A Historical Romance set in Georgian times. The beautiful Sarah Durrant is an uneducated servant who takes the place of her mistress when she suddenly dies at Lynmouth, as they are travelling to Ilfracombe across the remote wilderness of 18th century Exmoor. Her own origins are a mystery. She only knows she is illegitimate and possesses a gold locket which contains a miniature of a woman who resembles her. North Devon at first proves a sanctuary from the violence of her past, but then the French aristocrat, Jean Luc de Delacroix, a Catholic, soldier and scientist, arrives from the New World en route to Alsace and her life becomes a tangle of love, deception and deceit. A Clean Romance.
A qualified teacher and librarian with a B.A. in English, French and Russian. Author of four books: Storks in a Blue Sky, a historical romance which won the 2009 David St John Thomas Fiction Award; Hecate's Moon, a historical novel, the sequel to Storks in a Blue Sky, again featuring the Delacroix family. Freedom, a sci fi story for teens/YA, set in a futuristic New Mexico. I, Lafayette, narrative non fiction in the form of an autobiography.
I didn't actually enjoy it as much as I hoped to, but I think the fault lies in me. I couldn't get fond of the heroine and that's one of my needs to get the most out of any book.
From where I'm sitting, the descriptions of places are better than the understanding of people.
You know that feeling when you eat a really rich piece of chocolate cake? You understand that you shouldn't, you feel guilty as heck, you're going to have a stomachache and gain two pounds, but while you're doing it you're just so happy. That was me, reading this book.
It's set in the second half of the eighteenth century, just after the Seven Years War. We begin with a beaten and abused kitchenmaid, Sarah Durrant, in Lord Throgmorton's London household. She is promoted for no apparent reason to lady's maid to the eldest daughter of the house, Lady Sophie, and the two form a bond despite the negligence of Lord Throgmorton and the venom and abuse of Sophie's wicked stepmother. Soon Sophie is sent away to be a companion to a mad duchess in Cornwall, and Sarah is sent with her. Sophie dies along the road, but before she expires she convinces Sarah to put on Sophie's clothes and assume her identity. So when Sarah arrives at the mad duchess's house, she becomes Lady Sophie Throgmorton, despite her misgivings and being utterly unprepared to fill such a role.
None of this makes any sense whatever, and the rest of the story is even more far-fetched. It's inadequately researched (there are innumerable small details about spring flowers blooming at all seasons, poppies during the turnip harvest, manners inconsistent with the era, and so on) which normally turns me off, as well as having a hero so close to the typical broody jerk of a bodice ripper that you'd expect this to be a DNF for me. So why did I enjoy it so much?
Well, for starters, the heroine. She's remarkably sympathetic, born to victimhood and terrifyingly vulnerable but still plucky and resourceful. And she's kind of a nerd, hating on somebody for killing a spider and happy as she can be picking up pebbles on a beach. I felt her as a living presence and got carried away seeing the world through her eyes.
And then there's the writing. Aside from the distractions mentioned above, the author describes a world that may never have existed but feels concrete, muddy and smelly and beautiful. It makes you feel alive.
So I was carried off into this implausible adventure and gasped and sighed and had a wonderful, escapist time. I'm sure I'll feel guilty in the morning and my skin will probably break out, but I can't help it, I had fun devouring--uh, reading--this book. True confession.
Storks in a Blue Sky by Carol Anne Dobson is "An enthralling historical romance played out between North Devon's wild coast and moors, and the mountains and river-crossed plain of Alsace." This quote, taken from the beautiful front cover of my book, perhaps explains why it won the 2009 David St.John Thomas Fiction Award. I enjoyed reading the beautiful detailed descriptions of the landscapes, roadways, plants, trees, birds, exteriors and interiors of grand and shabby dwellings, clothing and appearance of each character. I loved the way the author expertly let me know what the main characters were thinking even as they were sometimes saying the opposite. There were heroes, villains, damsels in distress, footmen, soldiers, fishermen, royalty, servants, poverty stricken families, wreckers, smugglers and thieves all nicely woven into the storyline, adding dimension, tension and authenticity. The talented author weaves a beautifully written story with history, folklore, suspense, adventure and romance. I liked Sarah Durante and admired her strength, kindness, loyalty, determination and beauty. At times I wanted her to not be so strong minded and quick to take action. I also liked the Duchess de Delacroix and the relationship between her and Sarah. I did not like Lady Sophia's stepmother, Lady Throgmorgan. She was a pretentious, evil woman. Another character that I didn't like was Mrs. Yelland. She was the housekeeper at Wildercombe Manor. She was unkind to Sarah and she took advantage of the Duchess de Delacroix's mental state by neglecting her duties and allowing the dust and cobwebs to accumulate. I didn't trust Mrs. Yelland because of her suspicious behaviour. Jean Luc, Duke de Delacroix, son of the Duchess, was an interesting man with his floral and fauna specimens and scientific experiments. I thoroughly enjoyed Storks in a Blue Sky and plan to reread it. I highly recommend this book. 5 stars
Thanks to BookBub and Amazon for my copy of this book. And special thanks to Carol Anne Dobson for writing such a spectacular story.
What an interesting and captivating historical romance story this turned out to be. I am not usually attracted to this kind of novels preferring mysteries and thrillers above all. This was a wonderful step out of my routine.
Set in North Devon during the 18th century the writing has a literary style to reflect the period and shows the author’s wide range of knowledge. The plot is strong and the writing is passionate particularly when detailing Sarah and Jean Luc, the protagonists’ feelings. Once the flow take its wings there is so much intrigue following the saga Sarah faces after taking her mistress identity at her death that it is hard not to keep flipping pages from then on. Even after the slow beginning and the few confusing chapters at the start I am glad not to have been influenced by this. In introspective I could also say this is a story that slowly turns out into a feisty historical romance……ah!!!!!
All through the novel Sarah is portrayed to be a tenacious but very scared woman and her state of mind is well delivered. The second important player is Jean Luc, a dashing French cavalier from the Alsace region who happens to be rich. The characterization is great even the multiple secondary players we need to keep track of.
No sex scenes just plain old fashion romance, boy runs after girl. Girl plays hard to get but succumb to his charms at the end……wow great…and they live happily ever after……
A young women and her maid head to Devon to live as companions to an aunt. Along the way one is very ill and dies. The other continues on and finds herself in a way of life she knows nothing about.
As beautifully as this author writes, this book never completely engaged me.
The author has clearly done exhaustive research on this era - just after the French and Indian War, a.k.a. the Seven Years' War, in the late 1700s. I love the tension surrounding Duke de Delacrois, a French aristocrat who returns to his British estate after having fought with his countrymen in the Colonies and viewed with distrust and hatred by the British locals.
Also, many of Ms. Dobson's descriptions are breathtaking.
The premise is certainly intriguing. Unfortunately, I got tired of Sarah Durrant, a servant with an unknown past who unwillingly takes the place of her dying mistress, Lady Sophia. Knowing she can be HANGED (not "hung" like a picture, which is the incorrect form of the word used throughout the book) for the deception, Sarah wishes she'd never acquiesced to her mistress's insistence to wear her dress and jewelry and to take her place at the remote estate they've been banished to. Unpon arriving at the remote Ilfracombe, Sarah's in a perpetual state of panic that she'll be discovered. It's understandable at first, but Duke de Delacroix obviously falls in love with her and repeatedly begs her to confide in him. She's incredibly oblivious about his feelings. Since she's in love with him, you'd think she'd be watching for signs - and he exhibits them in spades - but instead she keeps insisting she can't marry him without giving him a reason.
I also don't get how completely Lady Throgmorgan (Lady Sophia's stepmother) is able to manipulate men. What does she have on her husband that makes him turn a blind eye to her years of hatefulness toward her stepdaughter and Sarah?
Along with "hanged," the anachronistic non-word "alright" gets used a lot.
It's a book I felt I ought to enjoy more than I did.
It was a quick, interesting read. Romance is not my favorite genre, but I was intrigued by the Historical tag. I came across Sarah Durrant, initially a maid, but with a massive dose of good luck [or was it otherway around?] was obliged into impersonating her dying, uncared for young mistress, with whom she had a superficial resemblance. As the death and subsequent subterfuge occured during a journey the destination of which was their prolonged stay at an unseen distant relative's place, it was very fortuante for Miss Durrant. There she meets the mysterious Frenchman, Jean, who was her mad relative's stepson, and a couple of Englishmen interested in her. She quickly learns and emulates societal norms, is almost accepted into their society, but for..... I loved the historical aspect, the descriptions of English countryside, the caricature sketch of the various people and the frequent witticisms. But I am not a great fan of romance. I would recommend this book to all fans of historical romance.
This was a captivating historical romance novel. It took me a little while to get into the book (although probably more to do with me than the novel) but once I was involved I really enjoyed reading it. I wanted to find out what would happen and enjoyed the descriptions of the beautiful landscapes. An enjoyable read.
Maid Sarah has had a hard life. She travels with her mistress, young Sophie, who falls ill. Sarah takes her place and struggles with not having this discovered. I liked Sarah very much, but did sometimes feel that her fear of getting caught was too much. There are enough interesting plot twists to keep me reading.
Historical fiction, Sophie and maid Sarah , ill treated by the mistress of the house , are sent to live with a relative on the wild South coast. Events lead to huge changes, many adventures, scheming, lies and love. Very entertaining.
GAB I received a free electronic copy of this book from Carol Anne Dobson. Thank you, for sharing your hard work with me!
This is a classic historical romance, with descriptions of flora and fauna, British and French roads and countrysides that take you there. There is even a good bit about flora and fauna in New France from the St Lawrence Seaway to the cajun swamps, and Ms. Dobson touches on the war between the French and British - The Seven Years War 1754-1763 - that resulting in France losing their colonies in The Americas to the British. The harshness of life in this era is very obvious, and the wild disparity between the classes. Ms. Dobson knows her history. This is an excellent read.
North Devon. Lord William Throgmorton & Lady Throgmorton had sent Lady Sophie Throgmorton & Sarah Durrant (Lady’s maid) to live with the Duchess de Delacroix in Bedlam. Sophie had died leaving Sarah to fend for herself. Sophie made sure Sarah had a proper but not an aristocrat’s burial.
Wildercombe Manor (Bedlam). Sarah met Mrs. Yelland (housekeeper). The next day Lady Sophie Throgmorton (aka Sarah Durrant) meets the Duchess de Delacroix. Lord Templeton, Lady Soustrans & Lady Athelstone will have tea or wine with them. Out-about in town Lady Sophie met John Buzzacott (fisherman). Captain James Vinnicombe (son) & Squire Connibeer had shot at a smuggler. Lady Sophie found out it was John. She had saved & hidden him for now. Jean Luc Duke de Delacroix (French, Catholic, Seigneur), & Mr. Heinrich Scheyer, do their best to keep entertained & updated on the newest, historical or worldly news. Lord Lieutenant of Devon informed both Jean & Lady Sophie there had been 2 men murdered in Heddon (town) yesterday & he was here to arrest Jean. Jean was not arrested but he was wounded.
Later a ship wrecked on the beach, bodies, bootie & debris were everywhere. Jean Luc & Heinrich were in the wine business. They had taken Lady Sophie & Sarah to Alsace, France to check out the vineyards. Jean Luc was also supposed to wed Catherine de Montfort.
Will he marry her? Will Sarah’s true identity be found out?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written 18th. Century romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great 18th. Century romantic movie, or mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Appledrane; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Book. Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
I was going to give three stars for this story, but I'm upping it to four because of the wonderful descriptions of North Devon and France. Ms Dobson has a wonderful skill of making me feel as though I was there and her account of the wreckers was harrowing and very well researched.
I liked Sarah very much and despite her traumatic secret, she was kind, considerate and compassionate. But I found myself shaking my head in dismay at Jean Luc. No matter how much I tried I couldn't bring myself to like him and I failed to understand why Sarah fell in love with him. He was controlling with a volatile temper and seemed to be always shouting at poor Sarah. At one point he actually struck her. Although a duke, I didn't feel that gave him the right. He did redeem himself at the end when he dropped the dominant attitude and showed his concern for Sarah through love and affection.
I loved the character of the duke's mother. I thought Ms Dobson showed her increasing dementia with compassion and humour.
If you enjoy stories set in Georgian England amidst smugglers, wreckers and the wildness of North Devon, this is the one for you.
This is a lovely book. Historical romance is not my preferred genre, but it is beautifully written and the descriptions of Georgian Devon (which also move across into France) are breathtaking. The mystery surrounding a servant who impersonates her mistress when said lady dies on a long journey to Devon in the middle of winter, is well crafted and even the romance itself builds in suspense. My only gripe - and it's rather a personal one - is disappointment that an author who takes such trouble with her prose would abbreviate the word Christmas to 'Xmas' which really stands out as a mistaken choice. Perhaps this is only in the Kindle version - but don't be put off. This is a real page-turner and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Would I read it again? Yes.
Dobson's novel is one of the most interesting books I've read lately. Although I'm not a fan of this period, I was fascinated by the setting and the dialog. At first I was a little baffled by the Devon accents, but the author's literary style captured me from the start nonetheless. Her descriptions immerse you in scenes of the north coast of England and regions of Alsace. I enjoyed Storks In A Blue Sky and reccomend it highly.