8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Diamonds definitely sparkles !!, May 3, 2009
The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor is an anthology set around the notorious Fitzmanning Miscellany - the various children of the current Duke and Duchess of Manning. To society they are a scandalous brood - his legitimate children with his previous wife, his illegitimate daughter with an unknown mistress, and their illegitimate children together - born before they were both free to wed. Add her legitimate son with her first husband and you have the stuff of a society gossip's dreams.
The reality is far more heart-warming, quarrelsome, loving and fun! With cheeky servants, a gorgeous home, squabbling siblings, entertaining guests and two dogs that steal the show and anything else that isn't nailed down it's a wonderful read for a Sunday afternoon.
The heart of this anthology is the Fitzmanning family. They are rowdy, independent and they adore each other. Not the done thing in 1818 English society. I loved every minute I spent with them.
While each novella is a separate love story, the thread that runs through each of them is the genuine affection these young people have for each other. A close knit family, when they have every reason not to be, they give the reader someone to root for at every turn, someone to conspire with, to laugh with, to cry with and to fall in love with.
In Justine and the Noble Viscount, the ever sensible Justine teaches the British lord with the stiffest upper lip I've ever seen how to smile and how to love and that love and understanding - not to mention patience! - is what makes a family.
In Annalise and the Scandalous Rake, the artistic Annalise learns to accept the woman she really is, she must be that woman outside of the four walls of her studio. In the process she and Ned, her scandalous rake, learn that love is about acceptance, the very thing this family is built on.
In Charlotte and the Wicked Lord, Charlotte (owner of two of the most scene-stealing pugs that will ever melt your heart and make you laugh until you cry!) learns that love is a gift given freely with no thought as to the consequences. Only a fool would turn it down, especially when it is delivered by the man of her dreams who has always longed to be a part of a real family like the Fitzmannings.
This anthology was a sheer delight to read and very much in the tradition of the Bridgertons and the Cynsters. I fell in love with the Fitzmannings and I know the reader looking for a heart-warming escape into a chaotic brood with a talent for trouble will love it too. I hope the authors intend to keep us posted on the scandalous, riotous doings at Welbourne Manor. I had such a good time, I can't wait to visit again!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you love escaping the "real world," enter THIS romantic one..., May 10, 2009
Just finished Diane Gaston's wonderful novelette, called Justine and the Noble Viscount. It's the first story in "The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor." Justine
and Lord Brenner, the heroine and hero, are as close to flesh-and-blood human beings as you'll ever find in print, and the romance simmers and builds to a fantastic conclusion, with enough twists and turns in the way to keep us guessing.
Gaston's background in social psychiatry shines through, not in a clinical or sterile way, but in the warmth, richness, and REALNESS of her characters. I can relate to them so well, because they are so very much like real people. I've read enough crummy romances (sadly) to know that a 1- or 2-dimensional character just won't cut it. Ironically, it is the reality of Gaston's characters which helps pull you into their world, and away from our own. Masterful writing.
Brava! Now on to the other 2 stories in the book!!
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
It Was All Right., April 26, 2009
The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor is an anthology about three unconventional, illegitimate sisters. They share Welbourne Manor with their brothers. Welbourne is the grandest of homes, a home brimming with fun, laughter, and love.
Book 1 -
Diane Gaston: "Justine and the Noble Viscount."
Rating: 3 stars Grade: C+ Status: Pleasant read
Mini Synopsis:
Many in society were very critical of the Duke of Manning's boisterous, carefree household. And Gerald Brenner was a firm worshiper in that criticism. When he was ten, his mother had made a choice -- the waiting arms of the Duke of Manning or the loving arms of her frighten, little boy! His mother had become a duchess! And Gerald Brenner had learned to hate.
As he entered the Fitzmanning manor, a glorious house party was in full swing. However, soon all the festivities would come to an abrupt end; the deaths of one's parents could do that! Gerard Brenner was the Fitzmanning's guardian and trustee. It was his duty to help them; to show them what to do, and to tell them what to say. Responsibilities Gerald Brenner did not want! He did not want to have admirable feelings for this motley crew. And to make matters worse, the duke's eldest daughter, the lovely Miss Justine Savard, was suddenly stirring up Gerard's cold, neglected heart.
Reviewer's Comments:
AFTER I grasped the familial connections, I settled into JUSTINE AND THE NOBLE VISCOUNT. Overall, the story was enjoyable, although the childish, adolescent behavior of the Fitzmanning brood did spoil some sections.
". . . Brenner recognized the Duke's legitimate sons . . . whom he had glimpsed in society a time or two . . ."
From that statement the new Duke of Manning, Nicholas Fitzmanning, is a man! Whether he is carefree or not, he should be well trained to take over the ducal duties! Gerald Brenner would not have to "hold" his hand.
Book 2 -
Deb Marlowe: "Annalise and the Scandalous Rake."
Rating: 4 stars Grade: B Status: Sweet page turner
Mini Synopsis:
Deliciously Ned Milford's presence curled around Annalise's heart. She wanted to paint him; she wanted to touch him . . . that is . . . until she discovered his disloyalty and deceitfulness.
Annalise Fitzmanning intrigued him. She tempted him. Initially, it was the smudge of color on her fingers; then it was her quiet appraisal; and finally it was the realization -- Annalise Fitzmanning was a kindred spirit! Annalise Fitzmanning saw the world through color and images too! However, the things Annalise excited in him were best forgotten. Ned Milford was the mysterious Prattle. Secretly, through his popular caricatures, Ned mocked and mimicked the antics of the beau monde!
Reviewer's Comments:
This was my favorite story of the anthology. Deb Marlowe created an enjoyable story, using gentle romance and compatible characters. Although, in the last few pages, part of the shine was lost when ANNALISE AND THE SCANDALOUS RAKE took on a rather hurried tone.
Book 3 -
Amanda McCabe: "Charlotte and the Wicked Lord."
Rating: 3 stars Grade: C+ Status: Pleasant read
Mini Synopsis:
When Charlotte Fitzmanning was younger, Andrew Bassington was her one true love, but for the most part, that love had been denied. Oh, she supposed, Drew liked her well enough; after all, he was her older brothers' friend, but it seemed he was always laughing at her! How embarrassing! But now, Charlotte was no longer a silly girl; she was a young woman of eighteen and it was time to put away the alluring memory of Drew Bassington and move on!
Fondly Drew Bassington remembered his years spent at Welbourne Manor. And vividly he remembered that little sprite: Charlotte Fitzmanning, jubilant Charlotte with all her impish hopes and dreams. Perhaps it was time Drew returned to Welbourne Manor, for it was rumored Lady Emily Carroll would attend the scheduled house party and she was the perfect female for him to wed. Lady Emily Carroll was responsible, respectable, and quiet.
Reviewer's Comments:
"Fair to middling" pretty much sums up CHARLOTTE AND THE WICKED LORD. Although, I must admit, Charlotte's little pugs (dogs) did raise the level of enjoyment. Those little rascals managed to steal every scene in which they appeared.
MaryGrace Meloche.
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