The Lost Brides

Dark Enchantment

by Theresa Radcliffe

When the beautiful orphan Catherine returns to the old forgotten family seat of Helmsby Abbey, strange secrets from the past lie in wait amongst the ruins - as well as unexpected romance. Helmsby Abbey is a place where love has always ended in tragedy, but can Catherine be the first to escape?

Genres: Romance

76 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read this since I was in primary school. It was a delight to return to. Creepy, well paced, and nicely described (I wanted to run the forest and meadow paths with Catherine and Will as I was reading)

I think this series is a good introduction to the horror genre for younger readers, and this is one of the better titles.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her parents die of the plague, teenage Catherine must leave her home in London to live with her uncle, Sir Robert Helmsby, whom she has just met. Catherine's uncle takes her to live with him on the old family estate in the countryside, Helmsby Abbey. But the Abbey hides a dark secret, and as Catherine finds romance with Will, a young man from the village, she begins to fear for her life. Can the young lovers escape the dark curse that seems to haunt Helsmby Abbey?

This is a great supernatural romance for teens. It has a spooky gothic atmosphere and is a tale full of mystery and suspense. Catherine is the typical gothic heroine, orphaned and send to live with a mysterious relative on an old estate. The story is very formulaic, but that's what makes this book work. I highly recommend it to teen readers who enjoy these types of stories.