Gilded Splendour

by Rosalind Laker

ONLY TWO THINGS COULD HAVE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER. HIS STRENGTH. AND HER WEAKNESS

Thomas Chippendale was a man of the people, determined to rise in the 18th-century world through the raw power of his ambition and the polished artistry of his furniture-making genius.

Isabella Woodleigh was a proper daughter of the upper class, protected from knowledge of her own deepest hungers. To give herself to a man like Thomas Chippendale was unthinkable to her---especially when he seduced her won sister, as if to prove how ruthless his desires were. But when Isabella was forced into marriage to a man who made love an unnatural nightmare, Isabella turned from a girl who fought against what she wanted...to a woman who surrendered to her need for fulfillment at any cost...

Here, set in a world of dazzling elegance and swirling intrigue, is Rosalind Laker's most breathtaking romantic spellbinder yet.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, British Literature, Historical, Romance

351 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1982

About the author

A pseudonym used by Barbara Øvstedal.

Barbara Øvstedal was an author previously writing under the pseudonym Barbara Paul and Barbara Douglas. She wrote a few books under this pseudonym but later changed to Rosalind Laker when Barbara Paul gained recognition. Her many books include The Sugar Pavilion and To Dance with Kings.

Reviews

[Dawn (& Ron)]

One of two Rosalind Laker books I recently got from PBS swap. Yes, this is the cover I have, it's one of those that continues all the way around to the back cover.

[Renata Tabosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story and had no idea it was based on a real figure. Really good book however I’m so tired of stories about how men betray a woman’s trust just for her to devote her life to him. Mr. Chippendale was an egotistic asshole who used women and deserved to suffer for all the suffering he caused. Artist or not:.:

[Joy Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is the life of Thomas Chippendale, well-renown English furniture-maker. The book is the result of extensive research into mountains of documents, church registers and public records. Reading almost as a soap opera, it was fascinating, fast-paced, with just enough descriptions and colourful characters to make it extremely hard to put down.

[Lynne Coxen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chippendale historical novel

This has been a remarkable and highly enjoyed book depicting the historical era around the life of Thomas Chippendale. The story was fascinating and very informative as well.

[Madhusudan Chokhra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid book, throws light on the life in 18th century England. Genre - Drama and romance, emotional tragedy. The romantic encounters of Thomas with many(5) young women. And the mutual love with Isabella which remained unfulfilled during all ups and downs, meetings and partings.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

History in fiction

The tale of Thomas Chippendale through a life of strife and beauty. Wishing I knew of the potential truths in the work of fiction the author has created. This reading makes me want to dive more into the history of the man who changed the world of furnishings.

[Pauline Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

I really enjoyed this book and could relate to so much since my father was also a highly skilled cabinet maker. Wonderful memories brought back to me.

[Tee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a romance novel. It was infuriating watching Isabella tolerate everyone in her life emotionally, financially, and mentally abuse the crap out of her.

Lots of references to the craft of furniture -- and it did try to allow you to picture the process ..If this was based on rumors or fact?, what? of the actual Thomas Chippendale? He was an ass to women because he could be. The same way nobles treated him shitty -- expecting laborers as he, Thomas Chippendale, cabinet-maker - to respect their commanding betters and so not expect gentlemen settle bills promptly, humph. There's your story. With a few wtf did I just read moments.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chippendale - great book










C

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tells about Chippendale and his loves.

[Karen Hogan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author's first historical romance about Thomas Chippendale. Her later novels were richer and better written (but everyone has to start somewhere).