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Torn
1808. When 14 year old Alexandra meets Patrick, her handsome and notorious step-brother, she is confused and resentful as he shakes the foundations of everything she has ever known. Driving a wedge between Alex and her brother Simon, he tears apart the fabric of her quiet world. Yet she is intrigued by the enigmatic Patrick and finds herself increasingly drawn to him. These are the years between childhood and womanhood, during which Alex begins to realise that her growing affection for Patrick owes nothing to sibling fondness. But these are turbulent times for England and Patrick and Simon, answering the call of adventure, join the fight against Napoleon with devastating consequences. In a family ravaged by war and deceit Alex finds herself betrayed in the worst possible way. This is the story of one woman's passionate struggle for love and hope against all the constraints of her time.
381 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Karen Turner
5 books17 followersKaren, born in Australia to an English mother and Italian father, discovered a passion for historical fiction after twenty years in the Financial Services industry.
As an escape from corporate writing, Karen began writing short stories and, in 2009, published her first collection All That and Everything. Many of the short stories won awards, including the Society of Women Writers Victoria, Biennial Literary Award and the Free XpresSion Literary Award.
Her first novel, Torn was followed by its sequel, Inviolate, and more recently, Counterpoint a raunchy, adults only companion to Torn from another character’s point of view.
Stormbird, published in 2019, was written as the final instalment in the Torn series, but can also be read independently. It tells the story of an unexpected relationship that builds between a British war widow and a German fighter pilot, shot down and in hiding, despite their countries’ bitter differences.
Karen is currently working on her next book, Fever, set in the Victorian goldfields of Australia.
Additionally, Karen writes for several financial magazines, speaks at public events and facilitates writing workshops.
In her spare time, Karen volunteers at an animal shelter, enjoys running and drinks too much coffee.
To find out more about Karen, visit www.karenturner.com.au
As an escape from corporate writing, Karen began writing short stories and, in 2009, published her first collection All That and Everything. Many of the short stories won awards, including the Society of Women Writers Victoria, Biennial Literary Award and the Free XpresSion Literary Award.
Her first novel, Torn was followed by its sequel, Inviolate, and more recently, Counterpoint a raunchy, adults only companion to Torn from another character’s point of view.
Stormbird, published in 2019, was written as the final instalment in the Torn series, but can also be read independently. It tells the story of an unexpected relationship that builds between a British war widow and a German fighter pilot, shot down and in hiding, despite their countries’ bitter differences.
Karen is currently working on her next book, Fever, set in the Victorian goldfields of Australia.
Additionally, Karen writes for several financial magazines, speaks at public events and facilitates writing workshops.
In her spare time, Karen volunteers at an animal shelter, enjoys running and drinks too much coffee.
To find out more about Karen, visit www.karenturner.com.au
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 15, 2014
In 1808, when Alexandra Broughton is fourteen, her mother returns from court to the family home with a new husband, a bun in the oven, and new step-siblings for her children, Simon, Alex and Annie. None of them are used to having their snobby, social-climbing mother at home, but her affair with Gerrard Washburn, Earl of Thorncliffe, has caused King George III - a well-known prude and quite different from his son, Prince George - to expel her from court with the decree that they marry.
The upset to the Broughton children's daily life is soon forgotten - it's hard not to like Lord Thorncliffe, and when baby Meg arrives they're all smitten (except her mother, who lacks motherly love). It's the arrival of Gerrard's two children from his previous marriage, Patrick and Maeve, that change everything for Alex. Maeve is a happy, enthusiastic, loving girl of the same age as Annie - who shares her mother's sense of vanity and ambition - but Patrick is Alex's beloved brother Simon's age, and the two quickly become friends. Stuck in the middle, Alex puts her efforts into being childishly petulant and difficult, resentful that Patrick has come between her and handsome, popular Simon.
Yet she's also drawn to Patrick in ways she barely understands. As Alex matures she puts aside her dislike and resentment towards Patrick and the two become friends, but the friendship is strained by Alex's unrequited feelings for Patrick. Once both Simon and Patrick are of age, they both decide to sign up for the war against Napoleon, despite their family's protestations. Simon uses his medical pre-training from university to help the wounded, while Patrick buys an officer's rank and sees real battle. With the two men she loves most in such danger zones, Alex struggles to sit quietly at home and wait.
Meanwhile, her mother has arranged a marriage for her with a young Scottish lord, Hamish, a preening, vain man who, it readily becomes apparent to the reader, has more of an eye towards pretty young men than he does his affianced bride. Alex was resigning herself to marrying Hamish - a contract that doesn't seem breakable - when Patrick returns from war and everything changes.
Torn was a refreshing change from either your typical "Regency Romance" or the many historical fiction novels set in the era that strive to mimic Pride and Prejudice . Turner has focusses on the historical period by going to historical sources rather than fictional ones, which gives a fresh perspective on the early 19th century (pre-Regency). She also turned the lens of the story onto the Napoleonic War, which I appreciated - Austen never focussed on that, her characters just bought a shiny red uniform and everything was tickety-boo. The descriptions of the hell's of war will resonate with readers because they sound just like the descriptions of the World Wars that we've absorbed, because despite the changes in weaponry, tactics or political context, war is war and what soldiers endure doesn't change all that much.
This is a coming-of-age novel set over the course of several years while Alex is a teenager. While Turner has made efforts to use diction and syntax appropriate to the period, Alex's first-person voice is often a bit contemporary, a bit too modern. It's not that people didn't swear or speak in more relaxed ways, just that some of Alex's phrasing sounded a bit too late-20th-century, and jarred. That aside, it's clear that while certain expectations of young women have changed drastically, the struggles and inner turmoils of adolescence and young love remain unchanged over the centuries. We can change our costumes, our expectations and perspectives as much as we like, but at heart we're no different from people living in any other age.
The novel was a bit slow and uneventful, which I wouldn't have minded except that for much of the book it lacked the tension it needed to propel the narrative - and the reader - forward. The story doesn't pick up until after Simon and Patrick join the war. Much of the first half is made up with establishing Alex's rude behaviour towards Patrick, and their prickly understanding. It's just hard, following the exploits of a not-very-likeable girl going through the pains of adolescence. Perhaps it's that fact, that in the first half of the book, Alex isn't a very sympathetic character - you can sympathise with her resentment and understand her behaviour all too well, but it goes on for too long. Patrick has the charisma to carry the story and keep you reading - there's just something about him, from his moments of casual cruelty to his raw sex appeal, his sense of humour and moments of loving tenderness. He keeps you on your toes, that's for sure, though it's one of my personal hang-ups that I don't like hearing men calling women "bitch", especially when they're in love with them.
This isn't a standalone novel but the start of a series, and the ending, while no cliffhanger, is a prelude to the second book, Inviolate. In fact, I would say that the entire novel (Torn) is a bit of a prelude. It establishes the characters, who drive the story forward, and their dramas, as set-up for where the story will go from here. There is a definite feeling that the second book will have more of a dramatic punch than this one, as the stakes are all out on the table and the way things ended in Torn definitely leave you reeling a bit. (I think we'd all agree by the end that Annie is despicable, shallow and lacking in character.) Alex does make me want to shake her though, especially at the end where she lets Patrick's past mistakes and reputation over-rule everything she knows about him, and instead takes the side of the sister she never respected. What's with that? I could understand Alex's emotions but after the initial shock, where's her head? She's an intelligent girl who shows, time and again, a lack of maturity and understanding of others. I guess she's inherited a bit of her mother's superficial outlook, but it was disappointing and slightly contrived for the sake of drama and tension. I'm on the fence a bit over the ending, and I'm not sure where the prologue and epilogue, told by an elderly Meg who has something important she needs to commit to paper, is going. She's not telling the story, that's for sure, so she must know some painful secret.
Overall, a solid first novel that will appeal to those readers who like a slowly evolving historical fiction story set pre-Regency, populated by familiar characters and narrated by a young, torn heroine who feels all-too human.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book.
The upset to the Broughton children's daily life is soon forgotten - it's hard not to like Lord Thorncliffe, and when baby Meg arrives they're all smitten (except her mother, who lacks motherly love). It's the arrival of Gerrard's two children from his previous marriage, Patrick and Maeve, that change everything for Alex. Maeve is a happy, enthusiastic, loving girl of the same age as Annie - who shares her mother's sense of vanity and ambition - but Patrick is Alex's beloved brother Simon's age, and the two quickly become friends. Stuck in the middle, Alex puts her efforts into being childishly petulant and difficult, resentful that Patrick has come between her and handsome, popular Simon.
Yet she's also drawn to Patrick in ways she barely understands. As Alex matures she puts aside her dislike and resentment towards Patrick and the two become friends, but the friendship is strained by Alex's unrequited feelings for Patrick. Once both Simon and Patrick are of age, they both decide to sign up for the war against Napoleon, despite their family's protestations. Simon uses his medical pre-training from university to help the wounded, while Patrick buys an officer's rank and sees real battle. With the two men she loves most in such danger zones, Alex struggles to sit quietly at home and wait.
Meanwhile, her mother has arranged a marriage for her with a young Scottish lord, Hamish, a preening, vain man who, it readily becomes apparent to the reader, has more of an eye towards pretty young men than he does his affianced bride. Alex was resigning herself to marrying Hamish - a contract that doesn't seem breakable - when Patrick returns from war and everything changes.
Torn was a refreshing change from either your typical "Regency Romance" or the many historical fiction novels set in the era that strive to mimic Pride and Prejudice . Turner has focusses on the historical period by going to historical sources rather than fictional ones, which gives a fresh perspective on the early 19th century (pre-Regency). She also turned the lens of the story onto the Napoleonic War, which I appreciated - Austen never focussed on that, her characters just bought a shiny red uniform and everything was tickety-boo. The descriptions of the hell's of war will resonate with readers because they sound just like the descriptions of the World Wars that we've absorbed, because despite the changes in weaponry, tactics or political context, war is war and what soldiers endure doesn't change all that much.
This is a coming-of-age novel set over the course of several years while Alex is a teenager. While Turner has made efforts to use diction and syntax appropriate to the period, Alex's first-person voice is often a bit contemporary, a bit too modern. It's not that people didn't swear or speak in more relaxed ways, just that some of Alex's phrasing sounded a bit too late-20th-century, and jarred. That aside, it's clear that while certain expectations of young women have changed drastically, the struggles and inner turmoils of adolescence and young love remain unchanged over the centuries. We can change our costumes, our expectations and perspectives as much as we like, but at heart we're no different from people living in any other age.
The novel was a bit slow and uneventful, which I wouldn't have minded except that for much of the book it lacked the tension it needed to propel the narrative - and the reader - forward. The story doesn't pick up until after Simon and Patrick join the war. Much of the first half is made up with establishing Alex's rude behaviour towards Patrick, and their prickly understanding. It's just hard, following the exploits of a not-very-likeable girl going through the pains of adolescence. Perhaps it's that fact, that in the first half of the book, Alex isn't a very sympathetic character - you can sympathise with her resentment and understand her behaviour all too well, but it goes on for too long. Patrick has the charisma to carry the story and keep you reading - there's just something about him, from his moments of casual cruelty to his raw sex appeal, his sense of humour and moments of loving tenderness. He keeps you on your toes, that's for sure, though it's one of my personal hang-ups that I don't like hearing men calling women "bitch", especially when they're in love with them.
This isn't a standalone novel but the start of a series, and the ending, while no cliffhanger, is a prelude to the second book, Inviolate. In fact, I would say that the entire novel (Torn) is a bit of a prelude. It establishes the characters, who drive the story forward, and their dramas, as set-up for where the story will go from here. There is a definite feeling that the second book will have more of a dramatic punch than this one, as the stakes are all out on the table and the way things ended in Torn definitely leave you reeling a bit. (I think we'd all agree by the end that Annie is despicable, shallow and lacking in character.) Alex does make me want to shake her though, especially at the end where she lets Patrick's past mistakes and reputation over-rule everything she knows about him, and instead takes the side of the sister she never respected. What's with that? I could understand Alex's emotions but after the initial shock, where's her head? She's an intelligent girl who shows, time and again, a lack of maturity and understanding of others. I guess she's inherited a bit of her mother's superficial outlook, but it was disappointing and slightly contrived for the sake of drama and tension. I'm on the fence a bit over the ending, and I'm not sure where the prologue and epilogue, told by an elderly Meg who has something important she needs to commit to paper, is going. She's not telling the story, that's for sure, so she must know some painful secret.
Overall, a solid first novel that will appeal to those readers who like a slowly evolving historical fiction story set pre-Regency, populated by familiar characters and narrated by a young, torn heroine who feels all-too human.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book.
June 24, 2014
Is it odd to say I read my own book ... and enjoyed it??
The process of writing a book involves chopping chapters, editing and chunking - you never start at page 1 and read all the way through to the end.
So, I sat down and did just that. I opened at page one and read my own book.
I can honestly say that I did enjoy it - so I ask again, is that odd? Perhaps it would be odder if I didn't enjoy it!
The process of writing a book involves chopping chapters, editing and chunking - you never start at page 1 and read all the way through to the end.
So, I sat down and did just that. I opened at page one and read my own book.
I can honestly say that I did enjoy it - so I ask again, is that odd? Perhaps it would be odder if I didn't enjoy it!
September 7, 2013
Karen Turner has a great story to tell, and even though I was a little unsure about the authenticity of some of the language used, I was sufficiently drawn in by the beautiful descriptions of landscapes, gowns, riches and love triangles.
It’s an enjoyable story and one that’ll be thoroughly appreciated by fans of period dramas.
If you’d like to read more visit http://blog.thatbookyoulike.com.au/an...
It’s an enjoyable story and one that’ll be thoroughly appreciated by fans of period dramas.
If you’d like to read more visit http://blog.thatbookyoulike.com.au/an...
November 30, 2021
Wow!
I was fortunate to have received a copy of book 3 in this series, Stormbird, to read and review which I absolutely loved. So, when Karen offered me the opportunity to read and review the first two books in the series, Torn and Inviolate, I jumped at the chance.
Before the tale proper begins, we have a prologue, dated 1871, with an old woman writing a letter to a person in the future, before enclosing it in a tin, along with a diary, and burying it in the kitchen garden of Broughton Hall. Who the letter is for, what the diary contains, why it is being buried—well, you’ll have to read the books to find that out!
Beginning in 1808, Torn is the story of Alexandra Rose Broughton, born 22 May 1794 into what would be termed the English upper class.
Alex, her older brother Simon and younger sister Anne (known as Annie) live at Broughton House, their father is deceased, their mother has a post at the King’s court and is mainly absent.
The children’s lives are thrown into disarray when their mother unexpectedly returns from court, clearly pregnant and with a husband to be in tow, Lord Thorncliffe. Lady Broughton and Lord Thorncliffe have been dismissed from court and ordered to marry by the King, as ‘punishment’ for the disgrace of her becoming pregnant. To add insult to injury, Lord Thorncliffe is a widower, and his two children Patrick, of similar age to Simon, and Maeve, who is of similar age to Annie, will be coming to live at Broughton House also.
From the outset Alex and Patrick have a love-hate relationship, Alex hates him for his intrusion into the family, his cruel and cutting words and actions, and his monopolisation of Simon’s time. Yet at the same time the two are drawn to each other by an invisible thread.
When Alex discovers that she has been contracted to marry Hamish Elginbury who will be the Seventh Viscount Elginbury she is beside herself with horror. It is clear from the outset that Hamish has no more desire to marry her, than she has to marry him, but they have no choice, contracts have been signed between their parents, and their wishes are irrelevant. It is around this time that Alex realises her feelings for Patrick may be more than would be expected between a brother and sister, even if they are not actually related by blood, although Patrick seems more interested in the village girls.
Lady Broughton, now Lady Thorncliffe, has different ideas on the matter. She has decided that Patrick should be wed to the youngest of the Broughton children, Anne. A decision Anne applauds, and Patrick refuses to countenance.
But trouble is brewing, and both Simon and Patrick decide to join the English Army to fight Napoleon. Patrick purchases a commission as an Officer, and Simon decides to use his medical skills, gained at Oxford, to minister to the wounded at the front.
Meanwhile Anne and Maeve are in Italy where they have been invited to spend time with the Camelleris, Isabella and her daughters Catarina and Grace.
The outcomes of these moves will cause repercussions that mean none of their lives will ever be the same again.
Turner writes a fascinating, unputdownable tale of life in the Regency Period in England.
She clearly portrays the divide between the upper and lower classes, where love was irrelevant and the standing of who you married was the most important thing, marriages arranged by parents via financial contract to further their own standing in the upper-class hierarchy, a period where it was considered perfectly normal for young aristocrats to be sowing their wild oats, but woe betide the poor young woman who found herself pregnant as a result. Where a servant, impregnated by the household’s young lord, who died as a result of trying to get rid of the baby was of no relevance, after all, she was a nobody, just a servant. Meanwhile the behaviour of members of the court, as they sought to progress through the ranks makes a mockery of societies judgement, both then and now, of how ‘nice’ people behave.
The characters are all fabulous, the descriptions of homes, places, events so clear that it is as if you are there. But then there is the beautiful twist that makes these books more than just a regency period story, the lady with auburn hair, clearly not from these times who occasionally appears, the old lady, so familiar and yet not, who also is sometimes seen. What do these visions portend?
Highly recommended, a five-star read from me.
I was fortunate to have received a copy of book 3 in this series, Stormbird, to read and review which I absolutely loved. So, when Karen offered me the opportunity to read and review the first two books in the series, Torn and Inviolate, I jumped at the chance.
Before the tale proper begins, we have a prologue, dated 1871, with an old woman writing a letter to a person in the future, before enclosing it in a tin, along with a diary, and burying it in the kitchen garden of Broughton Hall. Who the letter is for, what the diary contains, why it is being buried—well, you’ll have to read the books to find that out!
Beginning in 1808, Torn is the story of Alexandra Rose Broughton, born 22 May 1794 into what would be termed the English upper class.
Alex, her older brother Simon and younger sister Anne (known as Annie) live at Broughton House, their father is deceased, their mother has a post at the King’s court and is mainly absent.
The children’s lives are thrown into disarray when their mother unexpectedly returns from court, clearly pregnant and with a husband to be in tow, Lord Thorncliffe. Lady Broughton and Lord Thorncliffe have been dismissed from court and ordered to marry by the King, as ‘punishment’ for the disgrace of her becoming pregnant. To add insult to injury, Lord Thorncliffe is a widower, and his two children Patrick, of similar age to Simon, and Maeve, who is of similar age to Annie, will be coming to live at Broughton House also.
From the outset Alex and Patrick have a love-hate relationship, Alex hates him for his intrusion into the family, his cruel and cutting words and actions, and his monopolisation of Simon’s time. Yet at the same time the two are drawn to each other by an invisible thread.
When Alex discovers that she has been contracted to marry Hamish Elginbury who will be the Seventh Viscount Elginbury she is beside herself with horror. It is clear from the outset that Hamish has no more desire to marry her, than she has to marry him, but they have no choice, contracts have been signed between their parents, and their wishes are irrelevant. It is around this time that Alex realises her feelings for Patrick may be more than would be expected between a brother and sister, even if they are not actually related by blood, although Patrick seems more interested in the village girls.
Lady Broughton, now Lady Thorncliffe, has different ideas on the matter. She has decided that Patrick should be wed to the youngest of the Broughton children, Anne. A decision Anne applauds, and Patrick refuses to countenance.
But trouble is brewing, and both Simon and Patrick decide to join the English Army to fight Napoleon. Patrick purchases a commission as an Officer, and Simon decides to use his medical skills, gained at Oxford, to minister to the wounded at the front.
Meanwhile Anne and Maeve are in Italy where they have been invited to spend time with the Camelleris, Isabella and her daughters Catarina and Grace.
The outcomes of these moves will cause repercussions that mean none of their lives will ever be the same again.
Turner writes a fascinating, unputdownable tale of life in the Regency Period in England.
She clearly portrays the divide between the upper and lower classes, where love was irrelevant and the standing of who you married was the most important thing, marriages arranged by parents via financial contract to further their own standing in the upper-class hierarchy, a period where it was considered perfectly normal for young aristocrats to be sowing their wild oats, but woe betide the poor young woman who found herself pregnant as a result. Where a servant, impregnated by the household’s young lord, who died as a result of trying to get rid of the baby was of no relevance, after all, she was a nobody, just a servant. Meanwhile the behaviour of members of the court, as they sought to progress through the ranks makes a mockery of societies judgement, both then and now, of how ‘nice’ people behave.
The characters are all fabulous, the descriptions of homes, places, events so clear that it is as if you are there. But then there is the beautiful twist that makes these books more than just a regency period story, the lady with auburn hair, clearly not from these times who occasionally appears, the old lady, so familiar and yet not, who also is sometimes seen. What do these visions portend?
Highly recommended, a five-star read from me.
January 15, 2020
Let me start by saying that I would not normally buy a book of this genre, but I was so taken with Karen Turner's writing style in her book of short stories All That & Everything (which has an excerpt from this novel in it) that I thought I'd give it a try, and I'm glad I did. I'd probably say Torn is an historical-drama-romance; too dramatic to be gushy romance, but with plenty of romance to take it out of the strictly drama category - a good balancing act. I suspect Turner chooses her words and phrases carefully; describing an environment to the point where you feel you are there but leaving enough out so that your imagination can work it's own magic. She writes in a way that draws you in and you find yourself thinking "OK, just one more chapter", then 5 chapters later you are thinking "OK, just one more chapter". Like I said earlier, this is not really my genre but I found myself late at night still reading the damn thing :) The world of Torn is reminiscent of Downton Abbey but 100 years earlier, so if you like that TV show then you are going to like this book. It's hard to put down and is another triumph for quality writing over current fad.
October 8, 2019
Torn is a story of love and betrayal. Set in the early 1800’s it takes you on a journey back through time when men went to war against Napoleon and women were left back in England to pick up the pieces.
Right from the beginning, you are swept up in the lives of the Washburn family. A family of old money and well regarded for their title. Yet, despite all of the wealth, the houses, the parties and the pretense, we are given a unique insight into the minds of the family members. The story pivots around Alexandra, her life as a teenager in the day and her struggles with love and romance, the fight against social morays that dictate who she should marry and the depths of her despair when Alex discovers that her future, her love and her innocence have all seemingly been betrayed.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
Right from the beginning, you are swept up in the lives of the Washburn family. A family of old money and well regarded for their title. Yet, despite all of the wealth, the houses, the parties and the pretense, we are given a unique insight into the minds of the family members. The story pivots around Alexandra, her life as a teenager in the day and her struggles with love and romance, the fight against social morays that dictate who she should marry and the depths of her despair when Alex discovers that her future, her love and her innocence have all seemingly been betrayed.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
February 4, 2020
Wow! At the end of the book I realised I could come up for air. This book was brilliant. I was so immersed in the story I felt like I was sitting with the characters under the great oak. My heart was pulled in different directions as I followed Alex growing up and falling in love. I’m already googling to buy the second book! I can’t let the story end there. Will be definitely watching for this author in the future.
Received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only
Received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only
November 10, 2019
I’m not a period reader or viewer, but I honestly could not put this book down I absolutely loved the story it was so well written and clearly researched. I could not wait to read the second book in the series. I can honestly say this book is amazing and having lent it to 3 or 4 people they all returned it with the same comments.
February 18, 2020
This was a well written story about captivating characters which pull you into their stories. Apart from this, I wanted to slap Alex, often. When you read the story you’ll know why. I am curious to see what happens in the next instalment, but I don’t know if I can take it.
February 8, 2020
A very enjoyable read. Involved from the very start. Look forward to reading the sequel to find out what happens
February 12, 2020
This is a historical dramatic romance novel. An enjoyable read
August 17, 2021
Overall Rating: 4.5 STARS **** + 1/2.
Read as... Paperback.
Brief Synopsis...
Within this period-drama, we are introduced to Alexandra Broughton (Alex), a young 14-year old living in regency England. Her mother has recently been shunned from court after an illicit affair with the Earl of Thorncliffe, whom she has been instructed by King George III to marry. As her mother moves back to their country home with a new husband and step-children in tow, Alex and her siblings are confronted by the change in family dynamics.
Alex is both drawn to and infuriated by her cocky, yet handsome new step-brother, Patrick. Childish teasing and banter soon develop into infatuation, and Alex finds it difficult to disguise her true feelings for Patrick. However, it appears he does not return her affection. When Patrick and her brother Simon are sent off to war, Alex's mother arranges a betrothal to a young Scottish lord, much to her disgust. Her only hope, that Patrick returns from the war unscathed to save her from a loveless match.
-------------------------------
My Thoughts...
My local library included Torn in a lockdown care package sent to my address last year. This novel was an uplifting read during a very dark period, a book I devoured in one sitting. It's essentially a 'coming of age', regency romance drawing some comparisons to classic Austen, Jane Eyre, Downton Abbey and Bryce Courtenay's Jessica.
The characters were well-developed in Torn and the storyline had good pace. I loved Alex and Patrick's characterisation, and their slow-building romance of 'enemies to lovers' was believable and quite moving. Hamish, Annie and Miriam Broughton were perfectly detestable, and Simon was the older brother we all wish we had.
The descriptive text made it easy to become fully immersed in Alex's world, however, like many other reviewers, I too considered the language to be too contemporary and the slang quite inappropriate for the time period in which the novel was set. Patrick exuded sex appeal through his dark, broody and sometimes cruel persona, (very Mr Darcy-esque), however, occasionally I found his mannerisms and language off-putting.
Torn ended on a bit of a cliff-hanger, so it offered a perfect segue into the sequel, Inviolate. I wholeheartedly recommend this book if you enjoy slow-burn regency romance novels, and I look forward to the day that I re-read this novel. Karen Turner is a brilliant Australian author, and I sincerely hope that her books become more widely read overseas.
Read as... Paperback.
Brief Synopsis...
Within this period-drama, we are introduced to Alexandra Broughton (Alex), a young 14-year old living in regency England. Her mother has recently been shunned from court after an illicit affair with the Earl of Thorncliffe, whom she has been instructed by King George III to marry. As her mother moves back to their country home with a new husband and step-children in tow, Alex and her siblings are confronted by the change in family dynamics.
Alex is both drawn to and infuriated by her cocky, yet handsome new step-brother, Patrick. Childish teasing and banter soon develop into infatuation, and Alex finds it difficult to disguise her true feelings for Patrick. However, it appears he does not return her affection. When Patrick and her brother Simon are sent off to war, Alex's mother arranges a betrothal to a young Scottish lord, much to her disgust. Her only hope, that Patrick returns from the war unscathed to save her from a loveless match.
-------------------------------
My Thoughts...
My local library included Torn in a lockdown care package sent to my address last year. This novel was an uplifting read during a very dark period, a book I devoured in one sitting. It's essentially a 'coming of age', regency romance drawing some comparisons to classic Austen, Jane Eyre, Downton Abbey and Bryce Courtenay's Jessica.
The characters were well-developed in Torn and the storyline had good pace. I loved Alex and Patrick's characterisation, and their slow-building romance of 'enemies to lovers' was believable and quite moving. Hamish, Annie and Miriam Broughton were perfectly detestable, and Simon was the older brother we all wish we had.
The descriptive text made it easy to become fully immersed in Alex's world, however, like many other reviewers, I too considered the language to be too contemporary and the slang quite inappropriate for the time period in which the novel was set. Patrick exuded sex appeal through his dark, broody and sometimes cruel persona, (very Mr Darcy-esque), however, occasionally I found his mannerisms and language off-putting.
Torn ended on a bit of a cliff-hanger, so it offered a perfect segue into the sequel, Inviolate. I wholeheartedly recommend this book if you enjoy slow-burn regency romance novels, and I look forward to the day that I re-read this novel. Karen Turner is a brilliant Australian author, and I sincerely hope that her books become more widely read overseas.
August 11, 2013
I'm not usually a fan of period books but, this book drew me in from the start. An intriguing story set in the 1800s, it tells a tale of Alex Broughton, one of 3 children from Miriam Broughton. We learn what goes on 'behind closed doors' of a time where women were expected to be ladies, have proper manners, and respected protocol.
This is of course a romance novel centred around Alex, who grows up to realise that all is not what it seems with secret liaisons she seems to keep stumbling on with others. She learns how hypocritical the world is and all at the expense of her own life and feelings.
Alex falls in love with the most unlikely of men, a secret love she has to hold onto while trying to prevent her own unwanted destiny.
This is a tale that will draw you in, as it had me, wanting to know what the outcome would be and how it will turn out for our dear Alex. While I haven't watched Downton Abbey, the drama surrounding this story does give me the impression of such a time where everything is not what it seems. The ending was definitely a cliff hanger, leaving me to cry out when I realised there would be a sequel to this in 2014!
This is of course a romance novel centred around Alex, who grows up to realise that all is not what it seems with secret liaisons she seems to keep stumbling on with others. She learns how hypocritical the world is and all at the expense of her own life and feelings.
Alex falls in love with the most unlikely of men, a secret love she has to hold onto while trying to prevent her own unwanted destiny.
This is a tale that will draw you in, as it had me, wanting to know what the outcome would be and how it will turn out for our dear Alex. While I haven't watched Downton Abbey, the drama surrounding this story does give me the impression of such a time where everything is not what it seems. The ending was definitely a cliff hanger, leaving me to cry out when I realised there would be a sequel to this in 2014!
July 14, 2014
Torn was an enjoyable read and drew me in with its beautiful cover and I'd been told the book wasn't a typical Jane Austen-style romance.
It's quite dark compared to other books set in the era, if anything it shows that people weren't really that different to today - sex, affairs, abortions, the damaging effects of war are all explored with nitty, gritty detail and I admire the author for not shying away from these realities.
Despite the horrible things going on during this era, especially for women, the way the novel is written makes you yearn for that beautiful English country side and English manors. Despite not being English, the setting feels very well researched and believable.
Karen Turner writes books I love to snuggle up with on the couch during a rainy day with, there's a lyrical sense to her writing but enough drama and grittiness with a bit of the supernatural thrown in to keep you entertained during the read.
It's quite dark compared to other books set in the era, if anything it shows that people weren't really that different to today - sex, affairs, abortions, the damaging effects of war are all explored with nitty, gritty detail and I admire the author for not shying away from these realities.
Despite the horrible things going on during this era, especially for women, the way the novel is written makes you yearn for that beautiful English country side and English manors. Despite not being English, the setting feels very well researched and believable.
Karen Turner writes books I love to snuggle up with on the couch during a rainy day with, there's a lyrical sense to her writing but enough drama and grittiness with a bit of the supernatural thrown in to keep you entertained during the read.
May 15, 2015
I love a well written period romance and Torn was one of the best I have read in a while, yet is also much much more than just a romance.
Love the characters (no cliché's here!)especially the main characters Alex and Patrick who are enchanting in their own way, loveable and Patrick, especially kept me on my toes, being full of surprises.
Torn is incredibly well written. Found the pace of the novel perfect... a real page turner. Obviously very well researched and I was quite intrigued by various historical points of interests and descriptions that were new to me.
Dialogue between characters is always important to me. Perhaps that's what I enjoyed most about this novel. Intelligent, often witty dialogue without having to spell out every detail, often leaving me hanging on to what their next thoughts/words would have been.
Definitely recommend this author and looking forward to reading future novels.
Love the characters (no cliché's here!)especially the main characters Alex and Patrick who are enchanting in their own way, loveable and Patrick, especially kept me on my toes, being full of surprises.
Torn is incredibly well written. Found the pace of the novel perfect... a real page turner. Obviously very well researched and I was quite intrigued by various historical points of interests and descriptions that were new to me.
Dialogue between characters is always important to me. Perhaps that's what I enjoyed most about this novel. Intelligent, often witty dialogue without having to spell out every detail, often leaving me hanging on to what their next thoughts/words would have been.
Definitely recommend this author and looking forward to reading future novels.
January 29, 2014
I really enjoyed Torn - the characters were very well-rounded, and the setting made me feel as if I was living in Wolstone! The book made me think of Downton Abbey - the way the clothing, homes, and countryside was described - it was just beautiful.
It left me wanting more - I desperately need to know what happens to Alex and Patrick. It's part of a series, so I want to know when the 2nd book is being released. Please hurry!
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes rich, descriptive novels set in another era.
It left me wanting more - I desperately need to know what happens to Alex and Patrick. It's part of a series, so I want to know when the 2nd book is being released. Please hurry!
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes rich, descriptive novels set in another era.
August 10, 2016
I found this hard to finish - overall I feel it is beautifully sketched, and there are some really stirring descriptions. But elements move way too fast, and the characters feel incomplete. I felt no desire to know them, and found it hard to comprehend what was so appealing about the protagonist's love interest. I guess it's a bodice ripper on Valium.
October 3, 2014
I received a copy of this book as part of FirstReads - I enjoyed the main storyline a lot, but found the prologue and epilogue to be unnecessary and confusing. I also felt that the story ended quite abruptly and without answering questions that had been raised. Hopefully the sequel will round this story off.
October 5, 2016
I loved this book! It is beautifully written with wonderful descriptions and well-drawn characters who I became totally involved with. I don't usually enjoy books in which the protagonists are young, but Torn proved to be the exception. I was quickly drawn into their lives and loves and can't wait to read the sequel.
January 18, 2018
Historical drama that kept me reading.
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