The Chateau on the Lake

by Charlotte Betts

1792. As a teacher at her parents' Academy for Young Ladies in the heart of London, Madeleine Moreau has lived her life sheltered from the outside world. But on the night of a dazzling Masquerade, tragedy strikes and she is left alone in the world. Desperate to find the family she never knew, Madeleine impulsively travels to France in search of them. But with war around the corner, and fearing for Madeleine's safety, the enigmatic Comte Etienne d'Aubery offers her shelter at his home, Chateau Mirabelle.

Chateau Mirabelle enchants Madeleine with its startling beauty, but it is a place of dark and haunting secrets. As the Revolution gathers momentum and the passions of the populace are enflamed, Madeleine must take control of her own destiny and unravel events of the past in order to secure a chance at future happiness.

The Chateau on the Lake is a breath-taking historical novel set during the time of the French Revolution; rich, evocative and immersive. If you love Philippa Gregory and Joanne Harris, you will adore Charlotte Betts.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Romance, Historical Romance, France, French Revolution, Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2014

About the author

Charlotte Betts discovered a passion for writing after her five children had grown up and left her in peace. Demanding careers in hotel design and property force her to be inventive in finding time to write but she has achieved seven novels in eight years. One of her short stories was published in Scribble and others short-listed by Writers’ News and Real Writers’. She has won first prize in five short story competitions and wrote a regular column on interior design for The Maidenhead Advertiser for two years. She is a member of WordWatchers http://www.wordwatchers.net/ and the Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Reviews

[Magdalena · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year is 1792 and young Madeleine Moreau travelers to France after a tragedy to find out more about her father's family. She is not alone, she travelers with her friend Sophie who for her own personal reasons need to go away from her family. Also, with them is Comte Etienne d'Aubery who offers them to stay with him in France since the country is in turmoil.

If I have to read a romance book is a historical romance probably my first chose. But that probably quite logical since I find historical books generally interesting. Especially if the subject is interesting and I have always found the French Revolution interesting.

The Chateau on the Lake was a pleasant surprise because the story never got too cheesy. I can't stand romance novels with a cheesy story or with characters that are not believable. But the story in The Chateau on the Lake was really good, from the beginning to the end and the characters were well done and not flat.

There was a love triangle between Madeline, Etienne and his Jean-Luc, an old friend of Etienne who works at Chateau Mirabelle. But the love triangle never got really frustrating irritating to read about. Mostly because Madeleine's feelings for Etieene was hard to miss, at least I thought so.

I liked this historical romance very much, I especially liked that it took place during the French Revolution which meant that both Madeline and Sophie had to be careful not to reveal that they are English and not French. That made the story so much more fascinating. Madeleine and Sophie do what they can to blend in and build up a life and at the same time they must be very careful not to reveal themselves to the people around that doesn't know the truth.

Charlotte Betts has written a wonderful book and I'm looking forward to reading more books by her. It was really refreshing to read a romance book with a strong female character and an engaging story.

Thank you Piatkus for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!

[Jurgita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knygos aprašyme parašyta, jog tai istorinis romanas. Na, iki tikro istorinio romano šiai knygai tikrai toli. Dėl to, kad knygoje veiksmas vyksta Prancūzijos Didžiosios revoliucijos laikais ir pamėtoma keleta paviršutiniškų istorinių detalių, labai jau pretenzinga šią knygą vadinti istoriniu romanu.
Šiaip, pasakojimas vietomis priminė pasaką suaugusiems, buvo keletas su logika prasilenkiančių autorės sprendimų. Pabaiga nustebino savo naivumu ir primityvumu.
Tris ⭐️ daviau tik už neblogą pradžią ir kad greitai skaitėsi.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and loved Charlotte’s previous novels, I was very excited to read The Chateau On The Lake.

1792. As a teacher at her parents’ Academy for Young Ladies in the heart of London, Madeleine Moreau has lived her life sheltered from the outside world. But on the night of a dazzling Masquerade, tragedy strikes and she is left alone in the world. Desperate to find the family she never knew, Madeleine impulsively travels to France in search of them. But with war around the corner, and fearing for Madeleine’s safety, the enigmatic Comte Etienne d’Aubery offers her protection at his home, Chateau Mirabelle. Chateau Mirabelle enchants Madeleine with its startling beauty, but it is a place of dark and haunting secrets. As the Revolution gathers momentum and the passions of the populace are enflamed, Madeleine must take control of her own destiny and unravel events of the past in order to secure a chance of future happiness.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Chateau On The Lake. With reading Charlotte’s previous novels I fell in love with her words and the way she writes, and with this novel it was like falling in love all over again. Charlotte writes with such emotion, such passion and puts such life into her words that it is impossible not to be completely swept up in her words and lost in the story.

Charlotte brings her stories to life and while I was reading it felt as though I had been transported there and was watching every scene unfold in front of me. Set in 1792, I knew bits about The French Revolution and what things were like at the time, but reading about it in The Chateau On The Lake really brought everything to life for me, the atmosphere at the time as well as the effects it had on everyone. I was gripped to the pages and was especially hooked to Madeleine and her journey….I didn’t put the book down as I was so desperate to find out what would happen to Madeleine and where the story would take her. The descriptions were excellent, everything was so richly described and vivid and I could see every scene happening in front of me. Charlotte’s focus on detail is something that makes her stories so captivating to read because everything just leaps from the pages into life.

I LOVED the romance in the novel…did I mention that Charlotte KNOWS how to write a fantastic romance? I really enjoyed these parts and constantly looked forward to more! As well as Madeleine and Etienne d’Aubery, there are a fascinating mix of characters to get to know. The Chateau On The Lake takes you on a captivating and emotional journey with Madeleine, and it is a stunning story that has stayed with me long after finishing the last page.

[Inita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uz grāmatas vāka tiek solīti seni noslēpumi un liktenīgas kaislības, to visu var saņemt, lasot šo darbu. Reizēm gan šķiet, ka autore pārspīlē visas neražas, kurās iekuļas Medlina un, protams, blakus vienmēr ir Etjēns, kurš viņu no tām izglābj. Beidzas viss laimīgi, ļaunie sodīti un kāzu zvani skandina darba beigās.
Izklaide ir laba un atslēgties no ikdienas var, dažādi notikumu līkloči garantēti.

[Valda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Inga Pupkiene · Rating 4 out of 5]

1792 metai, veiksmas vyksta Prancūzijos revoliucijos fone, laikmetis, kai išsilavinusios moterys ir merginos keldavo pasibjaurėjimà ir neigiamus jaismus vyrù akyse ir širdyse. Tačiau ir pačios moterys dažniausiauiai tenorėdavo būti puošmenomis šalia vyrú.
Jauna mergina, Madlena Moro, gyveno palyginti ramù ir gražù gyvenima, Anglijoje, su tėvais. Dirbo savo tėvù įkurtoje paneliù mokykloje, mokitojavo. Viskas tekėjo sava vaga, kol vienà naktį atsitiko didžiulė nelaimė, tėčio neteko iškart, o mamà stipriai sužeidė. Mergina lieka visiškai viena pasaulyje ir nusprendžia įgyvendinti seniai brandintà troškimà susirasti gimines iš tėčio pusės. Ji įkalbėta draugės, kuri norėjo nuslėpti netikėtà nėštumà iškeliauja i Prancūzijà laimės ieškoti. Kelionėje joms kompanijà nusprendžia palaikyti grafas d’Obri ir lydi jas į savo gimtinè, pasiūlo merginoms prieglobstį savo pilyje, nes baiminasi bepradidedančio karo. Tačiau viskas klojasi ne taip jau paprastai kaip Madlena tikėjosi, giminės nenori jos pripažinti, jà pačià užklumpa meilė ir aistra vyresniam vyrui, o jù jausmus ir viskà kas aplink gražu nori sužlugdyti grafo geriausias draugas , Žanas Lukas. Knygoje meilė, aistros verda, pavydas, apgavystės ir išdavystès kunkuliuoja pilnu tempu. Ir kas šį kartà nugalės, gèris ar blogis?

Knyga pilna istoriniù faktù, tikrai pagauli, nors tarpais skaičiau kaip kokià pasakà, vietomis lyg ir užtęsta buvo, bet iš esmės skaniai susiskaitė visai. Pirmà kartà paėmiau į rankas šios rašytojos knygà ir tikrai paimsiu ir kitas🙂

[Deborah Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished Charlotte Betts' latest novel, Chateau on the Lake, which is yet another gripping romance from this award-winning novelist. I first came across Charlotte because she has written several books in one of my favourite periods - the seventeenth century, but for this novel we are invited to explore the 18th century and Revolutionary France.

After the death of her parents Madeleine Moreau must travel to France to search for the relatives she has heard of, but never met. The meeting proves disastrous and she is given shelter at Chateau Mirabelle, a breathtakingly beautiful castle which is home to the aristocrat Etienne D'Aubery. Of course there is a little competition for Madeleine's affections, with the handsome Jean Luc, and plenty of dark and sinister secrets in the Chateau's past.

Charlotte Betts recreates the detail of the period painstakingly, whilst still providing a pacy and satisfying romance. The sense of the course of the French revolution with all its horrors - the guillotine, the starving peasants, the mob violence - all these are faithfully depicted, whilst never losing the forward momentum of the plot. It is a hard thing to do, to juggle romance against such gritty realism, but Charlotte Betts does it seamlessly.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic book that really picked up steam as you went along, until you were hurtling towards the inevitable conclusion. The book packs a good few twists that i didn't see coming, especially surrounding the lead male character in the book.

Though the book is absent from any really steamy sex scenes, the sexual chemistry between the two leads is thick in the air. The author manages to convey more in a few looks or choice phrases that you can really tell that they are into each other.

This is my first book by the author, but it will not be the last.

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, it's not a secret, especially when it's written like "The Chateau on the Lake". It was my first book by Charlotte Betts and I really have no idea how come this author has slipped my attention but after reading this book I am absolutely going to get better, and her previous novels are already on my wish - list.

The story begins in London, where, together with her parents, Madeleine is working at Academy for Young Ladies, teaching the girls, a school that was established by her father. After a tragedy when she lost both of her parents, she and her best friend Sophie, who finds herself in a very uncomfortable condition, both young women leave London and travel to France, where Madeleine is hoping to find her only remaining family - uncle and grandmother, whom she's never seen before and heard very little about, because her father didn't want to talk about them - why? Why did her father left France and did everything within his power to isolate himself, his wife and daughter from his family?
Monsieur D'Aubery is accompanying Madeleine and Sophie on the way and, as the political situation in France changes, the tempers changes and foreigners and the higher classes are not safe in France anymore, all three travel to Etienne's family Chateau to stay there as long as necessary.

To be honest, I found the first few pages of the book very hard to get through, and the story started slowly for me, but it very quickly gained speed and, after getting used to the writing style, the book has made an effortless and incredibly gripping read. I immediately fell for Madeleine and my heart went out to her, and it made me astonishingly sad to see how many tragedies and unfairness fell on this young girl, and yet she always found enough strength in her to hold her head high, find a solution and go forward.

I've warmed to Madeleine immediately. She might have seem to be a little upright and tense through the first few pages of the book but then she spread her wings and showed us her true face, which I absolutely adored. She was fierce, she was clever, sharp - minded and - tongued and she wasn't a little madam, fainting all the time and spoiled, oh no, she knew what she wanted and she went for this. She was a loyal and faithful friend and I would say that she never lost her hope - even though the author has thrown many obstacles under her feet and made her life more than complicated. When you though that nothing worse can happen to Madeleine, then you turned the page and well, here it was, the next thing going so wrong for her. She was way ahead of her times - not only was she educated but she was also thinking hard person.

This time our Madeleine has not one, but two, handsome heroes to her. The first one is the owner of the Chateau Mirabelle, Comte Etienne D'Aubrey - at the beginning a very mysterious person, with a dark past and I was not absolutely sure if I could trust him or not, but slowly, as the plot developed and the tension grew, I was falling in love with him, with him being so honourable and fair and well, even sooner than his story was explained, that was it for me, I was officially swooning and I wanted to nurse him by myself. I absolutely adored how they teamed up with Madeleine, they were the couple made in heaven and the small problems and clashing at the beginning just peppered the story a little.

Jean Luc Viard, Etienne's best friend, his estate manager, and there was so much more to him than meet the eye, but again, the author has so incredibly well described his character, made him three - dimensional and complex and my opinion about him was constantly changing, even though I had my own suspicions. Those solidified at the end of the book but never, ever in a million year have I expected this what happened to Jean Luc. He could for sure manipulate people and their minds, but on the other hand he had this other side to him, he was gallant and adorable. Nevertheless, I personally was thinking all the time when he entered the scenes that he is there to stir troubles, that he had ulterior motives. I can understand Madeleine's attraction to him - well, Etienne's situation was not easy, his wife disappeared many years ago and people either thought she run away with her lover or that Etienne has murdered her, but as her body was never found, Etienne was not free and couldn't marry again, and so Madeleine, who was a young woman, dreamed of a family of her own, and even though her gut feeling was telling her there is something not right with Jean Luc, she let him to adore her.

There was also a great bunch of some background characters, many of them in fact, and all of them, even if they only entered a scene for a short while, were people with their own lives, felt realistic and all of them added tons to the story. I might have liked some of them, or mostly disliked, but I enjoyed reading about them as much as reading about the main characters.

The Chateau on the Lake was a character of its own. The descriptions of it were absolutely realistic and I could see it as if in a kaleidoscope, and it is incredible how much the house witnessed - it could tell more than one story! Life there was so different to the rest of the country absorbed in revolution and civil wars, and here again hats off to the author, who could so vividly describe the differences between countryside and the capital city, between the lives of people living here and there. But as much as the Chateau could be perceived by Madeleine and Sophie as a safe place where they could both hide together with their secrets, it is full of secrets and danger.

This book is also a fabulously interesting lesson of history in a nutshell. It doesn't only regards the Revolution in a one - sided way but the author gives us different views and options, without judging. She lets us built up our own opinions about the happenings and people. She also incredibly well captured the atmosphere of France encompassed by the revolution, no matter if it was in Paris or smaller towns, and the tempers of the Frenchmen and Frenchwomen. Also, she is a champion in building the tension - it was almost palpable through the pages and I could bet everything that something truly awful and dangerous is going to happen - I only haven't expected what! Really, Charlotte Betts has so taken me by surprise...! The whole book in fact is full of twists and turns and is packed with secrets, but the last part of it is an absolute surprise, and when I thought there is no way out from some of the situations, Madeleine and Etienne proved me wrong. When I though that Madeleine has already showed everything and done everything, there came a situation that she again overdone herself and I couldn't stop but cheer her on and felt my respect for her growing bigger and bigger.

As I have already mentioned, I haven't read any Charlotte's books before so wasn't sure what to expect. I needn't have to worry because it was one of the best reads this year. This author has incredible way to bring all the characters and their surroundings to life. It is not only the heroes in the book that are astonishingly well and vividly described, but also everything that concerns them - clothes, food, homes. It's all fabulously colourful and realistic, and I really felt as if I were reading a history book, but written in much, much more interesting way.

There is a perfect mix of historical facts and fiction, and it's written in such an accessible, easy to follow way, and I truly didn't want to leave Madeleine and Sophie's worlds for a single second. The author has brilliantly captured the atmosphere, the terror people felt, and Madeleine witnessing a part of history being made was written with incredible feeling.

The author in a very realistic way described the realities of Revolution and civil war, and especially the scenes when beheading the King were described have haunted me for a very long time. Yes, you could say those were gory details. But then we were quickly back in the idyllic chateau, far away (or so we thought!) from the plotting, betrayals and spies. At first incredible difference, guillotine, starving peasants and riot were seen only in the big cities, but now they are also slowly seeping into the countryside and nobody is safe...

I've already said that the book started a little slowly for me, but when it gained speed, it didn't stop. As soon as Madeleine and Sophie left London something new happened on almost every page, and there was so much that I didn't see coming!

This book is a perfect mix of history, romance and drama and I am already making a place on my bookshelf for Charlotte's previous novels. She has so seamlessly brought together the story of Madeleine, Sophie and Etienne together with the historical background. The writing style is hooking, realistic and so very vivid and the story was, in fact, unputdownable. I'd recommend it to all, no matter if you like historical fiction or not, because it's one helluva novel!

Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.

[Isabelle Tissot · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Chateau on the Lake’ has for a really long time been one of my favourite books. What’s so thrilling about this book is that it manages to have so many twists and turns and so many different themes, but still make sense. It treats the complicated political situation under the French Revolution, a love triangle (I mean, it is after all a romance novel), mystery, but also undeniable and real friendship, as well as fear, loss, loneliness, and the NEED to become brave when facing unfathomable obstacles. Another reason, why I love this book is the female character. She is a real woman. She is not the ‘damsel in distress’, and she is not only ‘the headstrong feminist’ - she is a natural mix. And inside of her is an intelligent mind, whose thoughts are not automatically on finding a suitable husband or to be courted, but to live (at first) and to survive (later on in the book). I find her very inspiring.

Other than that, Charlotte Betts writes in the most beautiful English. It’s eloquent and poetic, but still understandable. Also, she writes with what I could imagine is close to the English they used back then by using old phrases and words, so you can stay completely entrapped by the world of the 1790’s.

AND it is a great love story indeed. Probably, one of my favourite. I simply adore it.

[Lyndsey O'Halloran · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best things about being a blogger and getting emails about books is discovering an author you may not have read before. I'm not sure I would have picked up The Chateau on the Lake if it hadn't been for an email or a press release but I'm so glad I know about it and Charlotte Betts now.

The Chateau on the Lake is set in 1792 when the French Revolution was just beginning. Madeleine Moreau is a teacher in a school for girls which was not the norm for a woman of her age during the time. Women were supposed to get married to someone suitable and start a family, not teach. But, Madeleine loves her job and small family and wouldn't have things any other way. After the death of her parents, Madeleine takes a risk and goes to France to seek out the family she never knew she had. It's dangerous but Comte Etienne d'Aubery agrees to escort her and even give her a place to stay at his home, Chateau Mirabelle.

As the book beings in London there is a very strong contrast when the story moves through France. The Chateau on the Lake is spent mostly in the French countryside but we also get to see glimpses of Paris during the Revolution. Charlotte Betts' descriptions of both the setting and the atmosphere are vivid and the detail is amazing. One particular scene of a beheading sticks out in my mind. Betts captures the feelings that a woman of the time would have experienced by seeing this perfectly and also how the crowd reacted.

In regards to the plot, The Chateau on the Lake is both a romance, mystery and historical novel all in one. Betts makes sure there is something for everyone in this book and it's also what made me not able to put it down. I really enjoyed reading about the Revolution and how things changed over time. Chateau Mirabelle and the people surrounding it were so interesting and there was a whole host of interesting characters to get to know. Then there were the secrets. Oh how I loved the mystery in this book. It was woven in to the rest of the plot so well.

I loved Madeleine as a protagonist. She was such a strong character with an exceptionally strong voice. She's never afraid to voice her opinions and she always went for what she wanted. Madeleine stood out next other ladies around her because she wasn't like them. She wasn't only interested in finding a husband but instead wanted a life for herself first. What I liked the most about Madeleine was how brave she was. In a time when war was looming, she travelled to France and it could have been extremely dangerous for her.

I am so glad I took a chance on a new author and The Chateau on the Lake. I couldn't put it down; I had to take it to work with me because I didn't want to wait until I got home to carry on reading. Charlotte Betts is an author I'll be looking out for in the future.

[Vilija|Knygų Puslapiuose · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dažnai sakoma, kad išsilavinusi moteris kelia pasibjaurėjimą Dievo akyse. Kadangi aš esu viena iš jų, tikiu, jog Dievas yra per daug užimtas, kad kreiptų dėmesį į panašius dalykus, o tokios moterys kaip aš tik vyrų širdyse sukelia neigiamus jausmus. Tačiau nesmagu, kai tau nuolat primenama, jog daugelis mano lyties atstovių, tokių kaip manoji mokinė Amelija Veinrait, tenori būti puošmena, pakibusia sutuoktiniui ant rankos."

Ar kada nors susigalvojate, ką reiškia galimybė laisvai kalbėti, mokytis ir realizuoti save? Ypač jei esate moteris ir gyvenate XVIII a. Anglijoje arba Prancuzijoje? Leiskite istorinių romanų rašytojai Charlotte Betts papasakoti nepaprastą Madlenos Moro istoriją siaučiant Didžiajai Prancūzijos revoliucijai.

1792 m. Anglija. Madlenos Moro tėvai vadovauja Jaunųjų panelių akademijai ir atrodo, jog tai niekuomet nepasikeis. Jauna, išsilavinusi ir laiminga mokytoja staiga netenka savo saugaus ir labai ramus gyvenimo. Visiškai netikėtai visas gyvenimas apsiverčia aukštyn kojomis. Madlena, padedame paslaptingojo Mirabelės pilies savininko, nuvyksta į Prancūziją ieškoti savo giminaičių ir atsiduria dar didesnėje aklavietėje.

Nesinori Jums papasakoti viso knygos turinio :) Mane dar karą sužavėjo C. Betts talentas kurti dinamiškas, pilnas aistrų ir išgyvenimų istorijas. Neišimtis ir ši istorija apie Prancūziją Didžiosios Revoliucijos laikotarpiu.

Autorė kuria itin tikrovišką, vietomis netgi kraugerišką knygos atmosferą, kuri tik dar labiau įtraukia skaitytoją į aprašomus įvykius. Skaitant, stingsta kraujas ir net jauti, koks siaubas vyravo laukiniais ir nevaldomais Didžiosios Revoliucijos metais. Nuostabi Mirabelės pilis ir jos aplinka - atskiras, saugus pasaulis, kuriame ramybę bando atrasti Madlena.

C. Betts iškelia moterų ir valstiečių švietimo klausimą. Moters vietą XVIII a. Prancūzijoje. Autorė, per Madlenos personažą, bando nupasakoti, kaip sunkiai ir ilgai elementariausias švietimas skynėsi kelią į paprastų, nekilmingų žmonių gyvenimą. Labiausiai sužavėjo tai, kad rašytoja, pagrindinės herojės nepavertė silpna, nemąstatančia ir neveiklia. Jai nesvetimas kitų skausmas ir atjauta, suvokimas, jog moteris taip pat gali būti šeimos maitintoja ir lygi savo vyrui.

Negali nesižavėti aprašomais Prancūzijos dvarais ir juose vykstančiu gyvenimu. Žmonėmis, kurie myli, kenčia, viliasi ir bando tiesiog būti. Čia skleidžiasi graži, tauri meilė tarp herojų ir verda aistros, bandant atrasti tiesą ir kelią į asmeninę laimę.

Ši knyga tikrai patiks C. Betts romanų gerbėjams. Taip pat visiems, kurie ieško galimybės pabėgti nuo lietuviško žiemos šalčių ir tamsumos.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1972 and Madeleine's parents own a school in London. It's a school for girls and Madeleine is a teacher there. Her father is French and her mother English which means she's fluent in two languages. They've always been a happy family, but then something awful happens and Madeleine loses both of her parents. Because her best friend Sophie is in a difficult situation they decide to go to France. Together with the French comte Etienne d'Aubery they're traveling to Paris where he has a house. It's the time of the French revolution and it isn't safe in the big city. Etienne offers to stay with Madeleine and Sophie to make sure they're all right, so they continue their journey and arrive at his countryside chateau, Château Mirabelle.

Madeleine and Sophie are staying in a beautiful cottage near the chateau and they're enjoying their time in France. They can't tell anyone they're English, so they have to keep their identity a secret. Etienne has a handsome assistant, Jean-Luc, and they're best friends, but even he can't know who Madeleine and Sophie really are. Both men want Madeleine's attention, but there's only one of them she really likes... The revolution also reaches the village and France is in turmoil. The country is at war and a lot of young men are recruited to fight. Being nobility is dangerous. Will the castle still be a safe place to stay?

The Chateau on the Lake is a beautiful story about a woman who goes to France in a very dangerous time. Madeleine wants to know more about her ancestors and she can't wait to find some information or to even meet them. Fortunately Etienne is there to help her and Sophie. They don't have to travel by themselves. Etienne is brooding and dark, but he also has a kind side. He has a difficult past and is not very approachable. That made him such an interesting main character. I was intrigued by all the characters in this book and I really liked Madeleine, I think she's a wonderful heroine.

I love reading books about France and think Charlotte Betts has written a story that is both interesting and gripping. There are a lot of thrilling scenes because of the dangers of the revolution. The story kept me on the edge of my seat most of the time. I could really feel the unrest and the fear, which was in complete contrast with the tranquility of the amazing surroundings. I enjoyed the descriptions of the chateau and the French countryside. The story is also quite romantic and I loved the clever plot. If you like historical fiction this is a book you don't want to miss.

[Venessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening sentence of Charlotte Betts latest book grabbed my attention, and this only increases with each chapter: "It is often said that an educated woman is an abomination in the eyes of God".

An historical novel, the reader should be prepared to delve deep into the eighteenth century - beliefs, fashion, travel, and inequality. This is all astutely obvious when we are taken to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens for masquerade and fireworks. However, our author provides us with a journey from London to Paris, and rather subtly drops us back in time in a way that is comprehensible and enjoyable. Even when the climax of the story has peaked and there was only the "wrapping up" left to do, I was unable to stop thinking about our heroine, Madeleine. Having experienced life's rich pathway of ups and downs, our protagonist finally finds a new home. In this way, the story has many similar points to that of a traditional fairytale. Charlotte Betts has been able to bring the French Revolution to life with vivid descriptions and dialogue - I could hear the crowds baying and the estate workers jeering. I could feel the anguish Madeleine experiences in the turret, and desperation in the diligence to Paris. The reader is presented with sights, sounds and sensations, evoking the emotions of the era.

Charlotte Betts has managed to dispel the myth that the guillotined aristocrats were powdered and pompous; that it was a just revolution. Personally, having read lightly around the Revolution last year, it has re-ignited my appetite for this period in French history. Our lovely author has provided further reading of her resources for this book.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to her next novel.

[Catherinehaine Haines · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good historical novel with plenty of twists and terms. I found the French revelotion as its background interesting and at times informative about the dangers for the upper classes in this turbulent time.

[Lauren Chater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical fiction! Beautifully realised characters and enough mystery and intrigue to keep you guessing till the very end...

[Charybdis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very lightweight.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chateau on the Lake is the fourth book from Charlotte Betts. Charlotte is fast becoming one of my favourite historical fiction authors alongside Lesley Pearse, Kate Furnivall and Lucinda Reilly. This book is quite lengthy at well over 400 pages but this gave the author great scope to deal with her subject. Too often historical fiction books can gloss over the facts and concentrate more on their imagined storyline. In this case the story of Madeleine Moreau and her friend Sophie as they journey into revolutionary France was written in a superb, spell-bounding way that I was sad to leave these characters behind. In fact I would hope Madeline may feature in some future books even if an entire story could not be dedicated to her a follow up novella would be lovely. It is refreshing to see Charlotte select a different period in history to write about. It is a total change from her previous novels and it keeps the reader and also the author on their toes eager to discover new and enriching details about such a significant period in history. Here the bloody, torturous days of the French Revolution are captured perfectly. It is obvious a lot of in-depth research has gone into this book as all the minute details are covered but slot seamlessly alongside the main storyline.

What an opening line 'It is often said that an educated woman is an abomination in the eyes of God'. This made me stop and think what kind of female protagonist have we in store for us? I am pleased to say we have a gutsy, strong, courageous woman in Madeleine Moreau. A woman well ahead of her time thanks to the education provided by her father. Madeleine's life is thrown into disarray when her father is killed over an incident Madeleine herself had become part of. Soon after, her heartbroken mother also dies. She is left all alone in the world and the new owners of the school until recently run by her father are not the most hospitable. Being a teacher has its advantages she has learned a lot and can put her talents to good use and the skills she has acquired will become invaluable in the future.

Madeleine's father had had his secrets and a ring Madeleine wears could provide the clues she needs to take the next step in her life. She decides to travel to France to uncover the past that has been hidden for many years. Circumstances force her best friend Sophie to accompany Madeleine leaving her young son behind but Sophie has gotten herself into trouble which if she remains behind could see disastrous consequences. How brave were the two women to leave London at such a time of change and unrest in the political world? Travelling into the unknown was extremely dangerous and if they had been thought to be aristocrats upon on arrival in France surely they would have been killed? Etienne D'Aubrey himself owning a vast estate in the French countryside is their saviour and at first I thought he was going to be an inconsequential character but he proved his worth time and time again.

When France declares war on England it is impossible for the women to travel home and so they must face head on the tensions, dangers and suspicion at every corner. Thankfully Etienne is an honourable man and offers his home to the two women – Château Mirabelle. The descriptions of the château and its lake side setting where rich, deep, colourful and evocative and in total contrast to the death and destruction ongoing in the major French cities. This is one thing I liked about this book - the differences between countrywide events and what was going on at the chateau. The chateau at first provided peace and relaxation for Madeleine and Sophie and the book needed these down times. If it had been filled of war and gory descriptions I would have been put off reading. It allowed for Madeleine and Etienne to learn more about each other even though his wife had disappeared in mysterious circumstances years ago so he was not free to marry. We see Madeleine's feelings develop as she does her best to help Sophie through her predicament but at the same time wanting to forge a new life and new relationship. Madeleine was a woman who challenged herself – setting up a school for the children of the estate workers and doing her best to integrate into French life. She wanted to do the right thing she knew Etienne was not in a position for a romance so she becomes friendly with estate manager Jean Luc Viard. I never felt this was real and he was sneaky and snarmy and always acted as if he had ulterior motives. I'll go as far to say I hated him and was always suspicious of him and knew he was not the man for Madeleine.

The book never really slowed down in pace from the time the two women left London and I loved that but towards the end things took on a whole new level and all the action was like something from a film. A race against time to solve problems and obstacles that all added brilliantly to the tension and overall storyline. There was plenty that I did not see coming and at times I found myself shouting out urging the characters on right until the very last word. I'm glad the entire storyline didn't feature Madeleine’s search for her lost relatives because that has all been done before. In this case it was dealt with well and they came to prominence at the right time. The later half of the book really allowed Etienne to come to the fore. At first he seemed aloof and distant and presented himself as cold and arrogant but it was really a front as I suppose he did not want to get hurt again after experiencing so much pain in the past. By the end I really wanted a man like Etienne in my life.Charlotte has created one gorgeous, winning and handsome lead man that often historical fiction novels can lack.

We've all learned about the French Revolution in history lessons but Charlotte Betts' writing is a triumph that brings this momentous time to life in a vivid realistic way. If an author can make you feel through reading their work that you are right there in a place where you have never been before then they have done their job well. Charlotte Betts has achieved all this and more, this is a truly epic story that balances the gore of the revolution with a thrilling storyline without ever loosing pace or drive. The added dash of romance helps too and Etienne is a man who will make every woman swoon. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction and for those who want to dip their toe into something new. Keep them coming Charlotte Betts I am hungry for more of your fantastic work.

[Rebecca Batley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read The authors previous book and enjoyed them I was looking forearm to reading this one....sadly I have to say I’m left feeling a bit conflicted about it. The story is about a young woman Madeleine Moreau who is a sheltered, respectable teacher working and living at her parents school in London. All is well until one night tragedy strikes and Madeleine finds herself all alone. I have to say this section of the story just didn’t work for me, her parents friends seemed to alter character completely and the position Madeleine found herself in didn’t ‘feel’ precarious, more contrived but the author to get to the second part of the story.
This is where it became much more interesting as Madeleine and her friend Sophie travelled to France to find her family, under the protection of Etienne, a Comte with a mysterious past, who was trying to navigate the events of the French Revolution as best he could. The scenes set at the ‘chateau by the lake’ were atmospheric and enchanting, as was the inevitable romance....Ms Betts really does write subtle and heartwarming romances. However the scenes in Paris lacked for me power and emotional depth...poor Louis Capet only gets a few lines and a turned stomach. I never really ‘felt’ the danger or the horror of the events taking place. The ending likewise was really too neat for me, though it did make me smile.
All in all I found this a nice, quick read but not one I’d revisit again.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/

Since reading The Apothecary's Daughter by Charlotte Betts back in 2013, I have been incredibly looking forward to delving into yet another stunning story by the author. If you fancy it, you can read my review of The Apothecary's Daughter here! The author has released a couple more books since then, but with my to-read pile continuously mounting, I just haven't been able to find the time! So, as you can imagine, I was absolutely over the moon when I heard from Clara Diaz (Little, Brown UK) when she got in touch in regards to Charlotte Betts' latest novel The Chateau on the Lake. It took me no more than a second to squeal an excited 'YES!' as I tapped out my reply, I didn't even need to think about it. When I'd read The Apothecary's Daughter, about two years ago, Charlotte's incredibly striking, evocative language completely whisked me away to a time long before my own, and I've remembered the sheer power of her words ever since, which was why I couldn't wait to begin reading The Chateau on the Lake. I just knew that I was in for a complete treat!

Within The Chateau on the Lake, the reader follows Madeleine Moreau from tragedy, through discovery, to chaos. Beginning in London, working alongside her parents in a three-storey townhouse which also homes her father's Academy for Young Ladies, and then following Madeleine's journey to France to find her only remaining family, this truly was a sensational step back in time, with all of the lush, exquisite lashings of Charlotte's fantastic descriptions that I can only associate with this author, and this author alone. I felt, once I'd finished reading The Chateau on the Lake, that I'd lived a separate life from my own. From heartache to the heart-fix, I couldn't get enough of Madeleine Moreau's story, and I was hooked the entire way through, which is something that I've found whilst reading Charlotte's work previously.

The one thing that never, ever fails to capture my attention when stepping into one of Charlotte's impeccably created settings is that the author seriously goes to town when bringing her characters' surroundings to life. It is divine. From the delicate clothing to the lavish furnishings of the homes of the time, reading a book by Charlotte is like studying history. In The Chateau on the Lake, Madeleine Moreau's story begins during the beginning of the French Revolution, and my oh my, was it incredible to feel as though I was living through the past just by reading the pages of this book. Charlotte ensured that everything was included when she began to bring forward the backdrop of the story. When in London, I could see clearly the horse-drawn carts and the giggling girls of the Academy for Young Ladies. When in France at residing at the Chateau Mirabelle, I could picture those stunning gardens shrouded with the early morning frost and gorgeous interior of the grand home. Charlotte couldn't fail at this even if she wanted to. I'm sure I've said this in one of previous reviews of Charlotte's books, but whenever I read this author's writing, I just have this image in my mind of Charlotte stroking a paintbrush and having this delicate yet powerful descriptions sweeping across the page. She is not only an author, but a talented artist of words.

Madeleine Moreau was the heroine in Charlotte's latest novel, and I warmed to her immediately. Right from the very beginning, I could just sense this fieriness to her that was bubbling beneath the surface, but not only that, she was genuine, loyal and kind. Throughout the book, Madeleine goes through a hell of a lot of heartbreak, and at certain points within the novel, I actually couldn't believe that things were still going so terribly wrong for her. As the story progressed, the setting of France became chaotic and dangerous, only adding to this build-up of a tense, foreboding atmosphere that kept me hooked right the way through to the end. It was obvious that something truly horrific was going to take place, and Charlotte definitely provided on that front. My respect for Madeleine just continued to build and build. I just had no idea of how she'd managed to make it as far as she had. Of course, whenever there's a heroine, there's a dark, dashing hero, and in The Chateau on the Lake, this dark, dashing hero came in the form of Comte Etienne d'Aubrey. I adored how these two leading characters in this book clashed slightly at the beginning, but as the plot began to develop around them, the relationship seemed to follow suit, and it took my breath away repeatedly whenever they came into close contact with each other. Charlotte provided me with such incredibly detail, it was impossible not to see the story playing out like a HD movie in my mind. Every touch, every look. I caught it all, and it was absolutely brilliant. Well, I really didn't expect anything less from this author, and by the time I finished reading it, I couldn't believe what one hell of a journey Madeleine Moreau had been on. It was pulse-raising, nail-biting, and absolutely, one hundred percent, devastating. There were a whole cluster of secondary characters who did their part in making this story seem more real than ever. Some who I enjoyed the presence of. Others? Not so much. But in the end, whether I like them or not really didn't matter. Reading The Chateau on the Lake made me feel like I'd experience such an important time in history for myself. I will never ever tire of Charlotte's writing. I've always been huge fan of history, even way back in school, but reading Charlotte's writing is so much better than any of the lessons I remember having taken, so much more vivid and real, too.

Becca's Books is awarding The Chateau on the Lake by Charlotte Betts with FIVE YUMMY CUPCAKES! If I could have a shelf full of any author's work, then I think I'd choose Charlotte. I hope to catch up with her previous novels that I've missed later on this year, because reading The Chateau on the Lake has just reminded me of how much I absolutely bloody adore them! Charlotte, bring on the next novel! *no pressure*

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first Charlotte Betts book that I had ever read, and I was quite impressed with it! I found that at first, it started out a little bit slow however, once Madeline and Sophia left England, things started to get interesting. I found that there were a few parts in-between that were a tad boring, such as when Etienne and Madeline were tending to the fields, and there was no real 'climax' happening within the story itself. However, once the book started to wind down towards the end, it started to get a lot better, especially when the drama with Jean-Luc started to happen. I really cringed when I read about Jean-Luc, it made me upset to hear all of the disturbing things that had happened. Things eventually worked-out for the best in the end for Madeline, despite all of the loss that she had encountered throughout most of the book. Looking forward to reading another Charlotte Betts book soon!

[Marynchan Miku · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a historical romance story so it already gets a plus from me. Reading the plot set during the French Revolution had me thinking a lot about recent politics and how times haven't changed, except that people are afraid to stand up to the government today...
I enjoyed the romance in this book a lot. We have a steadily growing attachment between the couple and Etienne showed the utmost care and compassion towards Madeleine. The love triangle was my favorite part of the story up until Jean-Luc turned out to be just another trash as his deep love somehow vanished immediately when he found out Madeleine is not French. I understand that it was necessary for the plot but it was so good to finally read a story where two men truly loved and cared for the girl. I'll just assume the author decided to make it easier for us to "choose" which guy is better for Madeleine...
All in all, it was a very refreshing and interesting book to read.

[Rita Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book puts you in the middle of the French Revolution - you feel the fear of the guillotine, you can't trust your neighbours, or your workers. One word or action out of place and you could be arrested, trialled and killed within a few hours. Madeline accompanies her friend in her journey from London to France, only to be caught up in the civil war. It is a slow-burning romance, set in the French countryside as the war creeps slowly closer.

[Vilma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Aš šią knygą skaityti pavėlavau maždaug 27 metus. Nesu tikra ar ji tinkama vyresniems, nei paauglystės amžiaus skaitytojams... Jiems ši knyga, kupina meilės, paaugliško užsidegimo ir užsispyrimo, perdėto pasitikėjimo savimi (nes tiesiog nepažįsti pasaulio) - puikiai tinkama.
Man ji pasirodė pernelyg ekstremaliai primityvi net ir smegenų atostogų tikslais. Pabaigiau ją skaityti tik iš savanaudiškų paskatų kaip nors įveikti 2021 metų išsikeltą knygų iššūkį.

[Paola · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel was so boring! Most of the book was about Madeleine! Endlessly pining over the unattainable Etienne, yet accepting kisses from another man all the time! Had I known in advance “the dark and haunting secrets” the blurb promised would be narrated - only and quite quickly - in the very last chapters I would not have even bothered to start reading (listening to) this. Besides those dark secrets were so predictable! The historical details may have been well researched but was the atmosphere of the time really captured? I mean would a young lady in late 18th century accept an invitation for a picnic on a deserted island with a man unchaperoned? Sorry, it was certainly me and not the book but I was very close to DNFing!

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although it’s a good story there are confusing elements, why would a Château go to a market to buy groceries when they would have land to raise animals and grow supplies. Also to not tell the main character about her paternal family before leaving for France is also strange and two unmarried girls being seduced to accompany men in an era of high standards for women is a further puzzle.
The bastard son’s actions are rather classic and not totally unique

[Jurgita Andrijauskaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gražus istorinis meilės romanas apie Prancūzijos revoliuciją. Skaitėsi tikrai labai įdomiai. Daug knygoje pavydo, godumo, noro pasisavinti tai, kas tau nepriklauso... Nesinori atskleisti visos istorijos, tačiau blogasis knygos veikėjas mane nustebino ir tikrai nesitikėjai, kad tai bus JIS, nes kiek žmoguje telpa paniekos.... ir kiek dėl turtų gali kenkti ar net žudyti.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book more and more interesting, as I read it. I read some of the author's other books, on the strength of it. I would say she builds up her stories slowly, but they become more gripping as the book progresses. The period and historical background were well presented. Very good.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel that delves into the intricacies of the French Revolution, and the evils of both sides. On the surface it was a chick lit love triangle romance, which is not my favorite, but there was enough history in it to satisfy me.

[Mrs Vivian E.R.Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

A really good read.Couldn't put it down.Made me really concerned for the main characters. A fantastic, gripping summer holiday read.