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Forsythe #2
The House in Grosvenor Square
Readers who loved the author's first book, Before the Season Ends, will delight in this charming sequel set in Regency London. As Ariana Forsythe plans her wedding to Philip Mornay, she must adjust to the realization that she is soon to become the wife of an extremely wealthy man. She wonders if it's wrong to rejoice that her future husband is rich. But she promises herself to use her new position to do what she can to aid the numerous street waifs she sees all too often in London. During a tour of her future home--the house in Grosvenor Square--Ariana makes plans to redecorate according to her tastes. But when Philip arrives home later, he is informed that an expensive silver candlestick and a miniature portrait of George III have gone missing. Moreover, each time Ariana visits the house, accompanied by a friend or relation, another item disappears. Shortly thereafter Ariana is abducted as she leaves a performance at Covent Garden Theatre, leaving Philip to unravel the pieces of the mystery. Where has his future bride been taken, and by whom? For what reason? How does Ariana's faith play a role? Finally, after the safe return of his intended, how does Philip--a man of intense discrimination in his tastes--find the many alterations in his house? And what on earth is behind the sudden influx of bills from every charity in London, all thanking him profusely for his uncommon generosity? Will he have second thoughts about his future bride? Readers will find romance, intrigue, humor, and inspiration in this new book of spirited romance for the Jane Austen soul.
346 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
92 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Linore Rose Burkard
32 books345 followersLinore Rose Burkard ( L.R.Burkard) is a serious watcher of period films, a Janeite, and hopeless romantic. An award winning author best known for Inspirational Regency Romance, her first novel (Before the Season Ends) opened the genre for the CBA. Besides historical romance, Linore writes contemporary suspense (The Pulse Effex Series, as L.R. Burkard), contemporary romance, and romantic short stories. Linore has a magna cum laude English Lit. degree from CUNY which she earned while taking herself far too seriously. She now resides in Ohio with her husband and family, where she turns her youthful angst into character or humor-driven plots.
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Linore is Vice President of the Dayton Christian Scribes, and a Regional Director of CAN, Christian Authors Network. Her biggest guilty pleasure aside from ice cream is cheering the NY Mets. Her husband knows how they're doing from the other side of the house! (It's true what they say, "You can take the girl out of New York, but....." )
Sign up for Linore's newsletter to get updates on new books, works in progress, giveaways, special sales, and more. You'll receive a free Regency "flash fiction" story, Sign up at HERE
Linore is Vice President of the Dayton Christian Scribes, and a Regional Director of CAN, Christian Authors Network. Her biggest guilty pleasure aside from ice cream is cheering the NY Mets. Her husband knows how they're doing from the other side of the house! (It's true what they say, "You can take the girl out of New York, but....." )
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 18, 2017
***This is a slightly edited copy of my Amazon review. I apparently chose 4 stars rather than 5 because the genre switched a bit. The first book was a romance while the second was more of a mystery with romantic elements. I don't know whether that would line up with how I rate books now, but I'm going to keep it there. I remember I liked this one, but not as much as book one. And again, I remember the plot from so many years ago, which is impressive for me!***
The House in Grosvenor Square is a very compelling book, just as the first book, Before the Season Ends is. Both of these books kept me up until 2 AM two nights in a row. (I read books all the time, and this is a rare occurrence!) I just had to know what was coming next! Atypical for a sequel to a romance, this is actually a continuation of the previous story - the story is largely a mystery rather than a traditional romance. I was afraid to read it because it sounded like it would perhaps be purely a mystery, but there was definitely enough romance to keep me happy, and the story WAS good. I can't wait to read the next book. I've ordered it already.
The House in Grosvenor Square is a very compelling book, just as the first book, Before the Season Ends is. Both of these books kept me up until 2 AM two nights in a row. (I read books all the time, and this is a rare occurrence!) I just had to know what was coming next! Atypical for a sequel to a romance, this is actually a continuation of the previous story - the story is largely a mystery rather than a traditional romance. I was afraid to read it because it sounded like it would perhaps be purely a mystery, but there was definitely enough romance to keep me happy, and the story WAS good. I can't wait to read the next book. I've ordered it already.
June 8, 2012
Well, you might know by now that I seem to have mixed luck with my Christian Fiction reads. This, unfortunately, was not one of my luckier picks, it seems. I was pretty excited about the idea of a Regency Inspirational book, but this is a far cry from my beloved Georgette Heyer's Regency England. (And I'm sorry, I know it's probably blasphemy in the world of books and literature, but I will take Heyer over Austen any day of the week.)
I did not realize when reading this book that it was actually the sequel to another book, Before the Season Ends. I don't believe that my opinion of this book would have changed any even if I had read the first book, though. I had several issues with this story when you get right down to it. I thought the characters were flat. Oh, I suppose Ariana was fleshed out pretty well, but Philip Mornay was such a bore. The supporting cast wasn't much better. I felt like I didn't even know who Mrs. Bentley was -- I never knew what to expect with her. Peter O'Brien... I hardly even know what to say about him. I suppose I can see where there may be a sequel involving him and Ariana's younger sister, but you won't catch me reading it.
The synopsis would also lead you to believe that you will find mystery and intrigue inside this book, but we basically know from the beginning who is behind the plots against Ariana, both in Philip Mornay's home and with respect to the kidnappings. What's the fun in that? I like to be able to speculate about what is going on and see if my guess is right when the evil-doers are finally unmasked.
Really, I found the whole book to be a snooze-fest. By and large, there were few sparks for me as far as the romance was concerned -- perhaps once or twice I got momentarily excited by Ariana and Philip's relationship, only to have those feelings fall flat soon after. By the time I was about a third of the way through I found myself skimming more than actually reading every page. I'd say the Christianity piece is preachier than what I like to read, but it wasn't THAT big of a turn-off in that respect. I guess I just had a harder time envisioning it within the Regency world than I thought I would. But when you get down to it, I had bigger problems with the story, the characters, and the mystery, or lack thereof.
I did not realize when reading this book that it was actually the sequel to another book, Before the Season Ends. I don't believe that my opinion of this book would have changed any even if I had read the first book, though. I had several issues with this story when you get right down to it. I thought the characters were flat. Oh, I suppose Ariana was fleshed out pretty well, but Philip Mornay was such a bore. The supporting cast wasn't much better. I felt like I didn't even know who Mrs. Bentley was -- I never knew what to expect with her. Peter O'Brien... I hardly even know what to say about him. I suppose I can see where there may be a sequel involving him and Ariana's younger sister, but you won't catch me reading it.
The synopsis would also lead you to believe that you will find mystery and intrigue inside this book, but we basically know from the beginning who is behind the plots against Ariana, both in Philip Mornay's home and with respect to the kidnappings. What's the fun in that? I like to be able to speculate about what is going on and see if my guess is right when the evil-doers are finally unmasked.
Really, I found the whole book to be a snooze-fest. By and large, there were few sparks for me as far as the romance was concerned -- perhaps once or twice I got momentarily excited by Ariana and Philip's relationship, only to have those feelings fall flat soon after. By the time I was about a third of the way through I found myself skimming more than actually reading every page. I'd say the Christianity piece is preachier than what I like to read, but it wasn't THAT big of a turn-off in that respect. I guess I just had a harder time envisioning it within the Regency world than I thought I would. But when you get down to it, I had bigger problems with the story, the characters, and the mystery, or lack thereof.
August 4, 2013
I was apprehensive when I bought this book as, much as I enjoyed "Before the Season Ends", I'm not sure romances lend themselves to sequels. Having read it, I feel justified in this belief.
Ariana Forsythe and Mr Mornay are finally engaged, having overcome his reluctance to engage emotionally with others (particularly young women) and being on different pages with regard to religion. In "The House in Grosvenor Square", a whole slew of new obstacles confront them from conniving servants to ruined rakes determined on revenge.
As a result, the book lurches from one almost-disaster to another - lots of pieces of plot that never quite form a whole. The reader already knows that Ariana and Mr Forsythe love each other so while the characters are familiar and dear, their love for one another doesn't leave that "butterflies in the stomach" feeling that I associate with romances. As for the inspirational angle, the author opens some interesting topics at the beginning regarding how Christians should respond to charity and how to discern with people claiming prophetic powers, but never ends up exploring them. While faith is still a prominent feature in the sequel, it didn't give me that "goosebumps" feeling that the first book did.
For readers wanting a little bit longer with Ariana and Mr Mornay, this books fills the gap. Be prepared, though, that it is not as good as the first. As a stand-alone novel, I wouldn't recommend it.
Ariana Forsythe and Mr Mornay are finally engaged, having overcome his reluctance to engage emotionally with others (particularly young women) and being on different pages with regard to religion. In "The House in Grosvenor Square", a whole slew of new obstacles confront them from conniving servants to ruined rakes determined on revenge.
As a result, the book lurches from one almost-disaster to another - lots of pieces of plot that never quite form a whole. The reader already knows that Ariana and Mr Forsythe love each other so while the characters are familiar and dear, their love for one another doesn't leave that "butterflies in the stomach" feeling that I associate with romances. As for the inspirational angle, the author opens some interesting topics at the beginning regarding how Christians should respond to charity and how to discern with people claiming prophetic powers, but never ends up exploring them. While faith is still a prominent feature in the sequel, it didn't give me that "goosebumps" feeling that the first book did.
For readers wanting a little bit longer with Ariana and Mr Mornay, this books fills the gap. Be prepared, though, that it is not as good as the first. As a stand-alone novel, I wouldn't recommend it.
February 6, 2024
Enjoyable Regency romp with a hint of mystery, a touch of suspense, and a smidgen of humor all put together with a wonderful romance that ended with a wedding that almost didn't take place. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and this second book did not disappoint. I look forward to reading the third book.
March 25, 2012
As with the last book I read from Linore Rose Burkard titled Before the seasons end I loved this next installment. This awesome book picks right up where the last story ended and we once again fine ourselves happily reading about Ariana Forsythe and her pending marriage to Phillip Mornay .
This is really a wonderful story of faith and love. Linore has the ability to transport her readers to 1813 so we can really feel we are part of this story. I loved everything about this story, its uplifting and has a nice amount of suspense and intrigue.
As Ariana is planning her wedding to Phillip she finds herself a target of someone who desires to destroy the happiness she has found with Phillip and her pending new life as his wife. Ariana not only has mysterious strangers giving her problems but also has to contend with Phillips household staff, some of which are none to happy about Ariana becoming their mistress.
The awesome book clearly shows that when God is for us who can stand agents us and when we put our faith in our father all things will work out for our good.
This is the kind of story you will want to read over and over again and I'm so happy I was able to add them all to my collection. I recommend all of Linore's Book to anyone who loves Christian fiction, as I do, and to those who love a good regency romance.
This is really a wonderful story of faith and love. Linore has the ability to transport her readers to 1813 so we can really feel we are part of this story. I loved everything about this story, its uplifting and has a nice amount of suspense and intrigue.
As Ariana is planning her wedding to Phillip she finds herself a target of someone who desires to destroy the happiness she has found with Phillip and her pending new life as his wife. Ariana not only has mysterious strangers giving her problems but also has to contend with Phillips household staff, some of which are none to happy about Ariana becoming their mistress.
The awesome book clearly shows that when God is for us who can stand agents us and when we put our faith in our father all things will work out for our good.
This is the kind of story you will want to read over and over again and I'm so happy I was able to add them all to my collection. I recommend all of Linore's Book to anyone who loves Christian fiction, as I do, and to those who love a good regency romance.
December 22, 2011
I actually read this one by accident before I read the first book in the series. I was obviously a little slow to catch on, but once I did, I fell in love with Ariana and Phillip. She has a childlike faith in Jesus, which is not to be mistaken with being immature. If only we could all have faith like her! I love this book because it taught me a lot about that faith. Having come to Christ as an adult after a childhood of living with Godless people, I feel like I have missed out learning many things...and I really felt like these two books filled in some of the gaps for me. I have a lot to teach my children thanks to books like this that model that childlike faith.
As for the time period, I loved reading about the regency time period. Her use of terminology really helped sink you firmly into the early 1800's. I particularly loved how detailed the descriptions were of dresses and houses. I had an easy time visualizing the surroundings and just fell headlong into the book every time I picked it up. I will definitely be buying these for my daughters to read when they're teenagers.
As for the time period, I loved reading about the regency time period. Her use of terminology really helped sink you firmly into the early 1800's. I particularly loved how detailed the descriptions were of dresses and houses. I had an easy time visualizing the surroundings and just fell headlong into the book every time I picked it up. I will definitely be buying these for my daughters to read when they're teenagers.
Read
February 12, 2020A HIGHLY entertaining read! :) Reading this book was like getting together with old friends! I LOVE these characters! :) Although some of them were a touch crazy! LOL! I felt the pace was a little too drawn out in some areas, but the action, humor, and intrigue led me through the lulls. There were some things I wanted to turn out differently than they do, but that might be just me. ;) There are scenes in this book that nearly made me laugh so hard I fell out of bed! I LOVE the prayers of the characters and how Linore writes them as well as the other ways she weaves in Faith! Overall this is a HIGHLY entertaining read with scenes that make you laugh out loud, scenes that touch your heart, and scenes that take you completely by surprise! :)
March 7, 2014
This story was not all terrible but the writing style left something to be desired. The paragraphs were often constructed carelessly with 3 or 4 characters inner thoughts in one paragraph. It made the story more confusing without actually adding necessary information.
I also think the number of abductions makes the protagonists seem extremely thick headed. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice...and three and four times...? I can handle a fair amount of unbelievable situations in a well written book, but this was not written with enough substance to justify the preposterous.
I also think the number of abductions makes the protagonists seem extremely thick headed. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice...and three and four times...? I can handle a fair amount of unbelievable situations in a well written book, but this was not written with enough substance to justify the preposterous.
July 4, 2017
There are many obstacles trying to prevent the marriage of Arianna to the Paragon. People keep trying to come between them and go so far as trying to place doubts in the grooms mind about his bride. Will love conquer all?
The author did a great job of continuing the story from the first book. This book is just as captivating. You must read Book One to be able to appreciate this book.
The author did a great job of continuing the story from the first book. This book is just as captivating. You must read Book One to be able to appreciate this book.
August 6, 2011
Really liked this book. Modern day Jane Austen, it was easy to read and yet not cheesy.
May 1, 2021
Review of Second Edition copyright 2018.
A wedding date has been set. Beautiful things are happening; things she never had a thought to hope for or dream; things he had not earlier imagined or regarded.
While discovering more about each other, they inwardly learn about themselves – deep, hidden, truths. Love like this should overcome negative emotions, obstacles and, at times, other people's opinions and well meaning. Do they trust their love, or even themselves? Do they have what it takes to protect their love?
The House in Grosvenor Square (pronounced “Grove-nuh”) transports the reader to the British Regency period’s (early 19th century) customs and affluences which permeated every person, regardless of age, and dictated many facets of life. Yet, the range of emotion from joyous romance to self-doubt, insecurity, and fear are human emotions that are real-to-life even today. The pages are intricately fashioned, enthralling the reader with the mannerisms, emotions, reasons, and mindset of each character, making it easy for the reader to picture themselves as that character--even an audacious protagonist that hungrily lingered until the very end!
Enrapturing from beginning to the very last sentence. Use of words and flow are profound—never a dull moment. For those who love details and knowledge, the map of the Mayfair neighborhood on the first page is an unexpected gift! The glossary is a great add, along with the recipe for a cake of the times. Can’t wait to jump into the pages of Book #3 The Country House Courtship in Linore Rose Burkard’s Regency Trilogy
A wedding date has been set. Beautiful things are happening; things she never had a thought to hope for or dream; things he had not earlier imagined or regarded.
While discovering more about each other, they inwardly learn about themselves – deep, hidden, truths. Love like this should overcome negative emotions, obstacles and, at times, other people's opinions and well meaning. Do they trust their love, or even themselves? Do they have what it takes to protect their love?
The House in Grosvenor Square (pronounced “Grove-nuh”) transports the reader to the British Regency period’s (early 19th century) customs and affluences which permeated every person, regardless of age, and dictated many facets of life. Yet, the range of emotion from joyous romance to self-doubt, insecurity, and fear are human emotions that are real-to-life even today. The pages are intricately fashioned, enthralling the reader with the mannerisms, emotions, reasons, and mindset of each character, making it easy for the reader to picture themselves as that character--even an audacious protagonist that hungrily lingered until the very end!
Enrapturing from beginning to the very last sentence. Use of words and flow are profound—never a dull moment. For those who love details and knowledge, the map of the Mayfair neighborhood on the first page is an unexpected gift! The glossary is a great add, along with the recipe for a cake of the times. Can’t wait to jump into the pages of Book #3 The Country House Courtship in Linore Rose Burkard’s Regency Trilogy
March 29, 2019
To begin with, I just want to throw out the caveat that I wasn't a huge fan of the first book, only rating it a 3. Usually, the second book in a series is worse than the first, so I wasn't expecting to like it much.
But I had won all 3 paperbacks in this Regency Trilogy, and I wanted to use this title for a specific challenge in my Goodreads group. If I hadn't wanted to finish the challenge, I might have put the book down at the first major eyeroll.
However, I must also admit that I'm glad I pushed through the more and more unbelievable, ultra-dramatic events and the few completely irrelevant scenes that made me think, “Why was that even in here?” Though there were several aspects I didn't like, I was, however, invested enough in the characters to keep me wondering what was going to happen next, whether they would end up happily ever after or not. I was disappointed about a few character's endings, but on the whole, I wanted to get all the way to the resolution.
But I had won all 3 paperbacks in this Regency Trilogy, and I wanted to use this title for a specific challenge in my Goodreads group. If I hadn't wanted to finish the challenge, I might have put the book down at the first major eyeroll.
However, I must also admit that I'm glad I pushed through the more and more unbelievable, ultra-dramatic events and the few completely irrelevant scenes that made me think, “Why was that even in here?” Though there were several aspects I didn't like, I was, however, invested enough in the characters to keep me wondering what was going to happen next, whether they would end up happily ever after or not. I was disappointed about a few character's endings, but on the whole, I wanted to get all the way to the resolution.
March 31, 2025
Loved this so much! I think this was even better than the previous novel. It reminded me so much of a regency BBC drama with all the side characters and little plots.
It was so funny and had me laughing out loud at many different parts.
At this point we know all the characters and so we just get to enjoy them. I think the author did an excellent job of leaning into their ridiculousness and using that to make the story even more entertaining. I really loved all the characters and it was impressive that she managed to include so many without it taking over.
Really really well done!
It was also such a relief to enjoy the true prose and jargon of the regency times. The author really is well versed in the genre. So much better than the typical regency era novels I read.
Just loved it. So witty, and humorous, and sweet. Of course I'm a dreamy fan of the main couple.
It was so funny and had me laughing out loud at many different parts.
At this point we know all the characters and so we just get to enjoy them. I think the author did an excellent job of leaning into their ridiculousness and using that to make the story even more entertaining. I really loved all the characters and it was impressive that she managed to include so many without it taking over.
Really really well done!
It was also such a relief to enjoy the true prose and jargon of the regency times. The author really is well versed in the genre. So much better than the typical regency era novels I read.
Just loved it. So witty, and humorous, and sweet. Of course I'm a dreamy fan of the main couple.
February 25, 2023
This absolutely zany CF Regency romance is about a young, beautiful debutante who wins the heart of Phillip Mornay who was known for his great wealth in London. Leading up to the wedding is one constant stream of mishaps involving kidnapping, theft, misunderstandings, and interference. On another note is the gradual conversion of Mornay by his intended to the Christian faith with a multitude of Bible verses included. Entertaining, but almost overwhelming, in the constant stream of chaos leading up to the moment of taking their vows.
June 18, 2017
I read a lot of Christian books and thought that I'd found a new author. I really wanted to like this book but there were too many flaws. There were too many characters and too many side plots . Ariana was too stupid to live. How many times do you put yourself in danger when you know someone wants to abduct you ?? Mrs. Bentley was so irritating I couldn't stand it. There were too many unlikable characters and the book tended to drag.
March 1, 2024
I've been enjoying this series. You definitely need to read #1 first, Before the Season Ends, since this picks up right at the end and "finishes" the story. The plot twists in this one will wear you out, make you laugh a lot, and wonder if Ariana and Phillip will ever make it to the wedding. I like the spiritual emphasis added to all the careful period accuracies.
April 3, 2019
The old saying "if something can go wrong, it will" surely applied to ten days before the wedding of Ariana and Phillip. Thefts, abductions, conspiracies between the servants - I was enthralled just waiting for what would happen next!
January 13, 2021
I loved the concept of a pious unendowed gentlewoman being engaged to a man of the upper gentry. Their ability to improve upon each other illustrated what a marriage should be. However, the surrounding storylines got a bit clunky - and the book overall felt a little long.
June 2, 2022
Part 2 of Before the Season Ends. Drama, drama, and a race to the altar. Everything that could go wrong went wrong. It was a great follow-up to the first book about the future Mornays. The book had romance and kept it clean just like I like it.
September 26, 2024
no where on book did it say it was part of a series there was no recapping ( something I normally despise) so was totally lost the characters seemed a bit stilted This is not one I am going to look the rest of the series or other books by this person
May 8, 2017
It was interesting, I don't know if I'll continue the series.
January 21, 2018
I loved this book, as it kept me wanting to read more. I agree with other reviewers that this was more action than mystery. All the twists and multiple story lines entertained and held my interest.
July 23, 2018
I liked this book a lot better than the last one. There was more conflict so it was a lot more interesting.
June 10, 2019
Next best thing to The Governess of Highland Hall, I did a blog post / Book Review on my website www.exquisiteemmalisa.com
https://exquisiteemmalisa.com/2016/11...
https://exquisiteemmalisa.com/2016/11...
October 4, 2019
This book had many interesting twists and turns, and I loved the relationship between Mr. Moray and Ariana. I am so glad I read it; clean romance, mystery, and faith rolled into one great plot.
October 18, 2020
Terrific Regency story!
Engaging characters, excellent writing, intrigue, humor, a nice escape! What's not to like?!? No potty language, a clean read. I highly recommend!
Engaging characters, excellent writing, intrigue, humor, a nice escape! What's not to like?!? No potty language, a clean read. I highly recommend!
October 22, 2020
Not a bad book honestly, but I think I prefer some of Mrs Burkard's recent work. All those kidnappings and kidnap attempts got a little implausible after a while.
April 19, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series. This one drug out quite a bit.
October 14, 2021
I give it 3.5 stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews