The Chatelaine [Mass Market Paperback]

Claire Lorrimer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 12, 1982

Only Willoughby Tetford, the American self-made millionaire, was shrewd enough to have any misgivings when his beautiful daughter, Willow, married the handsome English aristocrat. Willow herself, seventeen, innocent and deeply in love with her new husband, Rowell Rochford, had complete trust and confidence in the future as she arrived at Rochford Manor in England. And when Rowell's matriarchal French grandmother handed her the keys of the house and told she was the new Chatelaine, Willow believed she held the keys not only to the multitude of rooms of which she was now the mistress but also to love and happiness. On her arrival, she is greeted warmly by her four brothers-in-law: Tony, quiet and studious; Pelham, teasing and flirtatious, the spoilt Francis and the sensitive Rupert. But she has no inkling of the obsession which grips old Lady Rochford because of events in the past to which she, Willow is ignorant. Nor does she realise the terrible repercussions the obsession will have on her own life.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Claire Lorrimer began writing at the age of ten, encouraged by her mother, the author Denise Robins. Her post as a subeditor on a woman's magazine gave her an insight into the world of publishing, but it was during World War II that her writing career became firmly established. She subsequently turned to historical fiction and now lives in Rural Kent. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 559 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1st Ballantine Books ed edition (April 12, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345298845
• ISBN-13: 978-0345298843
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,522,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Longtime Favorite, February 29, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Chatelaine (Paperback)

I started reading this book about twelve years ago. I was 12. I was hooked on this book from page one. The book fell apart from age, so I was not able to finish reading it. I recently located this book again at a local used bookstore. Ecstatically, I began to reread this book. Willow is a strong character. She is a great heroine in this book. The book is well written and keeps you hooked til the very end, leaving you wanting more. I highly recommend this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good historical fiction, August 26, 2011

By 

Harley "Harley" (Ireland) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Chatelaine: Rochford Trilogy: Book 1 (Rochford Saga) (Kindle Edition)

This was not really what I expected but turned out to be a very enjoyable read. It is not a regency bodice ripper (which is what I intended to buy). It is a long saga of a woman's life, touching on those around her. If you like a solid, believable family saga and romance, then this is for you. Willow's struggles and triumphs are engaging. In some ways it reminded me of Catherine Cookson, other than here of course we are dealing with the gentry rather than the more middle and working class settings of her novels. It is well done and deserves the top rating.

5.0 out of 5 stars Spellbinding, May 16, 2011

By 

Rudolf "Avid Historical Fiction Reader" (Aston, PA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Chatelaine: Rochford Trilogy: Book 1 (Rochford Saga) (Kindle Edition)

Ok, I was captivated from page one. I loved the main character Willow, hated Rowell and thought the brothers, Toby, Pelham, Francis and Rupert added a nice touch to the story. The youngest sister, Dodie was also nice little story. The Grandmother was more the wicked witch with her partners in crime, Aunt Millie and the doctor, despicable. The near misses and missed opportunities nearly drove me insane. The missing daughter was a heart breaker. Some of the misadventures you could see coming, others were surprising. The ending was very well done. Not since reading the Hunchback of Notre Dame have I been so torn by an ending, of course, the ending is still in to come. Can't wait for book number two.