What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wild Swan Trilogy #1
Wild Swan
Sweeping from England's West Country during the Napoleonic wars when smuggling flourished, to Maryland's lush horse country-a golden land shadowed by slavery and soon to be ravaged by civil war-this is the story of unforgettable Alexandria Thaine and the generations of two families interwoven by fortune and fate. Across an ocean, through decades of danger and desire, this is Alexandria's life-the life of an indomitable woman who gives her tormented heart to two bold men, who travels to distant America in search of a dream and in flight from a love that would follow her to the end of her days, and who creates a dynasty in the years preceding the Civil War.
687 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
461 people are currently reading
1587 people want to read
About the author
Celeste De Blasis
15 books109 followersMillions of readers have fallen under the spell of the lush, enthralling and bestselling novels by Celeste De Blasis. Tales of adventure and romance set against the sweep of history—all are storytelling at its finest. After graduating from Pomona College, Celeste devoted her life to impeccable research and spellbinding writing. A native Californian, Celeste grew up on the historic Kemper Campbell Ranch in the Mojave Desert, where she lived until her death in 2001
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
January 9, 2023
A Wild Hope by Celeste De Blasis is a 2020 Bookouture publication.
Well, they sure don’t write ‘em like this anymore… Sigh…
This sweeping saga was originally written back in the 1980s, back when epic historical tomes were commonplace. Sadly, many of these books have simply faded into obscurity along with the authors who wrote them.
Thankfully, some publishers have chosen to digitally format a select few of them- giving them new titles and covers and offering them to a whole new audience.
For those of us who were fans back in the day, this is also an opportunity to revisit some of our old favorite authors and some of their work again… and in a format that is a little easier on the eyes.
For anyone concerned about content- not every single historical romance novel written in the 1980s was a ‘bodice ripper’. Yes, this book is a romance and there are explicit sex scenes- more than I felt was necessary, and there are moral issues, like adultery, but it is also a story that would appeal to historical fiction fans. For it’s time the novel incorporated issues into the story, like race, and feminism and features a strong female lead character, which should appeal to the modern reader.
I really miss these sweeping sagas. There’s nothing like being swept away into another time and place and following the characters through all the tragedies and triumphs in their lives. I also love that the story will continue in the next book and will once again feature characters from this novel and lead the reader into future generations. That’s something we don’t get much of these days in historical fiction or romance and I kind of miss that too.
This is a long book- and because our attention spans are shorter these days- I did get a bit impatient a time or two when I felt the pacing lagged and there didn’t seem to be much going on- but at the same time, I enjoyed the long span of time the novel covered and all the various locations, and layers of emotions involved.
Overall, I loved getting lost in this novel and it was so nice to read a book by Celeste De Blasis again, after all these years. Looking forward to book two in the trilogy!!
5 stars
Well, they sure don’t write ‘em like this anymore… Sigh…
This sweeping saga was originally written back in the 1980s, back when epic historical tomes were commonplace. Sadly, many of these books have simply faded into obscurity along with the authors who wrote them.
Thankfully, some publishers have chosen to digitally format a select few of them- giving them new titles and covers and offering them to a whole new audience.
For those of us who were fans back in the day, this is also an opportunity to revisit some of our old favorite authors and some of their work again… and in a format that is a little easier on the eyes.
For anyone concerned about content- not every single historical romance novel written in the 1980s was a ‘bodice ripper’. Yes, this book is a romance and there are explicit sex scenes- more than I felt was necessary, and there are moral issues, like adultery, but it is also a story that would appeal to historical fiction fans. For it’s time the novel incorporated issues into the story, like race, and feminism and features a strong female lead character, which should appeal to the modern reader.
I really miss these sweeping sagas. There’s nothing like being swept away into another time and place and following the characters through all the tragedies and triumphs in their lives. I also love that the story will continue in the next book and will once again feature characters from this novel and lead the reader into future generations. That’s something we don’t get much of these days in historical fiction or romance and I kind of miss that too.
This is a long book- and because our attention spans are shorter these days- I did get a bit impatient a time or two when I felt the pacing lagged and there didn’t seem to be much going on- but at the same time, I enjoyed the long span of time the novel covered and all the various locations, and layers of emotions involved.
Overall, I loved getting lost in this novel and it was so nice to read a book by Celeste De Blasis again, after all these years. Looking forward to book two in the trilogy!!
5 stars
March 5, 2018
(4.5) One woman in love with two men and an 80s saga that survives the test of time. Wild Swan begins in 1813 as thirteen year old Alexandria (Alex) Thaine's grandmother sends her to live with distant relatives on the west coast of England to get her away from her hateful mother. In Devon she thrives with the Falconer family and especially forming a lifelong bond with the younger son Rane. Rane decides to wait until Alex is old enough before he asks for her, but in the meantime Alex's sister dies and her mother calls her back to help raise her two infant twins. The twin's parent St. John (pronounced sinjon) returns badly wounded from the Napoleonic wars, Alex nurses him back to health and a bond is formed between them and the children that leads to a marriage (albeit not sanctioned by the Church of England), unbeknownst to Rane who waits until Alex is 16 and arrives too late to propose marriage to the already "wed" Alex. Wah!
Alex eventually makes a good marriage with St. John and to get away from family influences they make their way to Maryland to strike their fortune at horseraising/racing. Alex faces quite a surprise when she finds herself face to face again with Rane who also left England to find a new life away from memories of his love for Alex. At this point the story take up with Alex and St. John's efforts to purchase land (named Wild Swan) and start raising thoroughbred horses and life on the racing circuit, that eventually leads to the aquisition of a mad horse that has dreadful consquences on St. John, Alex and their children. More than that, I'm not telling.
All in all a highly enjoyable read and I had a hard time putting it down and lost more than an hour or two of sleep (always a good sign??). Despite being typed as a romance, this novel was packed with plenty of historical details to place it a step or two above the norm, especially as the author dealt quite nicely with the slavery issue and the St. John's opposition to same. My only minor quibbles are that unless you are a "horsey" person (which I'm not) there are some spots that become a bit slow (but you can skip them) and the sex scenes, while not gratuitous, were a bit...well...ahem....just a bit too detailed for my tastes (especially one scene - you'll know when you get there). If it had been a "true" bodice ripper than I wouldn't have minded, but eventually enough is enough. Outside of that, it was a pretty darned good read and there are two books that complete the story, Swan's Chance and A Season of Swans.
Alex eventually makes a good marriage with St. John and to get away from family influences they make their way to Maryland to strike their fortune at horseraising/racing. Alex faces quite a surprise when she finds herself face to face again with Rane who also left England to find a new life away from memories of his love for Alex. At this point the story take up with Alex and St. John's efforts to purchase land (named Wild Swan) and start raising thoroughbred horses and life on the racing circuit, that eventually leads to the aquisition of a mad horse that has dreadful consquences on St. John, Alex and their children. More than that, I'm not telling.
All in all a highly enjoyable read and I had a hard time putting it down and lost more than an hour or two of sleep (always a good sign??). Despite being typed as a romance, this novel was packed with plenty of historical details to place it a step or two above the norm, especially as the author dealt quite nicely with the slavery issue and the St. John's opposition to same. My only minor quibbles are that unless you are a "horsey" person (which I'm not) there are some spots that become a bit slow (but you can skip them) and the sex scenes, while not gratuitous, were a bit...well...ahem....just a bit too detailed for my tastes (especially one scene - you'll know when you get there). If it had been a "true" bodice ripper than I wouldn't have minded, but eventually enough is enough. Outside of that, it was a pretty darned good read and there are two books that complete the story, Swan's Chance and A Season of Swans.
December 25, 2021
● First reread December 2-22nd, I am in so much pain because of this book, send help.
Original review:
I can not even begin to describe the emotional roller coaster I was on while reading this book.
I read all of it in one day (yes, you read that right), it was too good to put down and very welcome after several weeks of studying for (and passing!) university exams.
I've never read anything by Celeste De Blasis but I have read a couple of books from Bookouture recently and I loved all of them so I was certain I'd love this one too. Gut feeling - correct.
The book blurb doesn't do the book justice, it's so much more amazing than words could ever describe. That's why You, the person reading this review, should pick this book up if you haven't already and see for yourself.
A Wild Hope is gripping from the get go, and it's a gift that never stops giving.
The descriptions were so vivid, I actually felt like I was there with our herioine Alexandria every step of the way. From her dull hometown to the magical village and developing America, she didn't have it easy.
In a way I wish she could've just stayed in the village, but it turned out alright in the end.
It's a long book but I didn't feel like it. In fact, I wish it was even longer, I haven't had enough of this story. The pacing was fast and the scenes always changed so there were no dull moments.
The characters were all so loving and warm (save a few exceptions, you know which), and in turn I felt that way towards them too. Still, I lean more towards Rane than St. John, he and Alexandria are more matched in spirit.
My favourite motherly figures were Virginia, the grandma, and Gweneth, Rane's mother. Actually, I think the two of them are my favourite characters in the book, along with Morgan.
I'm not sure how the author pulled it off, but there's a wealth of information about...well everything! She has a real talent to not make even the strangest subject dull.
To say I'm excited about the next two books would be an understatement. I do hope Bookouture will re-publish them as well. In the meantime I think I'll go ahead and look for hard copies, this series is worth having.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Original review:
I can not even begin to describe the emotional roller coaster I was on while reading this book.
I read all of it in one day (yes, you read that right), it was too good to put down and very welcome after several weeks of studying for (and passing!) university exams.
I've never read anything by Celeste De Blasis but I have read a couple of books from Bookouture recently and I loved all of them so I was certain I'd love this one too. Gut feeling - correct.
The book blurb doesn't do the book justice, it's so much more amazing than words could ever describe. That's why You, the person reading this review, should pick this book up if you haven't already and see for yourself.
A Wild Hope is gripping from the get go, and it's a gift that never stops giving.
The descriptions were so vivid, I actually felt like I was there with our herioine Alexandria every step of the way. From her dull hometown to the magical village and developing America, she didn't have it easy.
In a way I wish she could've just stayed in the village, but it turned out alright in the end.
It's a long book but I didn't feel like it. In fact, I wish it was even longer, I haven't had enough of this story. The pacing was fast and the scenes always changed so there were no dull moments.
The characters were all so loving and warm (save a few exceptions, you know which), and in turn I felt that way towards them too. Still, I lean more towards Rane than St. John, he and Alexandria are more matched in spirit.
My favourite motherly figures were Virginia, the grandma, and Gweneth, Rane's mother. Actually, I think the two of them are my favourite characters in the book, along with Morgan.
I'm not sure how the author pulled it off, but there's a wealth of information about...well everything! She has a real talent to not make even the strangest subject dull.
To say I'm excited about the next two books would be an understatement. I do hope Bookouture will re-publish them as well. In the meantime I think I'll go ahead and look for hard copies, this series is worth having.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
April 5, 2016
The synopsis above and Misfit's review basically cover the general plot and my feelings about it so I don't have much to add there. Really good historical fiction in the epic family saga vein. The great amount of research that went in to this as described in the prologue is evident in all its 687 pages. Much of the story is based on real events, people and even specific horse races.
Clovelly, Devon - donkeys needed to traverse the steep streets.
West country smugglers (Falconers)
What resonates most with me about this exhaustive work of historical fiction is the focus on strong and heartfelt relationships. Grandaughter/grandmother, man/woman, mother/child, surrogate parent/child, friends, employer/employee, siblings, man/horse all well developed and explored each in its own right. And I am a horse person so I loved the focus on horse racing and breeding!
Belair Mansion, Maryland, Alexandria's Racehorse Stud Farm
The main character is a strong and beautiful young woman who is easy to root for and love. We see her coming of age and though the raising of her family and enduring many challenges and tragedies. The author goes into great historical detail as far as current events and political atmosphere of the era. She does a good job providing a sense of time and place and atmosphere.
Horse racing way back when.
Some peeves I have are that the author relies heavily on narrative where she tells us the characters' feelings and thoughts (that can get tedious) and some events happen all too quickly and time jumps esp towards the end of the book. Some of the historical detail doesn't flow as smoothly as it could. It's as if the author just suddenly decides she will tell us about the current presidential elections and there it is. There are some enormous coincidences that occur that are unbelievable. The intimacy descriptions could be more subtle. Sometimes the main character is just a little too wise for me. She seems to always do and say the right thing in any difficult situation. But one can still not help but like her because she achieves much that a woman of her time would not be allowed to or would not have dared to do.
Wild Swans - Alex and Rane's talisman
Quite a shame that this author is gone to us and that these books are out of print. I think this story would make a spectacular movie.
Clovelly, Devon - donkeys needed to traverse the steep streets.
West country smugglers (Falconers)
What resonates most with me about this exhaustive work of historical fiction is the focus on strong and heartfelt relationships. Grandaughter/grandmother, man/woman, mother/child, surrogate parent/child, friends, employer/employee, siblings, man/horse all well developed and explored each in its own right. And I am a horse person so I loved the focus on horse racing and breeding!
Belair Mansion, Maryland, Alexandria's Racehorse Stud Farm
The main character is a strong and beautiful young woman who is easy to root for and love. We see her coming of age and though the raising of her family and enduring many challenges and tragedies. The author goes into great historical detail as far as current events and political atmosphere of the era. She does a good job providing a sense of time and place and atmosphere.
Horse racing way back when.
Some peeves I have are that the author relies heavily on narrative where she tells us the characters' feelings and thoughts (that can get tedious) and some events happen all too quickly and time jumps esp towards the end of the book. Some of the historical detail doesn't flow as smoothly as it could. It's as if the author just suddenly decides she will tell us about the current presidential elections and there it is. There are some enormous coincidences that occur that are unbelievable. The intimacy descriptions could be more subtle. Sometimes the main character is just a little too wise for me. She seems to always do and say the right thing in any difficult situation. But one can still not help but like her because she achieves much that a woman of her time would not be allowed to or would not have dared to do.
Wild Swans - Alex and Rane's talisman
Quite a shame that this author is gone to us and that these books are out of print. I think this story would make a spectacular movie.
March 19, 2025
DNF, pg 140 + another 20 pgs scattered throughout.
I knew I was in trouble when the attention-absent father monologued about naming all his kids after far-off cities: Rome,** Florence, Boston, & Alexandria. (Guess which one is the heroine. 🙄)
It didn’t get any better from there.
Alexandria (Alex to her cohorts, because of course she’d have a name that shortened) is the most perfect person who ever perfected in the history of perfection. 😑 But in all seriousness, De Blasis clearly adores Alex & expects the reader to follow suit, because she makes no effort whatsoever to give her any actual flaws while checking as many Mary Sue boxes as possible. Tomboy, but so gorgeous! Small, perfect breasts! Long graceful legs! Doesn’t realize how beautiful she is as a youth or how much power she’ll have over men when reaching her sexual maturity! More comfortable around boys than girls! Hates needlework & other housebound feminine activities! Reads & writes well above her age level! Precocious intellect! Her social gaffes are charming! Every human & animal instantly adores her except her evul mother & older sister (because of course) & less-attractive rivals for masculine attention (big surprise)! Wears boy clothes because girl clothes suck & are so impeding! Doesn’t understand Rane’s really obvious signals that he’s already bonkers for her, but feels so awkward & unlovable compared to other women he interacts with! Holds masterful socio-political opinions at 14 years old! Expert healer! Expert herbalist! Expert with horses! Tackles anything new & challenging with instant skill! Refuses to cry but of course when she does it moves people to fits of cuddling, sobbing conscience because zomg I made Alex sad!
…It just goes on & on & on. 🤢🤮 No doubt I’ve neglected some of her perfection, but close enough; the internet hasn’t yet invented digital barf bags.
Finally I skipped ahead & saw that she & Rane willingly marry other people—I’m sure the reasoning was nonsensical & existed only to throw up ridiculous soapy barriers—but then carry on sleeping together throughout the book, so my question is wtf did they choose others? There was no reason they couldn’t have been together. It’s just a carrot for the reader, an excuse to wedge more DRAMA!! into a book that should have been half the length. (And yes, I read the last chapter. It didn’t help.) It’s one thing when legit roadblocks exist, but when nothing stands between the MCs yet the author keeps them apart to prolong page count? It’s transparent & annoying.
One puny .5 star, but I oh-so-generously rounded up to 1 for Pino’s lovely stepback. 😬
**There was another brother, but I forget his name & he’s not in the book anyway, so who cares.
I knew I was in trouble when the attention-absent father monologued about naming all his kids after far-off cities: Rome,** Florence, Boston, & Alexandria. (Guess which one is the heroine. 🙄)
It didn’t get any better from there.
Alexandria (Alex to her cohorts, because of course she’d have a name that shortened) is the most perfect person who ever perfected in the history of perfection. 😑 But in all seriousness, De Blasis clearly adores Alex & expects the reader to follow suit, because she makes no effort whatsoever to give her any actual flaws while checking as many Mary Sue boxes as possible. Tomboy, but so gorgeous! Small, perfect breasts! Long graceful legs! Doesn’t realize how beautiful she is as a youth or how much power she’ll have over men when reaching her sexual maturity! More comfortable around boys than girls! Hates needlework & other housebound feminine activities! Reads & writes well above her age level! Precocious intellect! Her social gaffes are charming! Every human & animal instantly adores her except her evul mother & older sister (because of course) & less-attractive rivals for masculine attention (big surprise)! Wears boy clothes because girl clothes suck & are so impeding! Doesn’t understand Rane’s really obvious signals that he’s already bonkers for her, but feels so awkward & unlovable compared to other women he interacts with! Holds masterful socio-political opinions at 14 years old! Expert healer! Expert herbalist! Expert with horses! Tackles anything new & challenging with instant skill! Refuses to cry but of course when she does it moves people to fits of cuddling, sobbing conscience because zomg I made Alex sad!
…It just goes on & on & on. 🤢🤮 No doubt I’ve neglected some of her perfection, but close enough; the internet hasn’t yet invented digital barf bags.
Finally I skipped ahead & saw that she & Rane willingly marry other people—I’m sure the reasoning was nonsensical & existed only to throw up ridiculous soapy barriers—but then carry on sleeping together throughout the book, so my question is wtf did they choose others? There was no reason they couldn’t have been together. It’s just a carrot for the reader, an excuse to wedge more DRAMA!! into a book that should have been half the length. (And yes, I read the last chapter. It didn’t help.) It’s one thing when legit roadblocks exist, but when nothing stands between the MCs yet the author keeps them apart to prolong page count? It’s transparent & annoying.
One puny .5 star, but I oh-so-generously rounded up to 1 for Pino’s lovely stepback. 😬
**There was another brother, but I forget his name & he’s not in the book anyway, so who cares.
September 13, 2020
I originally read this book thirty-six years ago when it was first published in 1984 as Wild Swan. It is part of an epic three-episode saga beginning in early 1813 England’s West Country and moving to the new world of Maryland. It is the story of Alexandra Thaine and the two men she loves, her distant cousin Rane Falconer and St. John Carrington. This book was one of my favorites, and I reread it several times until it was lost or destroyed. In recent years I replaced it via eBay. I saw this listed on NetGalley and jumped at the chance to reread and see if it still held the excitement in did back then. I must say that it has withstood the test of time.
I so enjoyed rereading this and revisiting these people that I once loved and their lives. I thoroughly recommend it to people who love historical romance. As I mentioned, this saga begins in 1813 England and then moves to Maryland and swirls around the topics of horse racing, slavery, politics, and family ties. Celeste De Blasis was an extraordinary author, and this saga was her crowning glory. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. This first installment will always be a favorite of mine, and I give it four and one-half stars rounded up to five.
I so enjoyed rereading this and revisiting these people that I once loved and their lives. I thoroughly recommend it to people who love historical romance. As I mentioned, this saga begins in 1813 England and then moves to Maryland and swirls around the topics of horse racing, slavery, politics, and family ties. Celeste De Blasis was an extraordinary author, and this saga was her crowning glory. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. This first installment will always be a favorite of mine, and I give it four and one-half stars rounded up to five.
May 24, 2023
Perhaps they are swan maidens with fine gold chains around their necks... When they settle on secret ponds and lakes, they take off their feather cloaks and are beautiful women, eternally young. That's who I'll wed, one of the swan maidens.
Flocks of graceful wild swans fly serenely throughout the almost two decades that span Celeste De Blasis' epic, wonderful historical novel Wild Swan, blissfully unaware of the earth-bound humans who look up longingly at them, wishing for their freedom.
There are no words to do justice to one of the best historical novels that I have ever read. The first part of the book in particular, which focuses on the heroine's childhood, has the pure and innocent quality of a child's fairy-tale. The rest of the book deals very realistically and brutally with the mess that adults make of their lives, their ups and downs, their bravery and pettiness, their loyalty and treachery, all the while fate lies in wait, ready to deal them a blow while they thought themselves finally secure in their hard-won happiness.
Wild Swan is not just a captivating love story, a meticulous family saga, or a historical fiction with interesting details from the era. Wild Swan is about the purity and ideals of childhood, the strength of a child's heart and soul in the face of cruel, aloof adults
This is a first in a trilogy that follows the members of this family over a century and I will absolutely have to read the rest. A gem of a book that I was so grateful to discover.
Flocks of graceful wild swans fly serenely throughout the almost two decades that span Celeste De Blasis' epic, wonderful historical novel Wild Swan, blissfully unaware of the earth-bound humans who look up longingly at them, wishing for their freedom.
There are no words to do justice to one of the best historical novels that I have ever read. The first part of the book in particular, which focuses on the heroine's childhood, has the pure and innocent quality of a child's fairy-tale. The rest of the book deals very realistically and brutally with the mess that adults make of their lives, their ups and downs, their bravery and pettiness, their loyalty and treachery, all the while fate lies in wait, ready to deal them a blow while they thought themselves finally secure in their hard-won happiness.
Wild Swan is not just a captivating love story, a meticulous family saga, or a historical fiction with interesting details from the era. Wild Swan is about the purity and ideals of childhood, the strength of a child's heart and soul in the face of cruel, aloof adults
This is a first in a trilogy that follows the members of this family over a century and I will absolutely have to read the rest. A gem of a book that I was so grateful to discover.
January 25, 2008
My mom had always urged me to read this trilogy and I guffawed and called it a "lusty romance novel," which she in turn corrected it to be "historical fiction." It was a combo of both. If you are a horse person, which I am, this was a beautifully writted story of a young women and her trials and tribulations, marriage and second marriage all under the backdrop of a horse ranch. I really enjoyed all three of the books in the series. Mom was right to urge me to read them!
February 25, 2021
Great Storytelling & Love Among Smugglers in Devon & Racehorses in America
Set in the first part of the 19th century and spanning many years, this is the story of Alexandria Thaine, who, at her grandmother’s urging, leaves her home in Kent to live with her cousins in Devon. Her mother doesn’t like her but her relatives in Devon love her. Smugglers, ship owners and farmers by trade, the Falconers are a warm family Alex willingly joins.
In Devon, Alex forms a bond with the youngest son, Rane, who not only looks like her in coloring but is also like her and cares for her. Over the years, Rane falls in love with Alex and plans to make her his wife. But with the death of her sister (who married a man named St. John), Alex returns to Kent to care for her sister’s motherless twins. St. John takes advantage of the situation and makes her his common law wife. Eventually, they come to love each other.
Alex and St. John immigrate to Maryland with St. John’s dream of raising racehorses. And there they create “Wild Swan”, a center of famed racehorses and a sanctuary for a runaway slave, a lost girl and many others.
This book is hard to review. Without given too much away, let me say that the writing is excellent and the story is solid but unless you are really into horses, and particularly early race horsing in America, you might find yourself skipping passages. The smuggling in Devon was fascinating and the budding relationship with Rane and Alex heartwarming. Once St. John enters the picture and makes Alex his wife, there are many graphic love scenes which, given the timespan of the story, might be realistic but I skipped some of those. Rane’s appearances in Alex’s life were too brief for me. He was the man I wanted to see.
In the end, Rane and Alex come back to their love but getting there took a long path. This is book one is a 3-book saga.
The Wild Swan Trilogy
A Wild Hope
A Wild Heart
A Wild Legacy
Set in the first part of the 19th century and spanning many years, this is the story of Alexandria Thaine, who, at her grandmother’s urging, leaves her home in Kent to live with her cousins in Devon. Her mother doesn’t like her but her relatives in Devon love her. Smugglers, ship owners and farmers by trade, the Falconers are a warm family Alex willingly joins.
In Devon, Alex forms a bond with the youngest son, Rane, who not only looks like her in coloring but is also like her and cares for her. Over the years, Rane falls in love with Alex and plans to make her his wife. But with the death of her sister (who married a man named St. John), Alex returns to Kent to care for her sister’s motherless twins. St. John takes advantage of the situation and makes her his common law wife. Eventually, they come to love each other.
Alex and St. John immigrate to Maryland with St. John’s dream of raising racehorses. And there they create “Wild Swan”, a center of famed racehorses and a sanctuary for a runaway slave, a lost girl and many others.
This book is hard to review. Without given too much away, let me say that the writing is excellent and the story is solid but unless you are really into horses, and particularly early race horsing in America, you might find yourself skipping passages. The smuggling in Devon was fascinating and the budding relationship with Rane and Alex heartwarming. Once St. John enters the picture and makes Alex his wife, there are many graphic love scenes which, given the timespan of the story, might be realistic but I skipped some of those. Rane’s appearances in Alex’s life were too brief for me. He was the man I wanted to see.
In the end, Rane and Alex come back to their love but getting there took a long path. This is book one is a 3-book saga.
The Wild Swan Trilogy
A Wild Hope
A Wild Heart
A Wild Legacy
February 21, 2008
I had this series and read it OVER and OVER. I read it so much the pages were falling out. Then during one of my moves, I lost the books. I miss them as I would like to reread them right now. I just searched my library's online catalog and of course they have books 2 and 3 but not the first. I read this book the first time when I was in high school. My Mom had read it and gave it to me to read. I ended up buying the 2nd and 3rd books when they came out as I just enjoyed Wild Swan so much. It was the first time I read historical-romance/fiction. And it became a favorite of mine.
This books starts out in the early 19th century and ends in 1892. A beautiful saga of a family who move to Maryland from England, become involved with horse breeding, racing and ship building.
This books starts out in the early 19th century and ends in 1892. A beautiful saga of a family who move to Maryland from England, become involved with horse breeding, racing and ship building.
June 30, 2022
4,5 sterren - Nederlandse hardcover
Celeste de Blasis is een rasvertelster die heel boeiend de geschiedenis van Alex en haar familie in beeld brengt.
De cover doet vermoeden dat het hier om een soort bouquetreeks-achtig boek, maar dat is absoluut niet het geval.
Het is het verhaal van een sterke vrouw, die we als jong meisje in Engeland aantreffen. Ze heeft een moeilijke jeugd, gaat naar verre familie, vind de liefde maar gaat uit plichtsbesef tegenover de kinderen van haar zus terug, trouwt de vader van de kinderen maar de oude liefde blijft roepen. Ze vind na veel omzwervingen het geluk in Amerika. Waar nogmaals de tragedie toeslaat. De historische context vond ik ook ook zeer indrukwekkend. Het verhaal begint in 1812 dacht ik. Dus we komt een heel scala aan historische feiten voorbij binnen het verhaal. Het is een trilogie.
Dit boek vind zijn vervolg in de andere twee delen waarin het verdere leven van Alex en haar kinderen wordt gevolgd. Mooie romans!
Celeste de Blasis is een rasvertelster die heel boeiend de geschiedenis van Alex en haar familie in beeld brengt.
De cover doet vermoeden dat het hier om een soort bouquetreeks-achtig boek, maar dat is absoluut niet het geval.
Het is het verhaal van een sterke vrouw, die we als jong meisje in Engeland aantreffen. Ze heeft een moeilijke jeugd, gaat naar verre familie, vind de liefde maar gaat uit plichtsbesef tegenover de kinderen van haar zus terug, trouwt de vader van de kinderen maar de oude liefde blijft roepen. Ze vind na veel omzwervingen het geluk in Amerika. Waar nogmaals de tragedie toeslaat. De historische context vond ik ook ook zeer indrukwekkend. Het verhaal begint in 1812 dacht ik. Dus we komt een heel scala aan historische feiten voorbij binnen het verhaal. Het is een trilogie.
Dit boek vind zijn vervolg in de andere twee delen waarin het verdere leven van Alex en haar kinderen wordt gevolgd. Mooie romans!
May 9, 2015
Completely old school and detailed to extreme, this romantic (definitely romance genre)epic of the Napoleonic and Post-Napoleonic period is also classic mid-20th century style American historical fiction writing. Within 5 or 6 main characters, but essentially with Alex, St. John, Rane and their immediate family members- you will end up knowing all minutia of days. Down to everything but the waste pots agenda. I do believe that is the only movement or activity somewhat obscured. Do I sound like this is a bad thing? For most readers it certainly is not, because it seems that the 700 page tome length is often celebrated lately, and especially in regional or historical fiction. But to me, anything with that verbosity has considerable redundancy. And especially in the first two books (this is divided into 5 book designations just for the first third of a Swan trilogy)the rejection of Alexandria by her Mother and ineptitude of her father, Caton- became extremely repetitive. That lost the star for me, although in real life when a child does not "fit" that absolutely happens. It was just annoying to read 75 more pages of excuses for leaving England again, that's all. But it sure did give her good reasons for emigration.
Other than that, the tumultuous progression was adventurous, daunting, and also psychologically intriguing. Different than the common romance or historical fiction work, for sure.
Alexandria holds a lot of different perfections, and that makes it hard for me to connect to her staid maturity when so young in the first books. But Books 3-5 were nearly 5 star for my enjoyment and for my education upon horses, thoroughbreds, and the early days of racing in the USA, amongst other politico story lines.
There's a lot of change, she loves two different men, most everything has a timely closure (do not find that in real life at all)and the emotional story is told in all angles. Being 90% sure that Samson's story could never have been that simple, nor the Carrington's inclusion in Annapolis society been that complete under 2 or 3 conditions, I still felt that the tone and narrator thought pattern was possible for the early decades of the 1800's in Maryland.
I'm absolutely sure I will read the other books of the trilogy but not for awhile. I need something now, where the bad people are not as evil nor the good, nearly perfect conscience models. But I truly was enthralled in parts, as the voyage to Halifax. And I look forward to reading about the next generations. You know Sam and Morgan are in for it already. LOL!
Other than that, the tumultuous progression was adventurous, daunting, and also psychologically intriguing. Different than the common romance or historical fiction work, for sure.
Alexandria holds a lot of different perfections, and that makes it hard for me to connect to her staid maturity when so young in the first books. But Books 3-5 were nearly 5 star for my enjoyment and for my education upon horses, thoroughbreds, and the early days of racing in the USA, amongst other politico story lines.
There's a lot of change, she loves two different men, most everything has a timely closure (do not find that in real life at all)and the emotional story is told in all angles. Being 90% sure that Samson's story could never have been that simple, nor the Carrington's inclusion in Annapolis society been that complete under 2 or 3 conditions, I still felt that the tone and narrator thought pattern was possible for the early decades of the 1800's in Maryland.
I'm absolutely sure I will read the other books of the trilogy but not for awhile. I need something now, where the bad people are not as evil nor the good, nearly perfect conscience models. But I truly was enthralled in parts, as the voyage to Halifax. And I look forward to reading about the next generations. You know Sam and Morgan are in for it already. LOL!
April 13, 2015
I'll give this 3.5 stars, something like "I almost really liked it" when, in truth, I almost hated it at times, while almost loving it at others. It's been a LONG time since I read one of the epic historic romances (early to mid-1800's England and America). I cried so many times while reading this that I swore I wouldn't read one again for another LONG time. The heroine was somewhat like a sweet version of Scarlett O'Hara, though English by birth. There were 2 heroes: one might have been a much stronger and more likeable Ashley Wilkes, while the other was NOT much like Rhett Butler, though dark in coloring in contrast to the other hero. But, honestly, this poor girl went back and forth between sheer joy to depression, from exhileration to tragedy, from oppression to independence, that I was almost seasick at several points. Still, the lady told the story well, though I won't be reading this one again. I don't believe I will read the sequels, either, as I can only take so much emotional manipulation in my fiction; real life has more than enough of that for me! I read to ESCAPE some of the gut-wrenching drama of life, after all!
January 19, 2023
It's been awhile since I read a sweeping saga and since this was copywrited (copywritten??) in 1984 I didn't have huge expectations. WOW! I loved it from the minute I started reading it. Alex and Rane are amazing characters and I have a very soft spot for Sinje. I have already ordered the rest of the series and am going to savor reading them, picking just the right time to dive in to the world of Wild Swan again.
March 30, 2020
This is a terrific epic tale about Alexandria Thaine. It’s one of those sweeping, huge, historical fiction/romance stories that covers generations and several families. And it’s just wonderful!
The book starts in England when Alex is just a child. Because of problems within her own family (wow, what a terrible mom she had!), she gets involved with a family involved in smuggling during the Napoleonic wars. After some time, she returns to her family, begins a family of her own, and then, when tragedy strikes, leaves with her family to go America.
Once in America, she and her family build an entirely new life, showcasing her strength and determination… but she also meets (again) the boy she once loved…
This is a fantastic story, full of detail (to include a lot about thoroughbred horses) and with excellent character development. I love how resilient Alex is, and also love her frequent “I just don’t care how it’s supposed to be done” attitude – an attitude even more admirable given the timeframe of the story.
I enjoyed this book immensely and will probably read it again!
The book starts in England when Alex is just a child. Because of problems within her own family (wow, what a terrible mom she had!), she gets involved with a family involved in smuggling during the Napoleonic wars. After some time, she returns to her family, begins a family of her own, and then, when tragedy strikes, leaves with her family to go America.
Once in America, she and her family build an entirely new life, showcasing her strength and determination… but she also meets (again) the boy she once loved…
This is a fantastic story, full of detail (to include a lot about thoroughbred horses) and with excellent character development. I love how resilient Alex is, and also love her frequent “I just don’t care how it’s supposed to be done” attitude – an attitude even more admirable given the timeframe of the story.
I enjoyed this book immensely and will probably read it again!
June 5, 2011
Possibly the only historical romance trilogy I have ever read. I really enjoyed this during my high school years... loving horses is an added bonus.
I was pretty shocked to see so few reviews and learn that this is now out of print. One of my favorites from back in the day. (Really not sure what my opinion of it would be these days).
I was pretty shocked to see so few reviews and learn that this is now out of print. One of my favorites from back in the day. (Really not sure what my opinion of it would be these days).
July 9, 2008
The Wild Swan series (3 books) are my all time favorite books. However, it's been many years since I read them. One of these days I'll reread them and see if my tastes have changed.
August 15, 2021
Reread. Loved it as much as the first time. Epic saga of love and loss and one woman’s great strength and ability to cope with changes of fortune.
April 6, 2024
Wild Swan by Celeste De Blasis (1984)… renamed A Wild Hope (kindle edition 2020), is the first book in the Wild Swan Trilogy.
🦢 A magnificent story of a young girl’s life from her early years with a heartless mother, and an emotionally distant father, to a life full of family and everlasting love.
🦢🦢 Alexandria is 13 years old when her grandmother arranges for her to go live with distant cousins in Devon. She is quickly surrounded by a caring family which includes one of the sons,18 year old Rane Falconer. They instantly become inseparable friends. The family are free traders… smugglers. In the meantime, back home, her sister marries St. John Carrington, age 23, who has been Alex’s childhood best friend. Tragedy strikes… Alex is devastated, and her life is changed.
❤️❤️ ❤️ The story spans 18 years in Alexandria’s life, intertwined with these two men, St. John and Rane, whom she loves. It’s a doozy.., taking place in England, and then in Maryland… swans have deep significance for her. 🦢
🦢 The author has penned a sweeping family saga that’s both an historical romance and historical fiction…. it easily veered between the two genres for me. I thought it overly long… 687 pages, 15+ hours reading on a kindle.
🐎 Interestingly, a large part of the book centers around the raising and racing of Thoroughbred horses in America .., at times there was too much detail, unless you’re a horse person.
🦢Nevertheless, the writing is splendid, and the storyline is deeply emotional, and at times very sad. Weepy sad! All the main characters cry at some point. Finally, thank goodness, there’s happiness as the end for Alexandria and her soulmate.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🦢 A magnificent story of a young girl’s life from her early years with a heartless mother, and an emotionally distant father, to a life full of family and everlasting love.
🦢🦢 Alexandria is 13 years old when her grandmother arranges for her to go live with distant cousins in Devon. She is quickly surrounded by a caring family which includes one of the sons,18 year old Rane Falconer. They instantly become inseparable friends. The family are free traders… smugglers. In the meantime, back home, her sister marries St. John Carrington, age 23, who has been Alex’s childhood best friend. Tragedy strikes… Alex is devastated, and her life is changed.
❤️❤️ ❤️ The story spans 18 years in Alexandria’s life, intertwined with these two men, St. John and Rane, whom she loves. It’s a doozy.., taking place in England, and then in Maryland… swans have deep significance for her. 🦢
🦢 The author has penned a sweeping family saga that’s both an historical romance and historical fiction…. it easily veered between the two genres for me. I thought it overly long… 687 pages, 15+ hours reading on a kindle.
🐎 Interestingly, a large part of the book centers around the raising and racing of Thoroughbred horses in America .., at times there was too much detail, unless you’re a horse person.
🦢Nevertheless, the writing is splendid, and the storyline is deeply emotional, and at times very sad. Weepy sad! All the main characters cry at some point. Finally, thank goodness, there’s happiness as the end for Alexandria and her soulmate.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 2, 2021
Alexandria Carrington, rejected by her mother, goes to live with her distant cousins the Falconers in the West Country. But her fate lies not there but beyond the sea, in Maryland with horse racing.
This is the saga of Alex, a clever and independent woman striving to make the best life possible for herself and her family. I enjoyed following along her journey, and the author does a good job of wringing her readers' hearts. However I did find the romance a little underwhelming - I liked both heroes but did not particularly root for either.
This is the saga of Alex, a clever and independent woman striving to make the best life possible for herself and her family. I enjoyed following along her journey, and the author does a good job of wringing her readers' hearts. However I did find the romance a little underwhelming - I liked both heroes but did not particularly root for either.
August 4, 2025
The description of A Wild Hope is what drew me in and caused me to request this book for review back in 2020. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that it was 843 pages long. And more than anything, the length of the book put me off picking it up time and time again.
A Wild Hope starts with Alex being a young girl. She's unloved by her mother and older sister. Her father loves her, but he can't bring himself to stand up for her against her mother. Her grandmother has a special love for her and does her best to pour love and knowledge into her whenever she can. However, Alex's mother hates the time she spends with her grandmother as well. At some point, Alex's sister gets engaged to a neighbor with whom Alex has always had a special bond. Alex warns him that the two of them won't suit each other and will only make each other miserable. This causes a big stink. And her grandmother arranges for Alex to go stay with some distant relatives to get away from any harm her mother and sister might cause her. The relatives share a great great great grandfather or something like that. And there, Alex finds a home and love of all kinds.
Rane and Alex have a special relationship. Rain is 4 years older than Alex, I believe. Not much, but enough to be considered an adult, whereas she is still a child. Alex stays with his family for about a year, which is long enough for Rane to realize that he's in love with her. Yet he won't act on his feelings until Alex is sixteen. Waiting is hard for him, but he is trying to do the right thing.
Alex is called home by her mother. Her older sister died shortly after childbirth to twins. Alex is needed essentially to care for the twins. The hope Alex feels in being useful to her mother so that her mother might finally love her is heartbreaking. Leaving the family that has accepted her and loved her as their own is heartbreaking. Alex begins to care for the twins as if they were her own until St. John comes back from the war. But when he does return, he's been wounded in battle--essentially, he's lost his arm. Alex and her grandmother, along with St. John's manservant and the wet nurse for the twins, nurse him back to health. St. John has no qualms about waiting until Alex is 16, unlike Rane. He takes advantage of her--albeit she's as willing as possible given her age-- but then decides to try to do right by her and marry her. The only problem is that their marriage won't be sanctioned by the church since St. John was married to Alex's sister. The two claim marriage, but it isn't legal by any means.
Early marriage is rocky for them. St. John is used to living the life of a gentleman who doesn't need to work for money. Alex takes on the responsibility of the finances, and eventually, he comes on board with a plan of his own--horse racing. Alex uses the skills her grandmother taught her to be a healer of sorts. People pay her in coins, food, and various other trade items. Their intimate relationship is also rocky. St. John takes his pleasure with no thought to Alex, it seems. And then Rane shows up on Alex's 16th birthday, ready to ask for her hand in marriage.
I need to pause and discuss some of how I felt about the story up until this point before I go any further. The writing style for A Wild Hope is very different from modern novels. This book was all tell and very little show. Any character was open to popping into the narrative with their point of view randomly. The narrator told so much of the story instead of the reader witnessing the story through the experiences and mind of the main character. Because so much time was spent on Alex's time in Devon with Rane's family, and because we got to see the extent of the bond between Alex and Rane, it was nearly impossible not to root for them. Yet, once Alex married St. John, I couldn't support any cheating physically or emotionally. She chose her path. And she needs to stick with it, even with a rocky marriage.
Rane stays a few days before leaving. He'd hoped that Alex would go with him because she was not legally married, but she wouldn't leave St. John, and good for her. Except for the adultery, she had to live with. Her brief time with Rane showed her that the intimate time between a husband and wife can be enjoyable for both parties. And basically, her time with him in turn saved her marriage with St. John. After Alex and St. John's daughter Christinia died, Alex needed to get away from England. Get away from proximity to her mother, and St. John's family, who had cut him off, get away from memories of where Christinia died, memories of Rane and her adultery with him (although she couldn't fully leave that behind since Morgan was born). They decide to go to Maryland.
In America, they are finally able to set up their lives on a farm, raising racehorses. It takes time. The book covers a span of about 18 years, I think. Which begins to make sense why it was 800+ pages long. Rane has also relocated to Maryland and owns his own ships while partnering with Caleb Jennings--a man he and Alex saved back in Devon. Rane is also married, but his wife is insane. It was hard to know if she was literally insane or if she was just a narcissist. It seemed like more than anything, she just didn't want anyone, especially Rane, to be happy.
I don't want to discuss the character's time in America too in depth. There's much to unpack there. But again...800+ pages. Alex and St. John ended up having a good life and a good marriage. Of all the characters, I felt bad for Rane. He spent his life pining for a girl he fell in love with at 18 years old. He spent at least 18 years unable to be truly happy. He tied himself to a woman who was miserable and made everyone around her miserable. I also felt sorry for St. John. Coming home from the war, wounded as he was, was a big adjustment for him. His wife was unfaithful and continued to share a special bond with another man despite her love for him. One of the children he believed to be his wasn't. His path was just a little sad. Even though I didn't really like how he swooped in on Alex when he was vulnerable, and she was as well.
Alex is a character that I didn't hate. But when I analyze her, I struggle. She turned away from God because the church in England did not allow her and St. John to get married. If she spent any time reading her Bible, she would know that God Himself would not have opposed her marriage. And we can't equate God with the failings of man. I couldn't support her relationship with Rane after she married St. John. Obviously, there was the infidelity. And even though once they moved to the United States, her relationship with Rane never crossed any boundaries, the bond between the two was still there. I have a few more issues with her, but I don't want to spoil any more than I already have.
There isn't much cursing at all. A few words. But nothing at all like today's books. And the physical scenes are present but brief. It's tame compared to today's books that include these scenes. But if you'd rather it not be included at all, now you know.
Considering this book was originally published in 1983, I was surprised at the number of errors--misspellings, incorrect or missing words, etc.
Favorite quotes:
And one quote that I disliked:
I don't agree with that statement at all. I think all parties who have something hidden from them would prefer to have the knowledge of the secret. I'm sure there are exceptions, but in general, one wants to choose for themselves, and without all the information, the choice is taken from them. In the case of Alex and St. John, it worked out as far as we know, yet I can't say it was for the best. Especially, I can't say that keeping a secret such as she did was for St. John's good.
I am so glad that I no longer have A Wild Hope hanging over my head, taunting me that I haven't read it in 5 years. I apologize to the publisher who granted me access to this title that it's been so long before I got it read and reviewed. I was hooked on the story even though the writing style is so different from modern books. The length was nearly obnoxious. I often felt like putting it down for a breather, but then something would happen and I would have the opportunity to read. I pushed forward and would find myself hooked into the story again. Yet, I can't condone much of the actions of the main characters. And that makes it hard to recommend this book. In the end, I think A Wild Hope gets 3 Stars. Have you read A Wild Hope? What did you think? Let me know!
A Wild Hope starts with Alex being a young girl. She's unloved by her mother and older sister. Her father loves her, but he can't bring himself to stand up for her against her mother. Her grandmother has a special love for her and does her best to pour love and knowledge into her whenever she can. However, Alex's mother hates the time she spends with her grandmother as well. At some point, Alex's sister gets engaged to a neighbor with whom Alex has always had a special bond. Alex warns him that the two of them won't suit each other and will only make each other miserable. This causes a big stink. And her grandmother arranges for Alex to go stay with some distant relatives to get away from any harm her mother and sister might cause her. The relatives share a great great great grandfather or something like that. And there, Alex finds a home and love of all kinds.
Rane and Alex have a special relationship. Rain is 4 years older than Alex, I believe. Not much, but enough to be considered an adult, whereas she is still a child. Alex stays with his family for about a year, which is long enough for Rane to realize that he's in love with her. Yet he won't act on his feelings until Alex is sixteen. Waiting is hard for him, but he is trying to do the right thing.
Alex is called home by her mother. Her older sister died shortly after childbirth to twins. Alex is needed essentially to care for the twins. The hope Alex feels in being useful to her mother so that her mother might finally love her is heartbreaking. Leaving the family that has accepted her and loved her as their own is heartbreaking. Alex begins to care for the twins as if they were her own until St. John comes back from the war. But when he does return, he's been wounded in battle--essentially, he's lost his arm. Alex and her grandmother, along with St. John's manservant and the wet nurse for the twins, nurse him back to health. St. John has no qualms about waiting until Alex is 16, unlike Rane. He takes advantage of her--albeit she's as willing as possible given her age-- but then decides to try to do right by her and marry her. The only problem is that their marriage won't be sanctioned by the church since St. John was married to Alex's sister. The two claim marriage, but it isn't legal by any means.
Early marriage is rocky for them. St. John is used to living the life of a gentleman who doesn't need to work for money. Alex takes on the responsibility of the finances, and eventually, he comes on board with a plan of his own--horse racing. Alex uses the skills her grandmother taught her to be a healer of sorts. People pay her in coins, food, and various other trade items. Their intimate relationship is also rocky. St. John takes his pleasure with no thought to Alex, it seems. And then Rane shows up on Alex's 16th birthday, ready to ask for her hand in marriage.
I need to pause and discuss some of how I felt about the story up until this point before I go any further. The writing style for A Wild Hope is very different from modern novels. This book was all tell and very little show. Any character was open to popping into the narrative with their point of view randomly. The narrator told so much of the story instead of the reader witnessing the story through the experiences and mind of the main character. Because so much time was spent on Alex's time in Devon with Rane's family, and because we got to see the extent of the bond between Alex and Rane, it was nearly impossible not to root for them. Yet, once Alex married St. John, I couldn't support any cheating physically or emotionally. She chose her path. And she needs to stick with it, even with a rocky marriage.
Rane stays a few days before leaving. He'd hoped that Alex would go with him because she was not legally married, but she wouldn't leave St. John, and good for her. Except for the adultery, she had to live with. Her brief time with Rane showed her that the intimate time between a husband and wife can be enjoyable for both parties. And basically, her time with him in turn saved her marriage with St. John. After Alex and St. John's daughter Christinia died, Alex needed to get away from England. Get away from proximity to her mother, and St. John's family, who had cut him off, get away from memories of where Christinia died, memories of Rane and her adultery with him (although she couldn't fully leave that behind since Morgan was born). They decide to go to Maryland.
In America, they are finally able to set up their lives on a farm, raising racehorses. It takes time. The book covers a span of about 18 years, I think. Which begins to make sense why it was 800+ pages long. Rane has also relocated to Maryland and owns his own ships while partnering with Caleb Jennings--a man he and Alex saved back in Devon. Rane is also married, but his wife is insane. It was hard to know if she was literally insane or if she was just a narcissist. It seemed like more than anything, she just didn't want anyone, especially Rane, to be happy.
I don't want to discuss the character's time in America too in depth. There's much to unpack there. But again...800+ pages. Alex and St. John ended up having a good life and a good marriage. Of all the characters, I felt bad for Rane. He spent his life pining for a girl he fell in love with at 18 years old. He spent at least 18 years unable to be truly happy. He tied himself to a woman who was miserable and made everyone around her miserable. I also felt sorry for St. John. Coming home from the war, wounded as he was, was a big adjustment for him. His wife was unfaithful and continued to share a special bond with another man despite her love for him. One of the children he believed to be his wasn't. His path was just a little sad. Even though I didn't really like how he swooped in on Alex when he was vulnerable, and she was as well.
Alex is a character that I didn't hate. But when I analyze her, I struggle. She turned away from God because the church in England did not allow her and St. John to get married. If she spent any time reading her Bible, she would know that God Himself would not have opposed her marriage. And we can't equate God with the failings of man. I couldn't support her relationship with Rane after she married St. John. Obviously, there was the infidelity. And even though once they moved to the United States, her relationship with Rane never crossed any boundaries, the bond between the two was still there. I have a few more issues with her, but I don't want to spoil any more than I already have.
There isn't much cursing at all. A few words. But nothing at all like today's books. And the physical scenes are present but brief. It's tame compared to today's books that include these scenes. But if you'd rather it not be included at all, now you know.
Considering this book was originally published in 1983, I was surprised at the number of errors--misspellings, incorrect or missing words, etc.
Favorite quotes:
-She could see that the child was drawn to love as a moth to flame, and she was resolved that Alexandria would have the warmth and the light without the harm.
-It occurred to her that there were forms of poverty that had nothing to do with physical hunger.
-He thought how curious it was that a father's greatest hope was that his son should become a fine man, and yet, it was so hard to relinquish the child.
-"It's much more enjoyable to look and know that I don't have to decide."
-"You can have anything, but you cannot have everything."
And one quote that I disliked:
-"To tell St. John might relieve your burden in some paroxysm of self-abasement and confession, but it would do only hurt to him."
I don't agree with that statement at all. I think all parties who have something hidden from them would prefer to have the knowledge of the secret. I'm sure there are exceptions, but in general, one wants to choose for themselves, and without all the information, the choice is taken from them. In the case of Alex and St. John, it worked out as far as we know, yet I can't say it was for the best. Especially, I can't say that keeping a secret such as she did was for St. John's good.
I am so glad that I no longer have A Wild Hope hanging over my head, taunting me that I haven't read it in 5 years. I apologize to the publisher who granted me access to this title that it's been so long before I got it read and reviewed. I was hooked on the story even though the writing style is so different from modern books. The length was nearly obnoxious. I often felt like putting it down for a breather, but then something would happen and I would have the opportunity to read. I pushed forward and would find myself hooked into the story again. Yet, I can't condone much of the actions of the main characters. And that makes it hard to recommend this book. In the end, I think A Wild Hope gets 3 Stars. Have you read A Wild Hope? What did you think? Let me know!
October 17, 2020
I remember reading the original edition of this book, way back when. I believe it was my sister who introduced me to this author but I don't remember exactly. I enjoyed Wild Swan then and I enjoyed A Wild Hope now, though I do think the original title was better. If fits the story perfectly while the newer title is apt but less so. Hopefully the other books in the trilogy keep their original names or get better name changes.
This first book in the Wild Swan trilogy was full of drama, angst, passion, action, politics, romantic drama, and gallons and gallons of family drama. Alexandria loves two men; no love triangle, she's a serial monogamist. I had forgotten how young she was when she married for the first time, maybe 14 or 14. It didn't bother me the first time I read it years ago, but did a bit this time around. Especially as there's an age gap between her and the first husband, roughly 10 years, maybe more. Most of the time I wasn't aware of their respective ages but then something would remind me and pull me out of the story.
The story is long, almost 700 pages but so much happens that I was caught up. De Blasis wrote lovely descriptions and engaging characters who made me smile, laugh, curse, and tear up. I really liked Alexandria, Alex, the book's heroine. She is feisty, tender, independent, inquisitive, ferociously loyal, and both strong and vulnerable. She wants love and attention from her cold mother and negligent father and brothers but rarely receives any. Their actions, as well as one of Alex's, are what set events in motion and kick off the story. My heart broke for Alex and how her family treated her, and I loved her grandmother. She and Alex were quite similar, especially with their forceful personalities. Alex had a rough start in life, made some poor choices, but rarely pitied herself. Instead, she would dust herself off, and try again. She had the courage to dream, the discipline to make her dreams come true, and the flexibility to change dreams.
I liked both of Alex's loves and the challenges of each relationship were more than enough for a life time. A Wild Hope is romance, history lesson, soap opera, and family saga in one rich confection. I wasn't thrilled with the portrayal of a character who had some mental and emotional challenges. It lacked compassion and was heavy-handed, and of course that character was a bad person for having those challenges. They were villainous even. Many of the bad guys were over the top and not always fully fleshed out but even so, A Wild Hope was a wild ride that tugged at my heart and pulled me into its world. I am looking forward to more books by De Blasis being released in digital and hope that my favorite, The Tiger's Woman, will be re-released.
This first book in the Wild Swan trilogy was full of drama, angst, passion, action, politics, romantic drama, and gallons and gallons of family drama. Alexandria loves two men; no love triangle, she's a serial monogamist. I had forgotten how young she was when she married for the first time, maybe 14 or 14. It didn't bother me the first time I read it years ago, but did a bit this time around. Especially as there's an age gap between her and the first husband, roughly 10 years, maybe more. Most of the time I wasn't aware of their respective ages but then something would remind me and pull me out of the story.
The story is long, almost 700 pages but so much happens that I was caught up. De Blasis wrote lovely descriptions and engaging characters who made me smile, laugh, curse, and tear up. I really liked Alexandria, Alex, the book's heroine. She is feisty, tender, independent, inquisitive, ferociously loyal, and both strong and vulnerable. She wants love and attention from her cold mother and negligent father and brothers but rarely receives any. Their actions, as well as one of Alex's, are what set events in motion and kick off the story. My heart broke for Alex and how her family treated her, and I loved her grandmother. She and Alex were quite similar, especially with their forceful personalities. Alex had a rough start in life, made some poor choices, but rarely pitied herself. Instead, she would dust herself off, and try again. She had the courage to dream, the discipline to make her dreams come true, and the flexibility to change dreams.
I liked both of Alex's loves and the challenges of each relationship were more than enough for a life time. A Wild Hope is romance, history lesson, soap opera, and family saga in one rich confection. I wasn't thrilled with the portrayal of a character who had some mental and emotional challenges. It lacked compassion and was heavy-handed, and of course that character was a bad person for having those challenges. They were villainous even. Many of the bad guys were over the top and not always fully fleshed out but even so, A Wild Hope was a wild ride that tugged at my heart and pulled me into its world. I am looking forward to more books by De Blasis being released in digital and hope that my favorite, The Tiger's Woman, will be re-released.
March 23, 2014
I read this to fulfil a challenge requirement for a romance novel and it definitely fit that task perfectly. One previous review I read of this book called it a "lusty romance novel" and that also fits somewhat, but it was really so much more than a mere "bodice ripper". It was a quite good historical fiction. Set in the first half of the 19th century in both England and Maryland, it confronts issues of the day in both places including free trading, Napoleonic Wars, immigration, nobility, horse racing, child bearing, familly issues of all types, slavery and the growing tide of sectional issues between the North and the South as well conflicts in love, war and marriage.
The horse racing part was quite fascinating as I was not familiar with this world especially from the viewpoint of 19th century standards. And I fell in love with the characters enough so I will definitely read the other two books of the triolgy.
The horse racing part was quite fascinating as I was not familiar with this world especially from the viewpoint of 19th century standards. And I fell in love with the characters enough so I will definitely read the other two books of the triolgy.
January 25, 2008
The book is pre civil war. Its about a young woman who immigrates from England to Maryland and begins a horse farm dynasty. I like the writing and felt a part of the story. It had a lot of historical references but did not get super in-depth about the historical details. It is based on a horse racing farm in Maryland and also deals with ship building of the time.
Read
November 4, 2016This is one of those old, sweeping historical novels...epic family saga...travels across the ocean...thwarted love...brave heroine and tumultuous times. I ate these kinds of books up in my 20s and I enjoyed this one. Overall, there was too much horse stuff for me, but the book reminded me of all the fun I had with these types of novels. Got to pull out my copy of The Thornbirds now....
April 2, 2008
I loved this book! i have not read the other two books in the series. This is somewhat of a historical piece. A great love story, and a book that you just don't want t o put down. I can't wait to read the others in the series.
September 8, 2018
One of my all time favorites! I felt the need to revisit these old friends as summer fades into fall this year. I smile, I cry, I'm sad to see them go- but am glad for 2 more novels to continue this saga!
August 5, 2007
LOVED this whole series !
March 29, 2020
I started reading it in November 2019, but then forgot about the book till last week ,in March 2020.
The book is very long, almost 700 pages .Reading for an hour a day, it took me a week to finish it.
This is the beginning of the story about Alexandria (Alex ) Thane.At the beginning, in 1812, she is a
tomboy girl living with her cousins the Falconers .She falls in love with her cousin Rane (pronounced like rain ) , a shipbuilder.Together they save the life of an American, Caleb Jennings from Baltimore.
In Alex's family, her siblings and she are named after famous cities: Alexandria ,Florence,and brothers Rome,Paris and Boston.Their mother, Margaret, is cold and ambitious, demeans Alex when at home.Florence is married off to a younger son of a titled family, St John Carrington, but dies giving
birth to twins (boy and girl ).St John returns home without his right arm.He proposes to Alex, but the church forbids such a marriage.Still, Alex and Sinje (as she calls him) come to live together .Don't forget, she is only 15, too young to marry .Alex gets pregnant and gives birth to a daughter, Christiana.
In 1820, after their daughter dies of a fever, Sinje and Alex with the twins decide to emigrate to America. They meet again Caleb, now married to Penelope (Pen ) and they become fast friends.
St John brings some Thoroughbred horses with him and starts betting on the races.Thus he wins their plantation, which they rename Wild Swan.During thje next 10 years their horses become champions.
Rane has moved to Baltimore, too.He is married to the American Claire , who is mad at times (shades of Bertha, Mr Rochester's wife in Jane Eyre ).When Morgan is born, everyone believes he is
Sinje's son .(Rane and Alex look alike enough to be thought siblings ).Another son, Nigel, is born.
Then a neighbouring girl, Samantha (Sam, also a tomboy and neglected by her father and stepmother ) comes into Alex's life.Sam adores Morgan .
The Carringtons abhore slavery and have only free Negro servants, like Della. Samson, a runaway slave, finds a real home at Wild Swan. Later his owner comes to the plantation to buy a horse, but Alex refuses him.Samson wants to buy his wife and children from his master ,but it's too late- they have died from some disease.
Alex is torn between the two men she loves- her husband and her cousin /lover.
I loved her wise grandmother, Virginia, a sensible and practical woman, unlike her son,Caton, Alex's father.
The book ends in 1831.To be continued in the next one.
The book is very long, almost 700 pages .Reading for an hour a day, it took me a week to finish it.
This is the beginning of the story about Alexandria (Alex ) Thane.At the beginning, in 1812, she is a
tomboy girl living with her cousins the Falconers .She falls in love with her cousin Rane (pronounced like rain ) , a shipbuilder.Together they save the life of an American, Caleb Jennings from Baltimore.
In Alex's family, her siblings and she are named after famous cities: Alexandria ,Florence,and brothers Rome,Paris and Boston.Their mother, Margaret, is cold and ambitious, demeans Alex when at home.Florence is married off to a younger son of a titled family, St John Carrington, but dies giving
birth to twins (boy and girl ).St John returns home without his right arm.He proposes to Alex, but the church forbids such a marriage.Still, Alex and Sinje (as she calls him) come to live together .Don't forget, she is only 15, too young to marry .Alex gets pregnant and gives birth to a daughter, Christiana.
In 1820, after their daughter dies of a fever, Sinje and Alex with the twins decide to emigrate to America. They meet again Caleb, now married to Penelope (Pen ) and they become fast friends.
St John brings some Thoroughbred horses with him and starts betting on the races.Thus he wins their plantation, which they rename Wild Swan.During thje next 10 years their horses become champions.
Rane has moved to Baltimore, too.He is married to the American Claire , who is mad at times (shades of Bertha, Mr Rochester's wife in Jane Eyre ).When Morgan is born, everyone believes he is
Sinje's son .(Rane and Alex look alike enough to be thought siblings ).Another son, Nigel, is born.
Then a neighbouring girl, Samantha (Sam, also a tomboy and neglected by her father and stepmother ) comes into Alex's life.Sam adores Morgan .
The Carringtons abhore slavery and have only free Negro servants, like Della. Samson, a runaway slave, finds a real home at Wild Swan. Later his owner comes to the plantation to buy a horse, but Alex refuses him.Samson wants to buy his wife and children from his master ,but it's too late- they have died from some disease.
Alex is torn between the two men she loves- her husband and her cousin /lover.
I loved her wise grandmother, Virginia, a sensible and practical woman, unlike her son,Caton, Alex's father.
The book ends in 1831.To be continued in the next one.
September 4, 2021
A sweeping saga from Kent to Devon, back to Kent and on to America
Alexandria learns of healing and life from her beloved grandmother. She learns of horses and riding from Sinje who marries her sister against her advice. When her own mother turns irrevocably against her, Alexandria goes to Devon to live with the Falconers. She lives as a beloved child and has a magical childhood with her closest cousin, Rane at her side. Together they rescue Caleb, an American POW. When her sister dies at home, she leaves Rane and returns to care for her niece and nephew (her sister’s twins) and winds up caring for Sinje, who loses his right arm in the last war against Napoleon. They cannot marry in England but live together as man and wife until they come to America, which they had heard about from Caleb. Long wonderful story of a decade or more with Sinje and their eventual farm and famous stables, Wild Swan. It is long after Sinje is severely injured in a riding accident that Rane comes back into her life. It is a powerful story of America in the last throes of slavery, thoroughbred horse and racing, boating and free traders avoiding the tariffs and much love. Alexandria rules over it all with her fierce love of home and her children, great friends, strong horses and a persisting love. I laughed and cried and lost sleep and was so sorry to see it end; i must begin the next one immediately! I am not doing the story justice but i loved every minute of it.
Alexandria learns of healing and life from her beloved grandmother. She learns of horses and riding from Sinje who marries her sister against her advice. When her own mother turns irrevocably against her, Alexandria goes to Devon to live with the Falconers. She lives as a beloved child and has a magical childhood with her closest cousin, Rane at her side. Together they rescue Caleb, an American POW. When her sister dies at home, she leaves Rane and returns to care for her niece and nephew (her sister’s twins) and winds up caring for Sinje, who loses his right arm in the last war against Napoleon. They cannot marry in England but live together as man and wife until they come to America, which they had heard about from Caleb. Long wonderful story of a decade or more with Sinje and their eventual farm and famous stables, Wild Swan. It is long after Sinje is severely injured in a riding accident that Rane comes back into her life. It is a powerful story of America in the last throes of slavery, thoroughbred horse and racing, boating and free traders avoiding the tariffs and much love. Alexandria rules over it all with her fierce love of home and her children, great friends, strong horses and a persisting love. I laughed and cried and lost sleep and was so sorry to see it end; i must begin the next one immediately! I am not doing the story justice but i loved every minute of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews