Customer Reviews

The Country House Courtship (A Regency Inspirational Romance)

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

We watched Ariana come of age in her first London season, back when she charmed both her aunt and the Paragon, Mr. Mornay in the House at Grosvenor Square. Now Beatrice, Ariana's little sister, wants her own Cinderella story. She wants the same prestige, a large estate, and a doting husband like her sister has enjoyed. Ariana, however, never set out to marry into money, but happened upon it while seeking God's will for her life. Beatrice is determined to improve her place in society as she feels her sister has done, and she will never fall for any man who can't give her what she desires.

Which brings us to Mr O'Brien and Mr. Barton. We watched Mr. O'Brien unsuccessfully try for Ariana in the first book of the series. He is the curate, now a humbled and matured man since last we saw him. He is a thorn in Beatrice's side with his genuine kindness, since he cannot give her the material life to which she aspires. But Mr. Barton can. He is charming, even with his lack of interest in the things of God and family. Why is he renting the manor house in the country? His motives are not clear, but Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Mornay suspect they are less than above board.

Linore Rose Burkard's series from the early 19th century rings authentic, compared to many regency novels. Dialogue in regency novels can often be full of 21st century jargon with topics and conversations people would have today, but would never have had back then. Burkard's dialogue and tone reads exactly as you would picture the characters talking in 1818.

The historical situations are based on the culture and beliefs of the period in England - the paranoia of disease that caused workers to be prohibited from working if any family member was sick in order to protect the landlord's family. The age of bloodletting and warming a fever and the fear of not yet understanding how sickness was spread lends itself to superstition and to the mercy of the town apothecary.

When crisis strikes, and Ariana is close to death, Beatrice remembers her faith. She and her close knit family turn to God for help, led by Mr. O'Brien who is no longer Mr. Mornay's nemesis. Marrying for love, regardless of title or dowry, is illustrated beautifully by none other than Mr. Barton's lonely, troubled sister. Will Mr. Barton change his scheming ways? Or will Beatrice grow into the woman of God she was meant to be?

The Country House Courtship lets us in on a life of chaperones and equipages, bonnets and redingotes, romance and obligation. But one thing that never changes from century to century and is skillfully woven into this story, is faith in a loving God who offers salvation to all.

--Reviewed by Carol Kurtz Darlington for TitleTrakk

I write this review from a different sort of perspective. Books by Linore Rose Burkard are often touted as, "Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen soul." Now if you love Jane Austen, chances are you've already discovered Linore and her wonderful books based on that glowing recommendation. But I must confess. It scared me away. Although I enjoy much about these books and this era, I feel like I'm slogging through the formal convoluted language every time I pick up a Jane Austen novel. I have yet to make it to the end of one. For me, pleasure reading they are not.

So it was with some trepidation that began the advanced copy of The Country House Courtship sent to me for this review. By the time I reached the second chapter, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief because I found myself enjoying the book enormously. The language rings of Jane Austen, yet is much friendlier to the modern reader. The omniscient viewpoint made me feel like I was sitting with a friend as they told me a tale and proved a pleasant change from the norm.

In The Country House Courtship Linore combines the best elements of Regency fiction with the best elements of contemporary writing to delightful effect. I would call these books "Jane Austen Lite," and I mean that in the best sort of way. There is no slogging or trudging through this book. Readers can enjoy a wonderful Regency style novel that is friendly to a modern day audience. So of course, I highly recommend this book to Jane Austen fans. However, I think anyone who enjoys romance or historical fiction will love this book as well.

This story really harkens back to the Jane Austen period and style of writing and storytelling. I was so delighted to find these books, and have not been able to put them down. I especially loved, "The Country House Courtship". The story is intriguing and the characters are real and have depth. I especially like the way that a response to Christ is woven into the lives and story of each person, even if they reject Him. Also, the sanctification in those believing is apparent, which I like because it holds the story together as a journey of faith, as well as life.
Definitely a fun and engrossing read!

This is Burkard's third book in this series. It is 1818 and Miss Beatrice Forsythe is determined to go to London and marry well at the age of 17.

Beatrice meets with the clergymen again, Mr. O'Brien, whom she promised to marry when she was twelve. (They are introduced the the first novel, Before the Season Ends) Shorthly after the clergymens arrive, Mr. Tristan Barton comes to live in the Manor House on a business trip sent by the Regent. The Manor house sits near the Mornay's country estate. Beatrice hopes to see herself settled with him. She soon learns the truths of these men. In turn she realizes her own heart and her desires.

Nice ending, I loved Phillip Mornay in the first novel and really enjoyed him in this one. Found the dialogue with him and Mr. Barton witty. The characters put their trust in God when Mrs. Mornay falls ill. The only negative things is that I sometimes found her mother to be a little childish.

Christians and fans of the Regency Period should read this set of novels. It will not disappoint.
Look forward to reading more from this author, she truly understands the Regency period.

The ladies at the retirement village likes the author and enjoy her books. When I'm asked to buy more of Linore Rose Burkard's books then I know the author was well received.

My Review
The Country House Courtship is a delightful faith-based Regency novel that will that will keep you entertained and immersed in biblical truths as Beatrice learns the lessons of life. I love how Burkhard builds Beatrice's character from a young innocent girl to a woman of high morals and principles. The transformation is gradual, but appropriate as events unfold in the story. Additionally, I enjoyed the hero, Mr. O'Brien, and his struggle to remain proper while trying to prove how much he has changed from the young man he had once been with the many blunders he made in chasing Beatrice's sister in the past. As a result, Mr. Mornay thinks of him as a nuisance, a pest, but comes to realize the true character of the man Mr. O'Brien has become. The romance in this novel is so precious, and I enjoyed how the characters allowed their decisions and view of things to stay in line with their faith-filled beliefs.

At first the way the story is written, I thought there was some head-hopping as the reader knows each characters' thoughts and points of view within each scene. As I read and became accustomed to the author's style, I realized it was indeed her writing style and it wasn't head-hopping as much as the use of omniscient point of view in a way that I've not been accustomed to in a while. It took some getting used to as I've been "conditioned" to write within one point of view per scene, but in truth, I prefer to know what everyone is thinking. I didn't find it confusing, and I rather enjoyed it, especially not having to wait until the next scene to know what someone's reaction is going to be. Therefore, the next scene is free to move the plot forward. Also, there is a great glossary in the back of the book to help those who may not be quite as familiar with Regency terms.

If you enjoy wonderful faith-based Regencies, then I highly recommend The Country House Courtship by Linore Rose Burkhard. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!

This is my first time ever writing a review for anything on Amazon.com, but I am so impressed with Linore Burkard's series (Before the Season Ends, House in Grosvenor Square and The Country House Courtship)that I felt compelled to share. The books held my interest; in fact, I read until the wee hours of the night because the stories were captivating. Burkard's writing style has been compared to Jane Austen, which is understandable, yet Burkhard has a distinct style of her own. The characters are well developed -- my favorite being Mr. Mornay. All in all this is a fantastic,well-written, period authentic, inspirational romance story. Some reviewers have mentioned being able to follow the story without reading all three books. And Burkard has done a great job of interweaving the stories so this is possible. But for the greater reading pleasure (and detail), I would recommend reading all three books. If you are a fan of this genre (regency inspirational romance), you won't regret it.

Linore Rose Burkard's books are simply delightful. This is the third and final installment in the stories of Forsythe/Mornay families. Beatrice is an endearing, charming character. A bit jealous of her sister's situation in life, Beatrice longs for her own wealthy match. She's disappointed that her sister and Mr. Mornay have retired to their country estate and have no plans to return to London, and Beatrice worries that she'll miss her season of coming out.

However, drama comes to the country as an old acquaintance shows up to apply for the position of curate. At the same time, a charming, if not roguish visitor also moves into the neighborhood. Beatrice finds her attentions divided as she grows up and learns that what she searches for is often right in front of her.

A simply charming story and a fitting end to the Regency trilogy. The books Before the Season Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square as well as this one all stand alone, although I recommend reading them in order, simply for wonderful stories, as well as character history.

After picking up this book, I've decided I have to get my hands on the first one. If you like Jane Austen (which I LOVE), you'll like this with its refreshing, easy prose. Linore brought the Regency era to life with its customs, practices, dialogue, descriptions, etc. I really felt like I was there! For readers who want to curl up in a cozy corner with a cup of tea, this is a sweet escape into the world of Austen.

I rated this book 5 stars. It wasn't my favorite read; but still 5 star worthy! I plan on going back and reading the first 2 stories that this story spins off from. I like a good Regency Era romance and this was definitely one. I will most likely re-read this book at some point. That may help me appreciated more of the details and characters in this story.