha hecho que haya llegado a la avanzada edad de veinticuatro años sin tener marido, por lo que su tía le arregla un matrimonio con un joven de la región. Estamos en una época donde los matrimonios concertados están a la orden del día y Amalie solo ve un par de veces a su futuro esposo antes del matrimonio. Después de la muerte de su prometido se había conformado con su soltería, pero la promesa de hijos hace que acepte la unión con un hombre que apenas conoce.
Pues la historia al comienzo es bastante lenta, pero luego mejora, el suspense sobre el marido es bastante evidente desde la primera página, pero luego se le añade un asesinato, la sospecha de culpabilidad de varios de los protagonistas, el rechazo social, un amor imposible y la trama comienza a tener algo más de chicha donde hincarle el diente. Los personajes se ven abocados a una situación que a la larga resulta insostenible y que, como es lógico, termina por explotarles en las manos.
El estilo de la autora es ampuloso y algo recargado, aunque adecuado para el contexto histórico en el que se encuentra la obra, quizá sea por la época en la que se escribió, pero que me ha resultado muy extraño, y es que he leído muchas historias de época con un estilo más desenfadado y moderno y no estoy muy acostumbrada a este estilo tan recargado, me frenaba un poco la lectura, pero eso sí, ha sido genial para ampliar mi vocabulario. Narrada en tercera persona por un narrador omnisciente y con, para mi gusto, un exceso de descripciones y pocos diálogos, lo que hacía la lectura algo aburrida en ocasiones. Aunque para ser sincera, como a la mitad del libro la cosa comienza a tener algo de acción y mejora un poquito.
Como os decía la autora nos muestra un retrato realista de lo que debía ser la vida de la época; las convenciones y las reglas sociales, están muy bien retratadas en este libro. Un mundo de hacendados y esclavos, donde empieza a brotar las ansías de libertad. Aunque no es muy de mi estilo en género romántico-histórico le doy un 3/5.
Reseña completa en: https://bibliotecariarecomienda.blogs...
Y me diréis, ¿cómo puede ser que no reconozca a su marido? Pues en cuanto vas conociendo a Amalie ves que es algo muy fácil, porque nuestra protagonista es una chica ingenua que lleva muy poquito tiempo casada, solo tres meses, pero aún es virgen, aunque ella piensa que sí ha consumado el matrimonio pues su marido ha dormido con ella en alguna ocasión. Así de inocente e ingenua es la pobre chica.
Pues en la oscuridad de la noche, las puertas que comunican con el cuarto de su marido se abren para dejar paso a un hombre apasionado cuyo comportamiento difiere mucho del que Julien tiene con ella a la luz del día y eso hará que nuestra protagonista empiece a hacerse preguntas algo incómodas, aunque no creáis que eso lo hace desde el primer momento, que la chica es muy ingenua y le cuesta horrores ver las cosas como son, aun cuando empieza a sospecharlas, prefiere cubrirse de un velo de ignorancia y obviar lo obvio para no tener que enfrentarse a las consecuencias de sus sospechas.
La historia nos sitúa en St. Martinville, Luisiana. Aunque no se nos indica el año en concreto, pero por comentarios de los protagonistas sabemos que es poco antes de la Guerra de Secesión.
Amalie es una chica que estuvo prometida y muy enamorada, pero las sucesivas muertes de su padre, madre, y finalmente su prometido, y el estricto periodo de luto entre cada una de ellas, ha hecho que haya llegado a la avanzada edad de veinticuatro años sin tener marido, por lo que su tía le arregla un matrimonio con un joven de la región. Estamos en una época donde los matrimonios concertados están a la orden del día y Amalie solo ve un par de veces a su futuro esposo antes del matrimonio. Después de la muerte de su prometido se había conformado con su soltería, pero la promesa de hijos hace que acepte la unión con un hombre que apenas conoce.
Pues la historia al comienzo es bastante lenta, pero luego mejora, el suspense sobre el marido es bastante evidente desde la primera página, pero luego se le añade un asesinato, la sospecha de culpabilidad de varios de los protagonistas, el rechazo social, un amor imposible y la trama comienza a tener algo más de chicha donde hincarle el diente. Los personajes se ven abocados a una situación que a la larga resulta insostenible y que, como es lógico, termina por explotarles en las manos.
El estilo de la autora es ampuloso y algo recargado, aunque adecuado para el contexto histórico en el que se encuentra la obra, quizá sea por la época en la que se escribió, pero que me ha resultado muy extraño, y es que he leído muchas historias de época con un estilo más desenfadado y moderno y no estoy muy acostumbrada a este estilo tan recargado, me frenaba un poco la lectura, pero eso sí, ha sido genial para ampliar mi vocabulario. Narrada en tercera persona por un narrador omnisciente y con, para mi gusto, un exceso de descripciones y pocos diálogos, lo que hacía la lectura algo aburrida en ocasiones. Aunque para ser sincera, como a la mitad del libro la cosa comienza a tener algo de acción y mejora un poquito.
Como os decía la autora nos muestra un retrato realista de lo que debía ser la vida de la época; las convenciones y las reglas sociales, están muy bien retratadas en este libro. Un mundo de hacendados y esclavos, donde empieza a brotar las ansías de libertad. Aunque no es muy de mi estilo en género romántico-histórico le doy un 3/5.
Reseña completa en: https://bibliotecariarecomienda.blogs...
May 30, 2013
MINOR SPOILERS CONTAINED IN THIS REVIEW.
I found it really hard to keep going with this one. I downloaded a four pack of Jennifer Blake books called the Southern Plantation Series for my Kindle. Midnight Waltz was the second book in the series.
Reading the synopsis I thought this book would have promise, however, I found I wanted to constantly skip through the long detailed descriptions and step by step narrations of Amelie's daily life.
The whole situation with Robert just confused me. I felt their midnight relationship just started out of nowhere and made no sense. I knew it wasn't Julian from the beginning, so I'm not sure how Amelie couldn't figure it out. What really made her think it was him, I mean if he talked to her couldn't she tell the voice wasn't right. All together I thought the book was a mess with a few moments that got me turning the pages.
I found it really hard to keep going with this one. I downloaded a four pack of Jennifer Blake books called the Southern Plantation Series for my Kindle. Midnight Waltz was the second book in the series.
Reading the synopsis I thought this book would have promise, however, I found I wanted to constantly skip through the long detailed descriptions and step by step narrations of Amelie's daily life.
The whole situation with Robert just confused me. I felt their midnight relationship just started out of nowhere and made no sense. I knew it wasn't Julian from the beginning, so I'm not sure how Amelie couldn't figure it out. What really made her think it was him, I mean if he talked to her couldn't she tell the voice wasn't right. All together I thought the book was a mess with a few moments that got me turning the pages.
September 28, 2011
I got more than halfway through this book when I just lost interest. I figured out Julien's 'secret' in the first ten pages, so that wasn't even that interesting. The plot wasn't intriguing to me and I just skimmed the rest to find out what happened. It's not that it was bad, but I just didn't connect with the book much.
By the way, what's up with Amalie having grey-blue rings around her brown eyes and silver-blue highlights in her brown hair? I think having one of those is odd enough but to have both her eyes and hair match...that's overkill. I think a gown in the story is a similar theme too. The author definitely had a weird thing going. ;P
By the way, what's up with Amalie having grey-blue rings around her brown eyes and silver-blue highlights in her brown hair? I think having one of those is odd enough but to have both her eyes and hair match...that's overkill. I think a gown in the story is a similar theme too. The author definitely had a weird thing going. ;P
October 19, 2017
Left at 60% mark. Too many unbelievable points and never-ending scenery/dress/balls descriptions dragged it down.
1) No night is so dark that you mistake your husband for his cousin. Repeatedly. 2) When you discover such a deception you make hell rain on earth. And believe me quiet women explode the worst. Here there wasn't a wisp of outrage.
3) Gay doesn't mean unable to perform. Man and woman are both perfectly able to fake it.
It should have been full of drama or at least melodrama. It was boring.
1) No night is so dark that you mistake your husband for his cousin. Repeatedly. 2) When you discover such a deception you make hell rain on earth. And believe me quiet women explode the worst. Here there wasn't a wisp of outrage.
3) Gay doesn't mean unable to perform. Man and woman are both perfectly able to fake it.
It should have been full of drama or at least melodrama. It was boring.
March 29, 2023
The drama in this! Wow
September 24, 2012
OMG this book was BORRRRRing!!! I think I skipped more than half of it. Long lame ass descriptions of the setting, long lame ass discussions of feelings, blah, blah, blah.
The thing is the story had potential. Sure the premise is a little ridiculous (she doesn't know she's not sleeping with her husband? really??) but whatever. Some romances have ridiculous premises and work beautifully. This one did not. So much wasted opportunity for longing and yearning and more sexy times. I also wouldn't have been opposed to a secondary love story with Tige and Lally (it's implied but never expanded upon). The villain could have been soooo much worse. Instead he was almost a caricature of a villain.I almost expected mustache twirling.
Amalia and ... shit ... the hero's name is ... okay, Amalia and what's his name are super hot for each other and, oh yeah, they love each other too. I actually bought the "they love each other bit" and the sexy parts weren't horrible; it was everything else that sucked. The mystery surrounding Julien's death was NOT mysterious (I saw that coming a mile away), the "suspense" with the hurricane, other weather related issues (I don't think I've read a book with more weather catastrophes), and the evil foreman was not suspenseful. At no point was I at all worried that the characters wouldn't make it.
And lord, Amalia's physical appearance is beyond stupid. She had blue/silver highlights in her dark hair? Is premature grey the new sexy in 24 year old heroines? I could have ignored that but then the silver/blue shit is repeated in her eyes. So her brown hair is blueish silver and her brown eyes are blueish silver? Okay.
As far as the hero goes (what's his name) he's about as memorable as a piece of white bread. He's "hot," he's a good farmer/boss type person, he cares for his family, blah, blah, blah. There was nothing to set him apart from any other character in the book except he had sexy times with Amalia and no one else did.
I'm glad I borrowed this on my Kindle because now I can "return" it and never have to see it again.
The thing is the story had potential. Sure the premise is a little ridiculous (she doesn't know she's not sleeping with her husband? really??) but whatever. Some romances have ridiculous premises and work beautifully. This one did not. So much wasted opportunity for longing and yearning and more sexy times. I also wouldn't have been opposed to a secondary love story with Tige and Lally (it's implied but never expanded upon). The villain could have been soooo much worse. Instead he was almost a caricature of a villain.I almost expected mustache twirling.
Amalia and ... shit ... the hero's name is ... okay, Amalia and what's his name are super hot for each other and, oh yeah, they love each other too. I actually bought the "they love each other bit" and the sexy parts weren't horrible; it was everything else that sucked. The mystery surrounding Julien's death was NOT mysterious (I saw that coming a mile away), the "suspense" with the hurricane, other weather related issues (I don't think I've read a book with more weather catastrophes), and the evil foreman was not suspenseful. At no point was I at all worried that the characters wouldn't make it.
And lord, Amalia's physical appearance is beyond stupid. She had blue/silver highlights in her dark hair? Is premature grey the new sexy in 24 year old heroines? I could have ignored that but then the silver/blue shit is repeated in her eyes. So her brown hair is blueish silver and her brown eyes are blueish silver? Okay.
As far as the hero goes (what's his name) he's about as memorable as a piece of white bread. He's "hot," he's a good farmer/boss type person, he cares for his family, blah, blah, blah. There was nothing to set him apart from any other character in the book except he had sexy times with Amalia and no one else did.
I'm glad I borrowed this on my Kindle because now I can "return" it and never have to see it again.
September 8, 2011
This oldie but goodie historical romance is set in Louisiana and has all the wonderful elements of the Old South - antebellum mansion, hoop skirts, nasty overseer, insipid husband, spunky heroine and disastrous natural elements. The heroine was truly a steel magnolia but not to the point of being unrealistic and the hero of the story was the quiet, strong type. The added bonus of a hurricane - and a real one at that - made the climax of the story all the more exciting.
They sure don't write them like they used to! Loved this book. Thanks to Misfit for the glowing review, hence my decision to read this book and I'm glad I did!
They sure don't write them like they used to! Loved this book. Thanks to Misfit for the glowing review, hence my decision to read this book and I'm glad I did!
May 21, 2014
3-3.5 stars
This was a good story. I liked both Robert and Amalie and enjoyed their story. This is the first book I've read by this author and based off this, I might try more of her work in the future.
This story was written back in 1984 and you can tell it by the writing a bit but it’s not as cheesy as some of the stories of this time (Not that I'm an expert on books from the '80s). The love scenes seemed a bit more descriptive than I expected. The descriptions are past the floweriness of bodice rippers but not quite to the point of modern erotica that blatantly names everything.
**Warning** This story takes place on a plantation in Louisiana in the 1800s and there are slaves in the story. Amalie is good to them and the only violence to a slave in the story is stopped by Amalie but if reading about plantation owners having slaves will bother you then you wont want to read this book.
Amalie hasn't had a lucky life as she lost her parents and then a fiancée, one right after another. By the time she emerged from years of mourning she was 24 and considered a spinster with little hopes of gaining a husband. Unexpectedly, Amalie gets news of a possible arranged marriage and it takes place quickly. With 2 meetings she’s married to a man she barely knows, Julien, and becoming lady of the plantation.
Robert is Julein’s cousin and owns a plantation nearby. He was practically raised by Julien's mother and the 2 of them are very close. Robert is unhappy with his Aunt and cousin when they encourage him to take Julien's place in his wife’s bed chamber…a wife that Julien has had for 3 months but has been unable to bed (the reason isn't given until the end but with his past times it's easy guess he’s a homosexual). Robert doesn't want to do this, knows it’s a bad idea but he can’t resist the chance to be with Amalie and goes to her in the night (from an adjoining door from Julien's room) when she can’t see his face.
As the story begins, there’s rain and some flooding near the plantation and Amalie is coming to the house to get advice from Julien's mother when she hears her talking to someone. She walks in to find Robert there. Robert was Julien's best man at the wedding but Amalie was so busy with meeting her new husband and many new people she barely remembers him. As Amalie walked in to the room, the discussion between the two stops abruptly and Amalie has the distinct impression that it was about her. Telling herself she must be imagining it, she goes about dealing with the flooding issue which Robert helps with since their overseer is MIA and Julien doesn't bother himself with the running of the plantation. During the flood, Robert ends up saving Amalie from being swept away and they have a moment but Amalie puts it out of her head. Soon after that, Amalie is gratified to wake to find her husband finally coming to her bedchamber and staying (he did try twice before to consummate their marriage but ran off crying both times). Amalie is surprised with “Julien” being so tender yet passionate with her, making her first experience a joy instead of the task she expected it to be. The next day however, Julien doesn't act any different toward her and Amalie's a bit hurt by this. As time goes by she receives more nightly visits but during the day Julien always acts like normal. There are some issues with the plantation overseer that is very insolent and seems to have some hold over Julien. Amalie also starts to feel a bit uncomfortable around Robert as she finds that she’s attracted to him. She doesn't want to be as she’s happy with her husband (at least during his nightly visits) and she’s upset about her feelings because they’re not proper. She tries to smother them but it doesn't help when she notices a heat in his gaze when he looks at her.
Amalie stays in the dark a little longer but things start to get out of hand when Julien starts showing signs of jealousy over Robert. When Amalie steals a kiss with “Julien” and then finds out it’s Robert, she starts to seriously doubt it was Julien visiting her at night and soon she realizes it’s been Robert all the time. Amalie is shocked and outraged but doesn't know what to do. She enjoyed her times with Robert but she thought those moments were with her husband and to find out they weren't and to know her husband must have had a part in it was even more of a blow. Amalie makes her anger known to Robert but by this time he’s fallen for her and wants her to run away with him. She refuses but soon the strife between Robert and Julien hits a high and they end up at odds over Amalie. In the middle of the dispute, Julien disappears and then ends up dead. Suspicion is cast on both Amalie and Robert and with everything that's happening, they both begin to doubt the other a bit. There are also some rumors of their affair and so Robert stays away from Amalie to avoid more talk. There's some drama and trying times as the real killer is discovered and mother nature causes some major problems from which they barely pull through. After things settle down and Amalie pushes things a bit, she and Robert come together for good and start their HEA.
This was an enjoyable story. I liked the characters (well all except the overseer) and the story was pretty good. My 2 complaints are that it was over descriptive at times...the first part of the book was a bit slow due to this. It quickened later but there were still a few points here and there where all the extra descriptions weren't really needed. Also, towards the end I was a bit disappointed at the lag in their relationship or at least I expected a more obvious pull between them. I guess with all the extra descriptiveness about their environment, cloths and culture there could have been a little more time spent on the emotions. The lack of emotions wasn't there all the time, but at times they almost weren't present and then suddenly they'd be back. Mostly this was when they were at odds after Julien's death but I guess I just expected a bit more on both sides. Overall it was still an enjoyable story. :)
* note - I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a great job. She did the accents and had a good distinctions between the different voices so there was never a question about who was talking.
This was a good story. I liked both Robert and Amalie and enjoyed their story. This is the first book I've read by this author and based off this, I might try more of her work in the future.
This story was written back in 1984 and you can tell it by the writing a bit but it’s not as cheesy as some of the stories of this time (Not that I'm an expert on books from the '80s). The love scenes seemed a bit more descriptive than I expected. The descriptions are past the floweriness of bodice rippers but not quite to the point of modern erotica that blatantly names everything.
**Warning** This story takes place on a plantation in Louisiana in the 1800s and there are slaves in the story. Amalie is good to them and the only violence to a slave in the story is stopped by Amalie but if reading about plantation owners having slaves will bother you then you wont want to read this book.
Amalie hasn't had a lucky life as she lost her parents and then a fiancée, one right after another. By the time she emerged from years of mourning she was 24 and considered a spinster with little hopes of gaining a husband. Unexpectedly, Amalie gets news of a possible arranged marriage and it takes place quickly. With 2 meetings she’s married to a man she barely knows, Julien, and becoming lady of the plantation.
Robert is Julein’s cousin and owns a plantation nearby. He was practically raised by Julien's mother and the 2 of them are very close. Robert is unhappy with his Aunt and cousin when they encourage him to take Julien's place in his wife’s bed chamber…a wife that Julien has had for 3 months but has been unable to bed (the reason isn't given until the end but with his past times it's easy guess he’s a homosexual). Robert doesn't want to do this, knows it’s a bad idea but he can’t resist the chance to be with Amalie and goes to her in the night (from an adjoining door from Julien's room) when she can’t see his face.
As the story begins, there’s rain and some flooding near the plantation and Amalie is coming to the house to get advice from Julien's mother when she hears her talking to someone. She walks in to find Robert there. Robert was Julien's best man at the wedding but Amalie was so busy with meeting her new husband and many new people she barely remembers him. As Amalie walked in to the room, the discussion between the two stops abruptly and Amalie has the distinct impression that it was about her. Telling herself she must be imagining it, she goes about dealing with the flooding issue which Robert helps with since their overseer is MIA and Julien doesn't bother himself with the running of the plantation. During the flood, Robert ends up saving Amalie from being swept away and they have a moment but Amalie puts it out of her head. Soon after that, Amalie is gratified to wake to find her husband finally coming to her bedchamber and staying (he did try twice before to consummate their marriage but ran off crying both times). Amalie is surprised with “Julien” being so tender yet passionate with her, making her first experience a joy instead of the task she expected it to be. The next day however, Julien doesn't act any different toward her and Amalie's a bit hurt by this. As time goes by she receives more nightly visits but during the day Julien always acts like normal. There are some issues with the plantation overseer that is very insolent and seems to have some hold over Julien. Amalie also starts to feel a bit uncomfortable around Robert as she finds that she’s attracted to him. She doesn't want to be as she’s happy with her husband (at least during his nightly visits) and she’s upset about her feelings because they’re not proper. She tries to smother them but it doesn't help when she notices a heat in his gaze when he looks at her.
Amalie stays in the dark a little longer but things start to get out of hand when Julien starts showing signs of jealousy over Robert. When Amalie steals a kiss with “Julien” and then finds out it’s Robert, she starts to seriously doubt it was Julien visiting her at night and soon she realizes it’s been Robert all the time. Amalie is shocked and outraged but doesn't know what to do. She enjoyed her times with Robert but she thought those moments were with her husband and to find out they weren't and to know her husband must have had a part in it was even more of a blow. Amalie makes her anger known to Robert but by this time he’s fallen for her and wants her to run away with him. She refuses but soon the strife between Robert and Julien hits a high and they end up at odds over Amalie. In the middle of the dispute, Julien disappears and then ends up dead. Suspicion is cast on both Amalie and Robert and with everything that's happening, they both begin to doubt the other a bit. There are also some rumors of their affair and so Robert stays away from Amalie to avoid more talk. There's some drama and trying times as the real killer is discovered and mother nature causes some major problems from which they barely pull through. After things settle down and Amalie pushes things a bit, she and Robert come together for good and start their HEA.
This was an enjoyable story. I liked the characters (well all except the overseer) and the story was pretty good. My 2 complaints are that it was over descriptive at times...the first part of the book was a bit slow due to this. It quickened later but there were still a few points here and there where all the extra descriptions weren't really needed. Also, towards the end I was a bit disappointed at the lag in their relationship or at least I expected a more obvious pull between them. I guess with all the extra descriptiveness about their environment, cloths and culture there could have been a little more time spent on the emotions. The lack of emotions wasn't there all the time, but at times they almost weren't present and then suddenly they'd be back. Mostly this was when they were at odds after Julien's death but I guess I just expected a bit more on both sides. Overall it was still an enjoyable story. :)
* note - I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a great job. She did the accents and had a good distinctions between the different voices so there was never a question about who was talking.
December 8, 2021
Amalie Declouet's husband, Julien, is such a gentleman by day but leaves her alone at night. Then, one night, a handsome man enters her bedroom and makes wild, passionate love to her all night, every night. Still, by day, Julien is a gentleman. In Creole society of the time, arranged marriages are common and Amalie wonders if this the way it's going to be until she begins to suspect Julien's cousin, Robert. Eventually, Amalie discovers the truth. Then Julien disappears and is found murdered. Robert is the chief suspect but the truth is stranger than fiction. Can Amalie and Robert find true love?
This is a re-read because when I read it before, I loved it so much. It's been on my Keeper Shelf since then.
This is a re-read because when I read it before, I loved it so much. It's been on my Keeper Shelf since then.
Read
June 26, 2020I need to learn to let books go when I'm not 100% feeling them and this is the start of doing so. There was nothing bad about this book I'm just bored and nothing much really is happening to keep my interest. I find Jennifer Blake to be VERY descriptive and sometimes I start staring off into space instead of reading. I liked Robert and Amalie though.
I might come back to it when I don't have a million other books to read.
I might come back to it when I don't have a million other books to read.
August 15, 2020
Ok Read
This book was ok. I thought Amelie was a weak woman cause she let her "husband" , mother in law and cousin in law play her and she just took it. She should have known something was up when her husband couldn't consummate the marriage and when he so called did it's like nothing happened. When she found out her husband's preference she still acted as she didn't know. Overall it was an ok book.💜💜
This book was ok. I thought Amelie was a weak woman cause she let her "husband" , mother in law and cousin in law play her and she just took it. She should have known something was up when her husband couldn't consummate the marriage and when he so called did it's like nothing happened. When she found out her husband's preference she still acted as she didn't know. Overall it was an ok book.💜💜
November 30, 2017
Very good
Thus being an early offering (1985) from Jennifer Blake shows why she is named the queen of the historical fiction romance genre. It's very good....filled with sensuous romance and a very original plot set in mid 18th century Louisiana.
I do enjoy reading Blake's books as she describes so much if what life was like then.
I would heartily recommend this book!
Thus being an early offering (1985) from Jennifer Blake shows why she is named the queen of the historical fiction romance genre. It's very good....filled with sensuous romance and a very original plot set in mid 18th century Louisiana.
I do enjoy reading Blake's books as she describes so much if what life was like then.
I would heartily recommend this book!
March 25, 2025
Adorei a história até consegui adivinhar o segredo do marido, porém não estava à espera da forma como ele morreu nem que morressem mais pessoas. Só achei um pouco mau no fim porque podia mostrar o casamento e uma parte da vida deles juntos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2019
Excellent read!
I loved the way the story flowed in and out of turmoil. I got a great picture of people and landscapes. Loved it.
I loved the way the story flowed in and out of turmoil. I got a great picture of people and landscapes. Loved it.
September 21, 2022
It was okay… just okay.
I got bored a little bit. The plot was kinda interesting tho.
Thank you to the author.
3 star
I got bored a little bit. The plot was kinda interesting tho.
Thank you to the author.
3 star
August 6, 2011
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
On a warm, dark night in Creole country of Louisiana, mid-nineteenth century, Amalie Peachier Declouet wonders why any woman would call what had just happened, a duty. It was pleasure like she’d never realized could be—pure ecstasy that left her feeling complete and loved. She was, indeed, a married woman now in every sense of the word--not a spinster left on the self after six years of mourning with no prospects.
Julian Declouet, Amalie’s husband, has her dressed in the latest styles and proudly displays her for all to see. His mother Sophia soon gives over any of the duties of running the plantation household to Amalie, whom the slaves start calling “petite maitresse”. Her skills, industrious nature, and sincere concern for free and slave alike endears her to the people of Belle Grove, the Declouet plantation on Bayou Teche. Only the overseer Patrick Dye is disrespectful and makes suggestive, crude remarks to her every chance he gets. Julian and Sophia tell Amalie to ignore him, but refuse to consider firing him--hm!
Julian has no interest in the day by day running of the plantation, he just enjoys the money it affords him so he can pursue his pleasures. His cousin Robert, whom Sophia reared with love from age five, can be depended on to see that Belle Grove prospers just as he sees to the well-being of his own plantation, The Willows.
The secondary characters like Chloe (Sophia’s goddaughter) and George the Englishman gardener; Madame Callot, the gossiper; Violet, somewhat of a mystery woman; Lally, Tige, and little Isa (all slaves), add sub-plots and emotional involvements that intrigue as they propel the story of the Declouets along its troubled way with its undercurrents of secrets and fears that surface from time to time keeping the reader tantalized with foreshadowing, clues, back stories, and glimpses of secret, deep-seated needs of the characters—so much to enjoy.
Jennifer Blake creates a story full of mystery, misery, and magic of love. Her narrative of the unique styles of homes gives the reader a vicarious experience of feeling the cross breeze circulation through the house on a hot, humid summer night. Her description of the flood on Bayou Teche and the aftermath engages the reader’s senses and emotions as she brings to life the mud and misery of aching weariness as all work to save and revive Belle Grove. Another mind-shattering event comes alive as she describes the hurricane on Isle Derniere when winds, rain, and raging waters of the hurricane roar in like a mad beast killing and destroying without mercy. Ms. Blake takes one’s breath away with the realness of it all. She ramps up the anxiety with the antagonist surprises presence that threatens to destroy all that the hurricane had not. However, the crown jewel of the story is the love story that threads through it all like the golden thread in a tapestry that enriches its warmth and sparkle as it reveals a surprise, or maybe not-so-surprising, soul mate connect.
Midnight Waltz suggests darkness and sensuality and it delivers in spades—super good reading!
On a warm, dark night in Creole country of Louisiana, mid-nineteenth century, Amalie Peachier Declouet wonders why any woman would call what had just happened, a duty. It was pleasure like she’d never realized could be—pure ecstasy that left her feeling complete and loved. She was, indeed, a married woman now in every sense of the word--not a spinster left on the self after six years of mourning with no prospects.
Julian Declouet, Amalie’s husband, has her dressed in the latest styles and proudly displays her for all to see. His mother Sophia soon gives over any of the duties of running the plantation household to Amalie, whom the slaves start calling “petite maitresse”. Her skills, industrious nature, and sincere concern for free and slave alike endears her to the people of Belle Grove, the Declouet plantation on Bayou Teche. Only the overseer Patrick Dye is disrespectful and makes suggestive, crude remarks to her every chance he gets. Julian and Sophia tell Amalie to ignore him, but refuse to consider firing him--hm!
Julian has no interest in the day by day running of the plantation, he just enjoys the money it affords him so he can pursue his pleasures. His cousin Robert, whom Sophia reared with love from age five, can be depended on to see that Belle Grove prospers just as he sees to the well-being of his own plantation, The Willows.
The secondary characters like Chloe (Sophia’s goddaughter) and George the Englishman gardener; Madame Callot, the gossiper; Violet, somewhat of a mystery woman; Lally, Tige, and little Isa (all slaves), add sub-plots and emotional involvements that intrigue as they propel the story of the Declouets along its troubled way with its undercurrents of secrets and fears that surface from time to time keeping the reader tantalized with foreshadowing, clues, back stories, and glimpses of secret, deep-seated needs of the characters—so much to enjoy.
Jennifer Blake creates a story full of mystery, misery, and magic of love. Her narrative of the unique styles of homes gives the reader a vicarious experience of feeling the cross breeze circulation through the house on a hot, humid summer night. Her description of the flood on Bayou Teche and the aftermath engages the reader’s senses and emotions as she brings to life the mud and misery of aching weariness as all work to save and revive Belle Grove. Another mind-shattering event comes alive as she describes the hurricane on Isle Derniere when winds, rain, and raging waters of the hurricane roar in like a mad beast killing and destroying without mercy. Ms. Blake takes one’s breath away with the realness of it all. She ramps up the anxiety with the antagonist surprises presence that threatens to destroy all that the hurricane had not. However, the crown jewel of the story is the love story that threads through it all like the golden thread in a tapestry that enriches its warmth and sparkle as it reveals a surprise, or maybe not-so-surprising, soul mate connect.
Midnight Waltz suggests darkness and sensuality and it delivers in spades—super good reading!
September 9, 2011
I've loved every Jennifer Blake book I've read. MIDNIGHT WALTZ is no exception.
In antebellum Louisiana, young wife Amalie settles into marriage with her new husband, Julien. Handsome, rich and charming, Julien is everything a woman could ask for, but slightly distant--until he comes to her bed at night. Then he turns into the wildly passionate lover of every woman's dreams.
The difference confuses and alarms Amalie, especially when attraction develops between her and Julien's newly arrived cousin, Robert. Secrets abound in a society that owes its existence to strict conformity, and Amalie's placid life ruptures when long-hidden truths surface.
Vivid descriptions and lush storytelling rocket you through this vibrant and compelling historical romance. Ms. Blake's extensive research and detailed descriptions insert you firmly into 1850's Louisiana plantation life. As a product of her time, Amalie starts out as a bit of a doormat, but her difficult situation rapidly transforms her into a woman capable of directing her own course, even if society disapproves. The hero (and I won't tell you who he is) is again my favorite type, the decent man.
While MIDNIGHT WALTZ is everything a romance novel should be, the story is also a sad commentary on the futility and the tragedy of obeying society's precepts at any cost.
First published in 1984, MIDNIGHT WALTZ remains a winner.
ARC provided by Sourcebooks
In antebellum Louisiana, young wife Amalie settles into marriage with her new husband, Julien. Handsome, rich and charming, Julien is everything a woman could ask for, but slightly distant--until he comes to her bed at night. Then he turns into the wildly passionate lover of every woman's dreams.
The difference confuses and alarms Amalie, especially when attraction develops between her and Julien's newly arrived cousin, Robert. Secrets abound in a society that owes its existence to strict conformity, and Amalie's placid life ruptures when long-hidden truths surface.
Vivid descriptions and lush storytelling rocket you through this vibrant and compelling historical romance. Ms. Blake's extensive research and detailed descriptions insert you firmly into 1850's Louisiana plantation life. As a product of her time, Amalie starts out as a bit of a doormat, but her difficult situation rapidly transforms her into a woman capable of directing her own course, even if society disapproves. The hero (and I won't tell you who he is) is again my favorite type, the decent man.
While MIDNIGHT WALTZ is everything a romance novel should be, the story is also a sad commentary on the futility and the tragedy of obeying society's precepts at any cost.
First published in 1984, MIDNIGHT WALTZ remains a winner.
ARC provided by Sourcebooks
January 11, 2013
This book has so much of what I love about the best historical roms from the 80s/90s. Incredibly vivid, well-researched historical detail. I always learn so much about history from a Jennifer Blake book. A great setting (pre-Civil War Louisiana), a break from the same-old same-old Regency. (I love a good Regency, but I get tired of the lack of diversity in today's historical romance.) Well-drawn characters. Beautiful descriptions--Jennifer Blake writes lovely prose. Her love scenes are sexy and sensual. The natural disasters that occur at the beginning and end are terrifying and well-rendered.
One problem, though, is due to mores that have changed since this book was published. This book doesn't deal well with the issue of slavery. It's impossible to read a plantation-set romance today and just pretend that the slaves are all hunky-dory with their enslavement, which this book does to some extent. Blake tries to deal with it by including a subplot about a slave boy with a talent for drawing. He is shunned by the other slaves (and is not a productive worker) because of his clubfoot. The heroine struggles with an ethical dilemma. By encouraging his talent, she's rendering him unfit to live in his world. But letting his talent go to waste is a crime. Problem is, so is the system he's been born into. The subplot is a touching one but it never addresses the larger injustice of slavery. If you can get past that (I never could completely), it's a wonderful novel.
One problem, though, is due to mores that have changed since this book was published. This book doesn't deal well with the issue of slavery. It's impossible to read a plantation-set romance today and just pretend that the slaves are all hunky-dory with their enslavement, which this book does to some extent. Blake tries to deal with it by including a subplot about a slave boy with a talent for drawing. He is shunned by the other slaves (and is not a productive worker) because of his clubfoot. The heroine struggles with an ethical dilemma. By encouraging his talent, she's rendering him unfit to live in his world. But letting his talent go to waste is a crime. Problem is, so is the system he's been born into. The subplot is a touching one but it never addresses the larger injustice of slavery. If you can get past that (I never could completely), it's a wonderful novel.
April 17, 2014
This book was completely absurd..the storyline was absurd…the heroine (or lack thereof) was absurd…the author was absurd to even think the readers would be interested in a heroine who doesn’t even know the difference of being with her husband or being with his brother…SUUUURE..she never really slept with the husband, but still you would know his body, his voice…his touch...come on…it’s not like it was his TWIN BROTHER that was sneaking in her room…and if that wasn’t bad enough…she continue a relationship with the cousin…if I would have found out that the mother, the husband and the cousin all pimped/whored me out without my knowledge I would have been GONE! I would have gone crazy on them…and the death of Julian came out of NOWHERE…this book was so predictable from the beginning when it came to Julian/Amalie/Robert triangle..but the author just threw in some strange scenes maybe thinking it would bring some kind of suspense..but it failed big time…and this book was freaking boring. I had to skim through hundreds of pages just to get to some good parts…and I still for the life of me do not know why Julian did not want to consummate his marriage to Amalie…did he prefer men, was something wrong with his equipment that he couldn’t perform…so many unanswered questions…SKIP THIS ABSURD BOOK!
February 25, 2013
Amalie, the heroine, is in an arranged marriage to Julien Declouet. They live with Julien's mother and sleep in separate bedrooms, as was the custom in those times. Julien's cousin, the handsome Robert Farnum, lives nearby and is a frequent visitor to Belle Grove. He respects his aunt, Julien's mother, and will do anything for her.
Julien and Amalie have been married for three months, but still the marriage has not been consumated, although he has tried once or twice. One night, Amalie is visited by a man who she thinks is her husband. Their interlude is wonderfully sexual and romantic, but it's so dark that she can't see his face and assumes it is her husband. At breakfast the next morning, Julien acts as if nothing transpired between himself and Amalie the night before which puzzles Amalie. But that night again, and the night after that, she is visited by her lover and they spend rapturous hours together.
Jennifer Blake transports the reader to the bayous of Louisiana and the streets of New Orleans. "Midnight Waltz" has an intriguing, very dark side in addition to the romance. The story takes some surprising twists and turns which the reader really doesn't expect. The secondary characters are as vital to the story as the Amalie, Robert and Julien.
Julien and Amalie have been married for three months, but still the marriage has not been consumated, although he has tried once or twice. One night, Amalie is visited by a man who she thinks is her husband. Their interlude is wonderfully sexual and romantic, but it's so dark that she can't see his face and assumes it is her husband. At breakfast the next morning, Julien acts as if nothing transpired between himself and Amalie the night before which puzzles Amalie. But that night again, and the night after that, she is visited by her lover and they spend rapturous hours together.
Jennifer Blake transports the reader to the bayous of Louisiana and the streets of New Orleans. "Midnight Waltz" has an intriguing, very dark side in addition to the romance. The story takes some surprising twists and turns which the reader really doesn't expect. The secondary characters are as vital to the story as the Amalie, Robert and Julien.
July 28, 2012
This title was originally released in 1984 and re-released last year in 2011. In Midnight Waltz I had a feeling Julian was a “Molly” pretending to be straight from the beginning but I wasn’t 100% sure. The signs were there but you just never really know, right? Back then it was likely very common for gay men to marry for family (men needed heirs) and society sake.
Midnight Waltz like other Blake books was very detailed in land and architecture descriptions. You just can’t miss imagining the scene because she can get quite lengthy; in fact so lengthy, I found myself skimming at times over some of these parts.
I felt sorry for Amalie who was the true victim of the story and even a part of me felt sorry for Robert, Julien’s cousin. As much as I wanted to love this story however, I felt it was lacking something. I needed to see more of her real relationship with Julien and his relationship with others so I could have gotten to know him better but then again the story was more about Amalie and “Julien’s passion” in the late night.
Midnight Waltz like other Blake books was very detailed in land and architecture descriptions. You just can’t miss imagining the scene because she can get quite lengthy; in fact so lengthy, I found myself skimming at times over some of these parts.
I felt sorry for Amalie who was the true victim of the story and even a part of me felt sorry for Robert, Julien’s cousin. As much as I wanted to love this story however, I felt it was lacking something. I needed to see more of her real relationship with Julien and his relationship with others so I could have gotten to know him better but then again the story was more about Amalie and “Julien’s passion” in the late night.
February 20, 2013
Considering that I've read another of Blake's book with similar situation such as this (where the husband of the female protagonist is unable to produce an heir with their wives) this story is still great! However, instead of the wife having any knowledge on what her husband wants to do with her, Amalie is ignorant of the switch between her husband and his cousin.
By the way, the other story similar to this one is entitled Arrow to the Heart. But instead of the husband being gay and the male partner as a relative, the husband would be unable to produce an heir because of sickness and the mate is chosen via a tourney.
Still, the story is good. A lot can be learned from Blake's works--especially historical facts--and the ending (it's always the ending) is very well made. Not too fast to cause chaos and not too slow to make me throw the book outside under the pouring rain. It's just great!
By the way, the other story similar to this one is entitled Arrow to the Heart. But instead of the husband being gay and the male partner as a relative, the husband would be unable to produce an heir because of sickness and the mate is chosen via a tourney.
Still, the story is good. A lot can be learned from Blake's works--especially historical facts--and the ending (it's always the ending) is very well made. Not too fast to cause chaos and not too slow to make me throw the book outside under the pouring rain. It's just great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2011
Overall good book. I really hated that the preview on the back of the book gave away/spoiled a couple of major incidents in the book. The book would have been much, much better if the reader was left to wonder who was sneeking into her bed at night or what happened to her husband when he went missing but because of the preview the reader already knows and that took away from some of the excitement and suspense of the book. Although, you don't know this until you finish the book (unless one skips to the back and reads author's notes), I really liked the fact that some of the event and people in the book were real.
April 12, 2012
I really enjoyed the book as a whole. There were some portions that were not enjoyable. I'm fan of a good misunderstanding or unneeded confusion that must be worked through and brought to resolution. The Amalie/Julien/Robert aspect was most interesting. Yet, that's the reason I gave the book three of five stars. I felt that went on far too long before being brought to resolution.
Ms. Blake has a way of describing Louisiana as no other. Being a native of Louisiana and having a family that goes back several generations in that state, Ms. Blake definitely captures the mystique and language that is the old south.
Ms. Blake has a way of describing Louisiana as no other. Being a native of Louisiana and having a family that goes back several generations in that state, Ms. Blake definitely captures the mystique and language that is the old south.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews