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Summerset Abbey #3
Summerset Abbey: Spring Awakening
The laughter of summer lawn parties fades for the men and women of Summerset Abbey, as the rumble of cannon-fire sweeps across Europe. In a changing world, they soon find that only one thing is certain: none of them will ever be the same.
rowena buxton
The female pilot’s upcoming wedding to Sebastian Billingsly is the talk of society. Rowena loves her kind, handsome fiancé, but memories of a dangerously passionate affair with a dashing flier still stir her heart. . . . Accepting a daring mission transporting British planes, she encounters the man whose touch sent her reeling—and whose return into her life may have disastrous consequences for her and Sebastian’s future.
victoria buxton
The defiant suffragette raises eyebrows once again by living on her own in London as a lady bachelor. Kit Kittredge is the one man who understands and adores Victoria’s fiery spirit—but she rebuffs her best friend’s offer of marriage time and again, choosing to join the war effort as a volunteer nurse. And on the battlefields of France, she will learn the true meaning of love and sacrifice.
prudence tate
After a stinging betrayal at Summerset Abbey, Prudence has found love and contentment in working-class Camden Town as Mrs. Andrew Wilkes. But when Andrew enlists, everything that Pru cherishes is at risk—and she crosses a line attempting to protect him. Has she irreparably damaged their loving bond of trust?
rowena buxton
The female pilot’s upcoming wedding to Sebastian Billingsly is the talk of society. Rowena loves her kind, handsome fiancé, but memories of a dangerously passionate affair with a dashing flier still stir her heart. . . . Accepting a daring mission transporting British planes, she encounters the man whose touch sent her reeling—and whose return into her life may have disastrous consequences for her and Sebastian’s future.
victoria buxton
The defiant suffragette raises eyebrows once again by living on her own in London as a lady bachelor. Kit Kittredge is the one man who understands and adores Victoria’s fiery spirit—but she rebuffs her best friend’s offer of marriage time and again, choosing to join the war effort as a volunteer nurse. And on the battlefields of France, she will learn the true meaning of love and sacrifice.
prudence tate
After a stinging betrayal at Summerset Abbey, Prudence has found love and contentment in working-class Camden Town as Mrs. Andrew Wilkes. But when Andrew enlists, everything that Pru cherishes is at risk—and she crosses a line attempting to protect him. Has she irreparably damaged their loving bond of trust?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2013
80 people are currently reading
882 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
January 16, 2014
This was a good conclusion to an enjoyable trilogy. While I wouldn't call it a page-turner, it was a light and easy read. I was afraid that Brown would take the cliched route and have the three sisters end up with their first loves, but, refreshingly, that was not the case. I was inwardly wincing when World War I conveniently started and there would be an easy out to take Prudence's sweet-but-not-passionate husband out of the picture and get her back together with Sebastian. Even more, I was dreading Rowena getting back together with John, who had acted in an awful and incredibly cowardly fashion in the second book. It was a pleasant surprise when all three main characters ended up married and happy, but not necessarily with the person the reader would have assumed. Major props to T.J. Brown for that.
That being said, I was a bit disappointed in the ending - I wish there had been an epilogue because I would have liked to see how Victoria and Rowena's lives turned out after they had been married for a bit and I was wondering where everyone would find themselves after the war ended. Would Rowena find some other sort of pilot job? Would Victoria continue volunteering at the hospital? Had Prudence's life improved at all? Did all the men survive the war? It would have been nice to have more closure.
My biggest frustration with the book, however, and what really held me back from giving it 5 stars, was the lack of resolution to Elaine's story. All throughout the trilogy she is constantly seeking her mother's approval and instead being pushed away in favor of her older brother, the favorite child. She seems to have no marriage prospects, as she does not have a beau at any point in the books. When everyone is helping with the war effort, she stays at home, lamenting how useless she is. She appears to be perpetually on the brink of depression, and I was hoping that someone would help her out of it, but there was no real ending to her story - the last time we see her she is still at Summerset Abbey, living out a dull and lonely existence. My first reaction at the end of the novel was "What about Elaine??? Where's her happy ending?" Apparently this was not at the top of Brown's priority list.
Again, overall I found the book to be well-written and unpredictable - definitely a worthwhile read.
That being said, I was a bit disappointed in the ending - I wish there had been an epilogue because I would have liked to see how Victoria and Rowena's lives turned out after they had been married for a bit and I was wondering where everyone would find themselves after the war ended. Would Rowena find some other sort of pilot job? Would Victoria continue volunteering at the hospital? Had Prudence's life improved at all? Did all the men survive the war? It would have been nice to have more closure.
My biggest frustration with the book, however, and what really held me back from giving it 5 stars, was the lack of resolution to Elaine's story. All throughout the trilogy she is constantly seeking her mother's approval and instead being pushed away in favor of her older brother, the favorite child. She seems to have no marriage prospects, as she does not have a beau at any point in the books. When everyone is helping with the war effort, she stays at home, lamenting how useless she is. She appears to be perpetually on the brink of depression, and I was hoping that someone would help her out of it, but there was no real ending to her story - the last time we see her she is still at Summerset Abbey, living out a dull and lonely existence. My first reaction at the end of the novel was "What about Elaine??? Where's her happy ending?" Apparently this was not at the top of Brown's priority list.
Again, overall I found the book to be well-written and unpredictable - definitely a worthwhile read.
February 20, 2023
Honestly, I know that I am reviewing these two years later but I would still recommend this trilogy without hesitation. If you have a Downton Abbey size hole in your heart, this will feed that hunger. Rowena, Victoria, and Prudence are three fantastic female protagonists. Each book in the series follows the other and I read each book immediately without even putting them down.
Goodreads review published 08/08/21
Goodreads review published 08/08/21
August 2, 2016
Очень предсказуемо, и чересчур сопляво. Понимаю почему многим не понравился финал, автор как будто вас тонной ванили обсыпала "нате, подавитесь!" XD
October 7, 2015
«A guerra muda tudo.» (p. 64)
Voltamos a Summerset Abbey uma última vez.
Jonathon é o homem que Rowena «não poderia ter e que nunca esqueceria», decidindo avançar com o casamento de conveniência com Sebastien, uma aposta segura depois dos desgostos amorosos que ambos sofreram. Inserida num ciclo social apático, o enfado de Rowena só é mitigado pela sua paixão pela aviação. Por seu lado, Victoria consegue finalmente sair de Summerset para viver com relativa independência em Londres, não muito longe de Prudence que continua a tentar tornar-se uma dona de casa competente e a esforçar-se para que o casamento com o modesto Andrew resulte.
«Reconstrui a minha vida e o meu coração, e dei-o a outra pessoa» (p. 223)
… Mas estes são tempos de mudança; o início do século viria a revelar-se uma complicada época para começar uma vida nova e, quando o Reino Unido declara guerra à Alemanha, de repente, grande parte do país é, forçosa ou voluntariamente, mobilizada.
A escritora, T. J. Brown, fez um óptimo trabalho na tentativa de nos levar até à época deste acontecimento histórico - a Primeira Guerra Mundial - sempre sob um ponto de vista feminino, avançando pela narrativa rapidamente e sem hesitações. Com Prudence podemos assistir às consequências dos primeiros dias de guerra, a escassez de produtos alimentares e o aumento dos seus preços. Quando o sentido de dever leva o seu marido a alistar-se no exército, Prudence sente, mais uma vez, que foi deixada para trás e prepara-se para enfrentar, sozinha, diversas dificuldades. Embora não compreenda Andrew, Prudence nada mais pode fazer além de deixá-lo ir. Enquanto isso, Eleanor e Victoria reflectem o empenho das várias jovens que se esforçaram para prestar cuidados de saúde em hospitais e casas de convalescença durante a guerra. E Rowena permite-nos acompanhar a evolução da aviação e a relevância que a força aérea conquistou no combate ao inimigo.
Todos os rapazes que conhecemos nos livros anteriores acabam por servir no exército, «enviados para enfrentar a morte em terras estranhas» e às mulheres resta esperar passivamente que a guerra termine ou escolher um papel mais activo, contribuindo com as suas competências para ajudar o país, passando a ocupar cargos anteriormente impensáveis e contribuindo assim para a mudança do papel e da posição da mulher na sociedade, para sempre.
No meio de uma incerteza colectiva e esmagadora, damos muitas vezes pelas nossas personagens a indagar se pessoas com quem contactaram algures no passado estarão vivas ou mortas. Com o avançar da guerra, cada vez se torna mais óbvio quão demorada e difícil será a recuperação dos combatentes sobreviventes, quer a nível físico quer a nível psicológico.
«não haveria um único homem ou mulher naquele país que não tivesse sido irrevogavelmente mudado por aquela guerra» (p. 238)
As três raparigas de quem aprendemos a gostar em «As Mulheres de Summerset Abbey» e «Paixão Proibida em Summerset Abbey» vivem agora a época mais difícil das suas vidas e terão que enfrentar várias dificuldades e sofrimento até encontrar a verdadeira felicidade.
Este é um livro fantástico que nos mostra que, mesmo em tempo de guerra, há espaço para o amor.
September 9, 2014
Yet again I joined my three Summerset girls, PruPru, Vicky, RoRo (as I just now decided to name them - it's late, I'm more than tired and I've written over ten reviews so forgive me) on their final adventures.
And guess what - this was so enjoyable and entertaining!
I was really immersed into these pages and tales of how WW I impacts life and livestyles of poor and rich alike.
Kudos to T.J. Brown, what a great conclusion to the series.
The characters really grew on me despite my initial feelings of boredom in book one :)
Also - I'm on such a historical fic binge recently, it's bananas!
The conclusion to The Luxe series is currently being read and then I have The Book Thief and Code Name Verity waiting plus a few other ones.
YAY!
And guess what - this was so enjoyable and entertaining!
I was really immersed into these pages and tales of how WW I impacts life and livestyles of poor and rich alike.
Kudos to T.J. Brown, what a great conclusion to the series.
The characters really grew on me despite my initial feelings of boredom in book one :)
Also - I'm on such a historical fic binge recently, it's bananas!
The conclusion to The Luxe series is currently being read and then I have The Book Thief and Code Name Verity waiting plus a few other ones.
YAY!
September 18, 2013
I liked how the author does not subscribe to the "one Soul mate" theory of love. The characters in the trilogy make decisions based upon questions like, "Who will stand by me? Who is loyal and steady?" not just who makes the fireworks go off first.
June 29, 2015
9 de 10*
Este livro foi-me gentilmente enviado pelo Clube do Autor. Apesar de não ter lido os dois anteriores que completam a trilogia, depois de ler comentários tão positivos relativos à mesma, não tive dúvidas que o deveria ler! E ainda bem que o fiz. De uma coisa estou certa, tenho que adquirir os restantes dois livros e ler a história completa!
E que história esta... Gosto muito de romances de época. No entanto, há alturas em que uma linguagem muito adequada à época me cansa e torna a leitura pesada. Felizmente isso não acontece neste livro. Embora se perceba perfeitamente que se passa no início do século XX, os diálogos e descrições são excelentes e convidam a uma leitura muito agradável!
Comentário completo em:
http://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.pt/...
Este livro foi-me gentilmente enviado pelo Clube do Autor. Apesar de não ter lido os dois anteriores que completam a trilogia, depois de ler comentários tão positivos relativos à mesma, não tive dúvidas que o deveria ler! E ainda bem que o fiz. De uma coisa estou certa, tenho que adquirir os restantes dois livros e ler a história completa!
E que história esta... Gosto muito de romances de época. No entanto, há alturas em que uma linguagem muito adequada à época me cansa e torna a leitura pesada. Felizmente isso não acontece neste livro. Embora se perceba perfeitamente que se passa no início do século XX, os diálogos e descrições são excelentes e convidam a uma leitura muito agradável!
Comentário completo em:
http://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.pt/...
May 31, 2015
16/20
En bref, un troisième et dernier tome qui nous entraine une nouvelle fois dans la vie de Rowena, Victoria et Prudence. Le contexte est particulièrement bien fait, on ressent les affres de la guerre et les sentiments des différents personnages qui doivent composer avec. Chacune s’épanouit d'une manière bien à elle, j'ai adoré les voir évoluer de cette manière et si les choses sont un peu trop rapide à mon gout, on les laisse heureuses et avec un avenir qui semble leur convenir.
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
En bref, un troisième et dernier tome qui nous entraine une nouvelle fois dans la vie de Rowena, Victoria et Prudence. Le contexte est particulièrement bien fait, on ressent les affres de la guerre et les sentiments des différents personnages qui doivent composer avec. Chacune s’épanouit d'une manière bien à elle, j'ai adoré les voir évoluer de cette manière et si les choses sont un peu trop rapide à mon gout, on les laisse heureuses et avec un avenir qui semble leur convenir.
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
June 14, 2013
Two-second recap: Spring Awakening: is everything a person could want in the conclusion to a trilogy: it’s beautifully written, expertly plotted and completely immerses readers back in the world of Summerset Abbey, for the final journey of Rowena, Prudence and Victoria.
***
Full review:
Back in January, I was experiencing a bit of a post-Downton Abbey slump. So I googled around for books that were similar to Downton Abbey, and stumbled onto Summerset Abbey.
One review later, and I was purchasing the book on Amazon. Three days later, I had read the book, and was back to googling for the sequel.
Fortunately for me, I quickly discovered that not only was Summerset Abbey going to be a trilogy, but all three books were scheduled to be released in 2013.
(Yes - T.J. Brown is a writing speed demon. Not only did she write all three Summerset Abbey books within a nine-month period, she also wrote the YA book Born Of Illusion too. Incredible, right?)
To make a long story short: I purchased A Bloom in Winter after it was released, and loved it too. So I decided to take a chance, and see if I could get an ARC from Gallery Books for Spring Awakening.
Luckily for me, the lovely Kristin at Gallery Books kindly sent me a bound manuscript in May, and I absolutely devoured the book in one day. This is the type of book that will make you laugh, cry and be absolutely bummed out that the series has come to an end.
***
Plot overview:
WWI has broken out, and Rowena, Victoria and Prudence's worlds have been irrevocably changed forever.
Rowena: Caught between an engagement that she isn't entirely sure that she wants, and memories of a man who has taken almost everything from her, Rowena throws herself into the war effort by embarking on piloting duties that even the most stalwart of men aren't always willing to take on.
Victoria: After her incarceration, Victoria is more determined than ever to prove her capabilities and independence. She develops a talent for nursing, which leads her far away from home, further than she's ever traveled. On the way, she’ll realize that there are some things from her old life, which she may not want to lose after all.
Prudence: Following a rocky start to her marriage, Prudence is finally settling into her new life. However, her husband’s decision to deviate from his chosen career path, into one that would actively put him into harm’s way, rocks Prudence’s marriage in ways that she never anticipated.
In the final Summerset Abbey book, all three women must work toward securing the futures that they want, and the dreams that they hope to achieve.
***
Things that worked:
* Characterizations
Just like the previous two Summerset books, one of the most notable things about Spring Awakening are the characterizations of Rowena, Victoria and Prudence.
They’ve grown in leaps and bounds since the first two books. They’re more confident in their abilities, they have a stronger belief in themselves, and they just feel more adult, if that makes any sense.
Brown has done a spectacular job of showing the transformation from the hesitant, lost, and reluctant women recovering from the loss of a father in the first book, to the confident, self-assured women that we find in the third book.
While I loved how each of the “sisters” – because, let’s face it, they are sisters – have developed throughout the course of the trilogy, I was especially struck with Victoria’s transformation in Spring Awakening.
Her activism in the third book, becomes something that is far more than just a hobby or interest that she does to prove her strength. It becomes a way of life, and it’s remarkable at how it only not only impacts her world and the people around her, but also the reader’s perception of her.
I was also touched by both Rowena and Prudence’s discovery of their ability to love. They both learn, through two unique sets of circumstances, that they aren’t quite as damaged as they might have believed. They are both capable of loving unexpected individuals, and in the most unexpected ways.
* The evolving role of women
One of the things I love the most about T.J.’s characters verses say the characters on Downton Abbey is the fact that all three of the sisters have been consistently dedicated to exploring their own strengths. .
From the beginning of the series, Rowena, Prudence and Victoria have clearly understood that they’re bound by the confines of society. However, this also hasn’t stopped them from furthering and working on their interests – whether it’s been flying, healing/nursing and women’s rights, or just general housewife responsibilities.
Rowena, Prudence and Victoria take charge of their lives in a way, despite the societal constraints, in a way that I feel like their counterparts from Downton can’t even begin to compete with. This is especially true in Spring Awakening, where the women actually take advantage of the war to prove their worth not only to society around them, but to themselves. Rowena in particular is daring in a way that is fantastically shocking.
* The historical details
This is one of those times where I have to remain frustratingly vague, because I don’t want to give too much away.
But I will say that T.J. does a spectacular job incorporating the historical details of the period using both real-world facts, and sprinkling in character-related specifics, to build her world.
I was especially impressed with the roles that all three women took on as a part of the wartime effort. They were both historically realistic, but were also fitting for all of the characters themselves.
* The ending
Without giving too many spoilers away, I thought the ending wrapped up all of the story lines beautifully - including addressing some of the overarching obstacles from the first and second book.
Teri also did a good job of making sure that there were enough interesting and outstanding story lines, so that if she ever chooses to revisit the world in the future, there will be plenty of interesting plots and issues to explore.
And finally,
General bookish things:
* The writing: One of the difficulties about writing a book with three different points of view, is making sure that all three characters sound distinctive.
Brown accomplishes this spectacularly. The differences between Rowena, Prudence and Victoria are as clear as night and day. Their voices, thoughts and reactions to the world around them, are distinctive and notable, even in third person.
Not once did I think I think that the voices sounded the same, and not once did I get confused as to whose narration I was reading.
(Not that this actually happens when I’m reading narrative voices which do sound the same, but… you get my point.)
* Plotting I’ve seen some reviews for previous Summerset Abbey books express concerns about pacing. However, I personally think that plotting is actually one of Brown’s strongest points.
Brown is writing about an era in which women weren’t allowed to do any of the explosive, daring things that we can read about in contemporary/sci-fi/fantasy books. Yet, she makes simple day-to-day activities like going to tea at a prospective in-law’s house, seem exciting and daring. It’s incredibly impressive.
***
Things that didn't work/Things to consider:
After thinking about it, I would have loved for some further insight into how Prudence and her husband were adjusting to his medical condition, and the new addition to their family.
However, this isn't necessarily because I felt like Brown didn't write enough about the two of them. It's more that I was so interested in Prudence's evolution ass a character; I could have easily read an entire book just about her family, and their new life in London.
So any desire for more development is basically me just being greedy as a reader. (Hah.)
Other than that, I feel like all of the plotlines were wrapped up beautifully; the characters all had well-developed conclusions to their personal arcs, and the writing was better than ever.
***
Final verdict: I'm fairly certain that Spring Awakening was intended as the final book in the Summerset Abbey series.
However, T.J. Brown has created a cast of characters in a world that's so rich, full of love and life, I - and I'm sure, other readers like me - would absolutely not object if the series were to continue.
(Seriously, Teri. Write MORE!)
I highly recommend this book for fans of Downton Abbey, but I also recommend this book for readers who are just interested in reading a book with strong and intelligent female characters, set against the backdrop of a period where women were only beginning to realize their true potential for the first time.
***
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Spring Awakening from Gallery Books, in exchange for an honest review. (Thank you, guys! You rock!)
***
Full review:
Back in January, I was experiencing a bit of a post-Downton Abbey slump. So I googled around for books that were similar to Downton Abbey, and stumbled onto Summerset Abbey.
One review later, and I was purchasing the book on Amazon. Three days later, I had read the book, and was back to googling for the sequel.
Fortunately for me, I quickly discovered that not only was Summerset Abbey going to be a trilogy, but all three books were scheduled to be released in 2013.
(Yes - T.J. Brown is a writing speed demon. Not only did she write all three Summerset Abbey books within a nine-month period, she also wrote the YA book Born Of Illusion too. Incredible, right?)
To make a long story short: I purchased A Bloom in Winter after it was released, and loved it too. So I decided to take a chance, and see if I could get an ARC from Gallery Books for Spring Awakening.
Luckily for me, the lovely Kristin at Gallery Books kindly sent me a bound manuscript in May, and I absolutely devoured the book in one day. This is the type of book that will make you laugh, cry and be absolutely bummed out that the series has come to an end.
***
Plot overview:
WWI has broken out, and Rowena, Victoria and Prudence's worlds have been irrevocably changed forever.
Rowena: Caught between an engagement that she isn't entirely sure that she wants, and memories of a man who has taken almost everything from her, Rowena throws herself into the war effort by embarking on piloting duties that even the most stalwart of men aren't always willing to take on.
Victoria: After her incarceration, Victoria is more determined than ever to prove her capabilities and independence. She develops a talent for nursing, which leads her far away from home, further than she's ever traveled. On the way, she’ll realize that there are some things from her old life, which she may not want to lose after all.
Prudence: Following a rocky start to her marriage, Prudence is finally settling into her new life. However, her husband’s decision to deviate from his chosen career path, into one that would actively put him into harm’s way, rocks Prudence’s marriage in ways that she never anticipated.
In the final Summerset Abbey book, all three women must work toward securing the futures that they want, and the dreams that they hope to achieve.
***
Things that worked:
* Characterizations
Just like the previous two Summerset books, one of the most notable things about Spring Awakening are the characterizations of Rowena, Victoria and Prudence.
They’ve grown in leaps and bounds since the first two books. They’re more confident in their abilities, they have a stronger belief in themselves, and they just feel more adult, if that makes any sense.
Brown has done a spectacular job of showing the transformation from the hesitant, lost, and reluctant women recovering from the loss of a father in the first book, to the confident, self-assured women that we find in the third book.
While I loved how each of the “sisters” – because, let’s face it, they are sisters – have developed throughout the course of the trilogy, I was especially struck with Victoria’s transformation in Spring Awakening.
Her activism in the third book, becomes something that is far more than just a hobby or interest that she does to prove her strength. It becomes a way of life, and it’s remarkable at how it only not only impacts her world and the people around her, but also the reader’s perception of her.
I was also touched by both Rowena and Prudence’s discovery of their ability to love. They both learn, through two unique sets of circumstances, that they aren’t quite as damaged as they might have believed. They are both capable of loving unexpected individuals, and in the most unexpected ways.
* The evolving role of women
One of the things I love the most about T.J.’s characters verses say the characters on Downton Abbey is the fact that all three of the sisters have been consistently dedicated to exploring their own strengths. .
From the beginning of the series, Rowena, Prudence and Victoria have clearly understood that they’re bound by the confines of society. However, this also hasn’t stopped them from furthering and working on their interests – whether it’s been flying, healing/nursing and women’s rights, or just general housewife responsibilities.
Rowena, Prudence and Victoria take charge of their lives in a way, despite the societal constraints, in a way that I feel like their counterparts from Downton can’t even begin to compete with. This is especially true in Spring Awakening, where the women actually take advantage of the war to prove their worth not only to society around them, but to themselves. Rowena in particular is daring in a way that is fantastically shocking.
* The historical details
This is one of those times where I have to remain frustratingly vague, because I don’t want to give too much away.
But I will say that T.J. does a spectacular job incorporating the historical details of the period using both real-world facts, and sprinkling in character-related specifics, to build her world.
I was especially impressed with the roles that all three women took on as a part of the wartime effort. They were both historically realistic, but were also fitting for all of the characters themselves.
* The ending
Without giving too many spoilers away, I thought the ending wrapped up all of the story lines beautifully - including addressing some of the overarching obstacles from the first and second book.
Teri also did a good job of making sure that there were enough interesting and outstanding story lines, so that if she ever chooses to revisit the world in the future, there will be plenty of interesting plots and issues to explore.
And finally,
General bookish things:
* The writing: One of the difficulties about writing a book with three different points of view, is making sure that all three characters sound distinctive.
Brown accomplishes this spectacularly. The differences between Rowena, Prudence and Victoria are as clear as night and day. Their voices, thoughts and reactions to the world around them, are distinctive and notable, even in third person.
Not once did I think I think that the voices sounded the same, and not once did I get confused as to whose narration I was reading.
(Not that this actually happens when I’m reading narrative voices which do sound the same, but… you get my point.)
* Plotting I’ve seen some reviews for previous Summerset Abbey books express concerns about pacing. However, I personally think that plotting is actually one of Brown’s strongest points.
Brown is writing about an era in which women weren’t allowed to do any of the explosive, daring things that we can read about in contemporary/sci-fi/fantasy books. Yet, she makes simple day-to-day activities like going to tea at a prospective in-law’s house, seem exciting and daring. It’s incredibly impressive.
***
Things that didn't work/Things to consider:
After thinking about it, I would have loved for some further insight into how Prudence and her husband were adjusting to his medical condition, and the new addition to their family.
However, this isn't necessarily because I felt like Brown didn't write enough about the two of them. It's more that I was so interested in Prudence's evolution ass a character; I could have easily read an entire book just about her family, and their new life in London.
So any desire for more development is basically me just being greedy as a reader. (Hah.)
Other than that, I feel like all of the plotlines were wrapped up beautifully; the characters all had well-developed conclusions to their personal arcs, and the writing was better than ever.
***
Final verdict: I'm fairly certain that Spring Awakening was intended as the final book in the Summerset Abbey series.
However, T.J. Brown has created a cast of characters in a world that's so rich, full of love and life, I - and I'm sure, other readers like me - would absolutely not object if the series were to continue.
(Seriously, Teri. Write MORE!)
I highly recommend this book for fans of Downton Abbey, but I also recommend this book for readers who are just interested in reading a book with strong and intelligent female characters, set against the backdrop of a period where women were only beginning to realize their true potential for the first time.
***
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Spring Awakening from Gallery Books, in exchange for an honest review. (Thank you, guys! You rock!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2018
⭐⭐⭐,75/5
J'ai beaucoup aimé ce tome et je trouve qu'il fait une très belle conclusion même si j'ai eu le coeur brisé à plusieurs reprises. Je m'y attendais beaucoup aussi car sur ce tome la première guerre mondiale est au coeur du livre. J'aime toujours l'écriture et l'époque dans laquelle nous enmène l'auteure, c'était encore très beau et doux.
Je ne regrette en rien d'avoir lu cette trilogie!
J'ai beaucoup aimé ce tome et je trouve qu'il fait une très belle conclusion même si j'ai eu le coeur brisé à plusieurs reprises. Je m'y attendais beaucoup aussi car sur ce tome la première guerre mondiale est au coeur du livre. J'aime toujours l'écriture et l'époque dans laquelle nous enmène l'auteure, c'était encore très beau et doux.
Je ne regrette en rien d'avoir lu cette trilogie!
February 17, 2021
Que vida emocionante a destas três mulheres lutadoras, pelos seus direitos, pela sua felicidade e até pelo seu país.
June 27, 2024
these progressively got better. I literally devoured this book after the second one.
January 23, 2014
This book started weakly and read a lot like Downton Abbey fan fiction. There's an awkward attempt at seduction scene that I skipped right through. It was very strange and oddly placed but it made sense for the character at that time. At first I thought I knew where the story was headed but halfway through it took a different turn and I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself NOT wanting the book to end the way I originally envisioned it. I liked the way it turned out. It was bittersweet but nicely done and I think more realistic. The plot wraps up very quickly but not very neatly. There are still some loose ends, such as the fact that the story ends in the middle of the war! I also wanted more of Elaine's story. She hints at things and claims she's never going to marry, but never explains why. She tries hard to please her mother without success but doesn't follow her cousins' leads and forge a path for herself. She deserved a plot of her own because I found her more interesting than Rowena and Prudence.
I liked the way the characters developed in this novel. At first I hated Rowena and wanted to slap her but once she has her awakening, she gets better. Prudence continued to annoy me. I wish she had just talked with Andrew instead of worrying and fretting. She tried too hard to please him and I felt like she wasn't doing herself justice. I wanted to see her awaken a bit more since the plot is called Spring Awakening. Instead she continues on the same as always. Victoria's journey is the most interesting to me. There are obvious similarities to Downton Abbey but yet there are differences. In the beginning of the novel she was naive and immature and I had mixed feelings about her. I liked her and found her innocence refreshing yet she still seemed like a little girl playing grown up. She comes of age during a difficult time and rises to the occasion admirably. I liked the way she met her challenges and faced whatever was to come. I did not like how she dealt with her romantic problems at first but it was all part of her character growth.
There are some gory hospital scenes and the aforementioned awkward scene plus hints at what Prudence and Andrew do behind closed doors. I still wouldn't hesitate to give this novel to an older teen. Adults may find it a bit too cliched in spots and not fully fleshed out enough. Still, it was the best of the trilogy and I liked it well enough to give it 3 1/2-4 stars.
I liked the way the characters developed in this novel. At first I hated Rowena and wanted to slap her but once she has her awakening, she gets better. Prudence continued to annoy me. I wish she had just talked with Andrew instead of worrying and fretting. She tried too hard to please him and I felt like she wasn't doing herself justice. I wanted to see her awaken a bit more since the plot is called Spring Awakening. Instead she continues on the same as always. Victoria's journey is the most interesting to me. There are obvious similarities to Downton Abbey but yet there are differences. In the beginning of the novel she was naive and immature and I had mixed feelings about her. I liked her and found her innocence refreshing yet she still seemed like a little girl playing grown up. She comes of age during a difficult time and rises to the occasion admirably. I liked the way she met her challenges and faced whatever was to come. I did not like how she dealt with her romantic problems at first but it was all part of her character growth.
There are some gory hospital scenes and the aforementioned awkward scene plus hints at what Prudence and Andrew do behind closed doors. I still wouldn't hesitate to give this novel to an older teen. Adults may find it a bit too cliched in spots and not fully fleshed out enough. Still, it was the best of the trilogy and I liked it well enough to give it 3 1/2-4 stars.
May 31, 2015
Voilà donc le dernier tome de cette trilogie, placé sous le signe de la Guerre.
Le Temps des insoumises est loin des fastes des deux premiers tomes, l'époque n'est plus à la fête, mais bien aux sacrifices et aux changements.
Rowena va s'émanciper de plus en plus et participer à sa manière à l'effort de guerre. Je crois que c'est le personnage qui a le plus évolué depuis le premier tome. Jusqu'ici je la trouvais trop gâtée et capricieuse à mon goût, un peu ingrate aussi. Mais dans ce livre elle change beaucoup, elle fait preuve de beaucoup de courage et d'audace et accepte de se remettre en question. Sebastian est à ses côtés, toujours aussi compréhensif, c'est un vrai pilier sur lequel elle va devoir apprendre à s'appuyer, et réellement découvrir l'homme qu'il est.
Victoria fait elle aussi preuve de courage et de ténacité, elle va découvrir de près les horreurs de cette guerre que tout le monde imaginait courte et son coeur sera mis à rude épreuve. Kit est fidèle à lui-même, espiègle et déterminé, mais la jeune fille saura saisir sa chance ?
Prudence, elle, poursuit sa vie loin de ses anciennes amies, on la voit affronter un quotidien pas toujours réjouissant, mais c'est une femme forte, prête à faire tous les sacrifices pour faire fonctionner son couple et réussir sa nouvelle vie.
Des trois tomes, c'est celui que je préfère même si le contexte dans lequel il se déroule donne un côté dramatique à l'ensemble. J'ai apprécié sortir de l'ambiance feutrée de Summerset, de sortir de ce carcan de la noblesse avec ces changements de tenue, ces thés et ces règles de politesse. Il est intéressant de voir les personnages évoluer au fil des tomes, et de voir tous ces jeunes gens issus de la jeunesse dorés découvrir le monde "réel" montre bien tout le décalage dans lequel ils vivaient jusqu'ici. Les histoires de coeur trouvent ici leur aboutissement, Rowena, Prudence et Victoria finissent par trouver le bonheur.
Le Temps des insoumises clôt donc plutôt bien cette série au parfum de Downton Abbey, une série intéressante à découvrir et qui devrait ravir les fans du genre.
Le Temps des insoumises est loin des fastes des deux premiers tomes, l'époque n'est plus à la fête, mais bien aux sacrifices et aux changements.
Rowena va s'émanciper de plus en plus et participer à sa manière à l'effort de guerre. Je crois que c'est le personnage qui a le plus évolué depuis le premier tome. Jusqu'ici je la trouvais trop gâtée et capricieuse à mon goût, un peu ingrate aussi. Mais dans ce livre elle change beaucoup, elle fait preuve de beaucoup de courage et d'audace et accepte de se remettre en question. Sebastian est à ses côtés, toujours aussi compréhensif, c'est un vrai pilier sur lequel elle va devoir apprendre à s'appuyer, et réellement découvrir l'homme qu'il est.
Victoria fait elle aussi preuve de courage et de ténacité, elle va découvrir de près les horreurs de cette guerre que tout le monde imaginait courte et son coeur sera mis à rude épreuve. Kit est fidèle à lui-même, espiègle et déterminé, mais la jeune fille saura saisir sa chance ?
Prudence, elle, poursuit sa vie loin de ses anciennes amies, on la voit affronter un quotidien pas toujours réjouissant, mais c'est une femme forte, prête à faire tous les sacrifices pour faire fonctionner son couple et réussir sa nouvelle vie.
Des trois tomes, c'est celui que je préfère même si le contexte dans lequel il se déroule donne un côté dramatique à l'ensemble. J'ai apprécié sortir de l'ambiance feutrée de Summerset, de sortir de ce carcan de la noblesse avec ces changements de tenue, ces thés et ces règles de politesse. Il est intéressant de voir les personnages évoluer au fil des tomes, et de voir tous ces jeunes gens issus de la jeunesse dorés découvrir le monde "réel" montre bien tout le décalage dans lequel ils vivaient jusqu'ici. Les histoires de coeur trouvent ici leur aboutissement, Rowena, Prudence et Victoria finissent par trouver le bonheur.
Le Temps des insoumises clôt donc plutôt bien cette série au parfum de Downton Abbey, une série intéressante à découvrir et qui devrait ravir les fans du genre.
September 23, 2013
This is one conclusion to a trilogy that certainly did not disappoint. I think when an author talks about how much their characters mean to them, how devoted to the story they are in their author's note, the reader can be assured of a passionately written story--not something that was just thrown together in order to meet a deadline or to get a paycheck. Brown's characters were all so vibrant, strong, perfectly imperfect and seemingly real; each and every one truly came to life on the page. The plot had the perfect amount of romance, disappointment, heartbreak, intrigue and mystery, tragedy and witty banter. I laughed, I cried, I quite literally could not put it down. I cannot pick whom my favorite character was between Victoria, Prudence and Rowena. Each was a balanced mix of naive, strong, beautiful and relatable while each remaining unique and taking the reader on a journey of self-discovery. All three books in the trilogy were fantastic and very well-written. The ending was heart-wrenchingly beautiful. Truly fantastic.
November 3, 2016
After finishing Spring Awakening last night, I woke up thinking about reading the resolution again. I suppose that means I really liked the book, but if I'm honest, I'm not sure how realistic the resolution was.
Could Victoria have stumbled upon Andrew on the front? Could Rowena have flown over the Channel just when Jonathon needed her to? I'm not sure...
I do agree that hard times force us to face what we've been ignoring, so choosing to have Andrew come to his senses while Prudence and baby were on their potential deathbed struck me as truth. (And having Victoria eavesdrop on Andrew and Pru's conversation was a great way to include Pru's resolution in Victoria's chapter. Way to write, T.J. Brown.)
The choices Rowena and Prudence made about love and forgiveness seem "spot on", as does Victoria's eventual understanding of her own heart.
No, I didn't shed any tears when I finished this trilogy, but I did enjoy being there as these three girls evolved into women.
Thanks, Gabby, for the series recommendation.
Could Victoria have stumbled upon Andrew on the front? Could Rowena have flown over the Channel just when Jonathon needed her to? I'm not sure...
I do agree that hard times force us to face what we've been ignoring, so choosing to have Andrew come to his senses while Prudence and baby were on their potential deathbed struck me as truth. (And having Victoria eavesdrop on Andrew and Pru's conversation was a great way to include Pru's resolution in Victoria's chapter. Way to write, T.J. Brown.)
The choices Rowena and Prudence made about love and forgiveness seem "spot on", as does Victoria's eventual understanding of her own heart.
No, I didn't shed any tears when I finished this trilogy, but I did enjoy being there as these three girls evolved into women.
Thanks, Gabby, for the series recommendation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2016
Ce troisième tome vient agréablement clôturer la trilogie de Summerset Abbey. Un point me chiffonne cependant... Je trouve que les trois héroïnes sont bien trop chanceuses en amour et que la réalité était tout autre lors de la première guerre mondiale. De nombreux jeunes hommes ne revenaient pas du front ou alors horriblement mutilés. Ici, tous leurs proches s'en sortent plutôt bien ou même très bien... Enfin, je laisse ce point de côté, pour vous dire que la lecture de ce tome a néanmoins été très agréable et que j'ai aimé suivre les aventures de Pru, Vic et Rona. Summerset Abbey m'a plongé dans l'Angleterre Edwardienne que j'avais tant aimé suivre avec Downton Abbey. Cette génération de jeunes femmes et jeunes hommes emportés dans la guerre sans avoir pu profiter de leur jeunesse et réalisé leur rêve est chère à mon cœur. Tant de vie ont été brisée à cette époque.
February 7, 2017
Book 3 in the "Summerset Abbey" trilogy. It continues where book 2 left off. Should not be read as a standalone book without reading the first two.
The book jacket said "For lovers of Downton Abbey..."
This is NOT Downton Abbey... not even close! But it is a light, quick, and enjoyable read. I finished the three book trilogy in a matter of days.
This is the story of three "sisters" (Rowena, Prudence, Victoria) raised in England during the Edwardian Period -- their loves, losses, adventures, and triumphs. Of the three sisters, Victoria was by far my favorite. Her character is the most likable and displays the most growth through the saga.
There is a fourth book, Summer's End, a novella about cousin Elaine. Have not decided whether to read it or not. 80 pages does not seem long enough to tell her story.
The book jacket said "For lovers of Downton Abbey..."
This is NOT Downton Abbey... not even close! But it is a light, quick, and enjoyable read. I finished the three book trilogy in a matter of days.
This is the story of three "sisters" (Rowena, Prudence, Victoria) raised in England during the Edwardian Period -- their loves, losses, adventures, and triumphs. Of the three sisters, Victoria was by far my favorite. Her character is the most likable and displays the most growth through the saga.
There is a fourth book, Summer's End, a novella about cousin Elaine. Have not decided whether to read it or not. 80 pages does not seem long enough to tell her story.
November 11, 2013
You know those books that you hate to leave the characters when the book has come to an end? This was one of those books for me. I have enjoyed following Rowena, Victoria, and Prudence through their trials and tribulations. Each of them have strengths and faults that they discover, then must learn how to deal with them. I am overjoyed that everything worked out with each girl. It shows that even though things don't always go as planned, you can and should make the best of what you've got.
July 3, 2015
O final de uma trilogia que nos relatou os desafios da família Buxton. Gostei do modo como a escritora conseguiu desenrolar o destino das três jovens, num ambiente aristocrático que com o início da primeira guerra mundial, entrou num mundo de mudanças
January 26, 2022
The third of the Summerset Abbey trilogy was for me the most satisfying. Each of the girls and their men have gone through so much, especially as WW. II breaks out and each of the men, Jon, Colin, Sebastian, Andrew and kit have gone off to war. Prudence tries to protect her husband when he enlists, to save the father of her unborn child, Asthmatic Victoria changes plans from teaching in a Settlement house to being a nursing assistant in a convalescent home for soldiers from the front and still saying no, no, no to Kip Kittredge’s offers of marriage. Rowena, falls for a young pilot, Jon, whose family have been cheated of their property and father by the Ill doings of Rowena and Victoria’s uncle. With Sebastian’s love married to another man, he agrees to fake an engagement to Rowena to get them both off their families marrying aims. Jon twice repudiates Rowena.
Lots of literary references, growing up, developing new skills, and most importantly self-discovery.
Lots of literary references, growing up, developing new skills, and most importantly self-discovery.
March 17, 2018
This series has been amazing. The characters are strong and unique, their lives interesting and full of challenges. I was completely wrong in thinking that this book was a formulaic historical romance. Three women, each gets a book and her happily ever after, right? No. And it was all the better for it.
May 17, 2017
Un tome qui termine bien la série. Je l'ai trouvé meilleur que le tome 2, qui à mon sens, tirait trop en longueurs. Le final reste assez prévisible mais reste agréable pour clôturer l'aventure de Rowena, Victoria et Prudence.
April 4, 2020
Une trilogie sympathique qui nous plonge dans les années dd'avantet au début de la deuxième guerre mondiale. 3 femmes élevées avec des valeurs féministes vont essayer de faire chacune leur bout de chemin.
May 30, 2023
Je suis restée un peu sur ma faim. J'aurais aimé que l'histoire continue après la fin de la guerre. Voir les histoires d'amour de chacune fleurir un peu plus. Encore une fois ils se marient et l'histoire s'arrête... Un peu dommage. Mais un tome plein d'émotions et de rebondissements. J'ai adoré !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2020
Nice ending to the trilogy. I really got into the characters more in this book then in the second book. Would love to see this series made into a movie or a made-for-tv series
July 15, 2020
Glad to have this series over. I didn't like any of the main characters and all their 'love stories' were just settling or abruptly resolved.
April 16, 2021
An historic novel set in England at WW1. Think Downton Abbey meets Friends.
February 15, 2022
Again, still well done, but the ending to the trilogy was not as I wanted it. Third person.
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