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Fractures and Hinges
Downtown Abbey meets Gentleman Jack!
Two wounded women, haunted by their pasts, meet and after false starts, discover a real affinity for one another despite their vast differences. Will they be able to forge a love in 1903 European society? Or will they burn up in the flames of their own passions?
It is the year 1903 and Eleanor, the Duchess of Darnsworth, is the envy of many - a beautiful and sophisticated woman, happily married mother of three, well-respected lady of society and an accomplished horse-breeder. But beneath the perfect surface lurks the memory of a tragic loss that haunts Eleanor's every waking moment.
On a visit to Vienna, she encounters the independent-minded and strong-willed Countess Sophie von Hagendorf, who, with her academic pursuits and unconventional lifestyle, has chosen to break through the rigid confines society has set out for her. She, too, has had to create a façade towards the world as loss and a fateful accident have left their scars.
Sophie's brusque manners both exasperate and intrigue the Duchess, but with closer acquaintance, the two women discover a sympathy beyond anything expected and the prospect of a love that could redeem them both . . . but can they forge a relationship in European society?
“[T]his is an amazing read—with complex characters—set in a beautiful Vienna of the early 1900s. If you enjoy a great love story with plot and a range of emotions, then this is your book. Thanks, Edith, for a terrific first novel.”
~CA Farlow, author of The Nexus Series and The Paris Contagion
Two wounded women, haunted by their pasts, meet and after false starts, discover a real affinity for one another despite their vast differences. Will they be able to forge a love in 1903 European society? Or will they burn up in the flames of their own passions?
It is the year 1903 and Eleanor, the Duchess of Darnsworth, is the envy of many - a beautiful and sophisticated woman, happily married mother of three, well-respected lady of society and an accomplished horse-breeder. But beneath the perfect surface lurks the memory of a tragic loss that haunts Eleanor's every waking moment.
On a visit to Vienna, she encounters the independent-minded and strong-willed Countess Sophie von Hagendorf, who, with her academic pursuits and unconventional lifestyle, has chosen to break through the rigid confines society has set out for her. She, too, has had to create a façade towards the world as loss and a fateful accident have left their scars.
Sophie's brusque manners both exasperate and intrigue the Duchess, but with closer acquaintance, the two women discover a sympathy beyond anything expected and the prospect of a love that could redeem them both . . . but can they forge a relationship in European society?
“[T]his is an amazing read—with complex characters—set in a beautiful Vienna of the early 1900s. If you enjoy a great love story with plot and a range of emotions, then this is your book. Thanks, Edith, for a terrific first novel.”
~CA Farlow, author of The Nexus Series and The Paris Contagion
- GenresHistorical
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
4 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 11, 2025
Fractures and Hinges is a beautifully woven tale of love, resilience, and connection set against the stunning backdrop of early 20th-century Austria. The story follows Eleanor, the Duchess of Darnsworth, and Countess Sophie von Hagendorf, two women from high society, both grappling with personal loss and societal expectations. Their contentious beginnings give way to a profound bond, first rooted in shared passions for art, history, and horses, and eventually blossoming into a love that challenges the norms of their time.
The story touches on themes like the importance of communication, accepting one another, and finding the courage to take new paths despite the challenges. Fractures and Hinges is a touching celebration of love and the inner strength that helps us keep going, leaving readers with a deep appreciation for the relationships that shape and support us. I highly recommend giving this one a whirl!
The story touches on themes like the importance of communication, accepting one another, and finding the courage to take new paths despite the challenges. Fractures and Hinges is a touching celebration of love and the inner strength that helps us keep going, leaving readers with a deep appreciation for the relationships that shape and support us. I highly recommend giving this one a whirl!
February 2, 2023
Fantastic historical love story
It is wonderful to see such a touching love story of strong women (and supporting men) set in this period peice.... loved it
It is wonderful to see such a touching love story of strong women (and supporting men) set in this period peice.... loved it
April 23, 2025
A very well written book that captures the early Edwardian Era between London and Vienna. It's a romance, but from the POV of two society women one, English, one Austrian who fall in love and do their best to face into an era of inflexible moral codes and challenge it.
described as a cozy lesbian read, its more than that, Zeitberger's knowledge of horses and history shines and captures Vienna at that time and she cleverly sidesteps cliche to deliver a great read.
I thoroughly enjoyed it on a flight to Malta. And, like all good reads, you have to turn each page to find out how this slow burner ends.
described as a cozy lesbian read, its more than that, Zeitberger's knowledge of horses and history shines and captures Vienna at that time and she cleverly sidesteps cliche to deliver a great read.
I thoroughly enjoyed it on a flight to Malta. And, like all good reads, you have to turn each page to find out how this slow burner ends.
February 4, 2025
I’d call this old fashioned if it wasn’t Queer historical romance
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews