Beloved

by Nina Clare

Lady Eleanor is confined within her father’s castle walls, her true love banished for his lack of wealth. Catherine is a village girl, journeying abroad for the first time. But why has Lady Eleanor’s father singled out the obscure Catherine for a companion to his daughter, and a wife for his son, when she also lacks the wealth he demands? And what is the mystery that haunts the castle chambers? Catherine is determined to find out… Ballrooms and castles, knights in armour, rumours of dragons, star-crossed lovers, and some happy ever afters. Beloved: a fairy tale retelling of Northanger Abbey.

Genres: Retellings, Romance

146 pages, Paperback

Published July 2, 2017

About the author

When she’s not writing stories or thinking up stories or reading other people’s stories, Nina likes to paint and collage pictures, get taken for long walks by her adorable dogs, and cook all things plant-based. She also does other things, like office work, but that’s the boring bit. She lives very happily in rural Cornwall, England with her family.

Reviews

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads)]

DNF @ 20%

At this far into the book it's SO similar to the original story that I feel like I'm reading the exact same story, just not as well written. I really loved the idea of a Northanger Abbey retelling, but this is just making me want to re-read the original.

[J.M. Stengl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling, almost more of a re-setting, of Northanger Abbey, which focuses on the most interesting parts of the story, expanding the story and romance of Eleanor Tilney--which I really liked! It is a fairy-tale retelling because of the setting, which is a medieval world including dragons and other mythical beasts.
It is a sweet and satisfing read that will please lovers of romance and Austen.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet telling of Northanger Abbey. I can't quite call it a retelling because it was the exact same story, just in an alternate setting.
The ending felt a little rushed. I think there ought to been a little more about Henry and Catherine at the end. And some more about Eleanor and Vallentyne.
I also think Henry should've done better to explain his father and family to Catherine after she burst out with her crazy theory.
But besides those points, which could just be my personal preferences, it was a wonderful breezy read.
Recommend for Austen fans.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful concept. I only wish the fairy-talishness had been a little more pronounced.

[Jassa Myne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not sure why I bothered trying a second time after reading her Mansfield's Park retelling, but I was happier about this one. Still a little closer than I liked, but there were more changes that I approved of. I wish I had read this one and left the other alone.

[J.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story for the second time. It is set in a time of dragons and knights, and the romance seemed much sweeter to me than the original. It never dragged, and the characters were well drawn.
Awesome--especially for a freebie!