Customer Reviews

Annabella's Diamond (Regency Romance)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Our hero, Diamond, decides to help his old friend and neighbour get through her second London season. With her friend at his side, the Bella is soon breaking hearts, even our Diamond's. Add a mystery, some long lost relatives, a little murder and intrigue and you've got another great read by Ms. Lansdowne.

"Annabella's Diamond" was funny, a little over-the-top at times, but overall, entertaining. The characters were quite likeable, as well. There was a rather unexpectedly dark mystery between the covers of this book that is not even hinted at in the blurb. It took me by surprise, as I was expecting the typical light Regency when I picked this book up. Nevertheless, I liked the book and placed it on my keeper shelf.

I usually love Judith Lansdown'e regencies. Her characters are usually warm, funny and appealing. I enjoyed the romance between Bella and Diamond. I loved the funny situations, especially when the Diamond takes too much medicine. But I found the "mystery" in the story too overplayed and that actually took away from the romance that was so enjoyable. Certainly a good read but missed the mark. Sometimes it is okay to write a regency love story without all the secondary stuff that tends to be added to these sorts of stories.

This has the makings of a best-seller: a complex plot, fully realized characters, humor, mystery, and suspense. The development of the hero's need to deal with his repressed memories gives the novel greater depth.

Perhaps the reason some of the previous reviewers didn't like this novel is because some of the subject matter is very dark and disturbing. However, I found that the subplot involving the duke's parents' history added unexpected depth and intrigue to what otherwise would have been a standard Regency storyline (unpopular girl gets help from popular lord who ends up falling for now-popular girl). That being said, even if just the standard storyline had been followed this would have still been a fantastic read. Ms. Lansdowne's hero is intriguing and very likeable, and her heroine is spunky, adorable, and very appealing. The secondary characters are also skillfully depicted. I highly recommend this novel to those Regency readers who want an experience above and beyond the usual.

This has the makings of a best-seller: a complex plot, fully realized characters, humor, mystery, and suspense. The development of the hero's need to deal with his repressed memories gives the novel greater depth.

Judith A Lansdowne has written another winner here. I finally was able to purchase a copy this past weekend. I loved Diamond and Bella's re- lationship. I also liked the mystery in the story.

I loved this book; I could barely put it down. The characters easily came alive and the romance between the Duke and Bella was pure and sweet. There was also a great mystery and a wonderful ending. This is a great book for teens and those begining to read historical romances, but long-time regency readers should enjoy it too.

I wasn't able to finish this book because of the preposterous plot, wooden dialogue, and cardboard characters. My advice is that you NOT buy this book.

Judith A. Lansdowne lights the way to Regency England once again in this heartwarming story. Writing about lovable characters, with touches of sweetness and humor, Ms. Lansdowne's books are truly gifts to readers. I highly recommend all of this author's work. Rosemary Stevens