Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Reviewed by CindyRatings
Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content
LANGUAGE
VIOLENCE
SEXUAL CONTENT
ADULT THEMES
Ratings Explanation
Language: It is mentioned twice that someone swore but no swear words were actually used.
Violence: A highwayman holds up a carriage. Someone is shot. A kidnapping occurs at gunpoint. Two men duel with swords.
Sexual Content: A few kisses take place.
Adult Themes: It is mentioned that a woman died. Marianne and her maid are robbed. A man is drunk.
Synopsis
Marianne Daventry has spent the last year with her grandmother in Bath following the death of her mother, while her twin sister, Cecily, resides with relatives in London. Marianne receives an invitation from her sister to spend the summer in the beautiful English countryside and looks forward to a relaxing and peaceful time away from the confines of her grandmother and Bath. Cecily’s summer plan is to capture the heart of Edenbrooke’s highly sought after heir. Marianne’s courage is put to the test as she and her maid fight off a highwayman while traveling. While recovering at an inn she meets a handsome yet mysterious stranger before traveling on to Edenbrooke. Relaxing isn’t exactly the word to describe her summer as she finds herself involved with adventure, intrigue and, of course, romance!
I am such a fan of Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, that I was immediately drawn to this book by Julianne Donaldson! The thing that I loved most was that Marianne learned to be okay with and accept who she is instead of trying to fit the perfect mold of who English Society expected her to be. This quote sums it up, “I reread my grandmother’s letter and realized with a deep sense of contentment that I had not had to change at all in order to have every hope for happiness in life. I had not had to learn to sing for company or to behave like Cecily or to stop twirling. I could be myself and be loved deeply. I was in fact, a lot like Meg (horse), who had always been a racehorse. I just hadn’t known it.” Great story! I would recommend this for grades 7 and up.