The Emerald Swan [Unabridged] [Mass Market Paperback]

Jane Feather (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 1998

Dear Reader,

My new story begins on a terror-filled night when two babies--identical twin girls of noble birth--are separated. One grows to womanhood as the frail, manipulative ward of the handsome young earl of Harcourt. The other becomes an enchanting, street-smart urchin who earns her way as a traveling player on the streets of England and France.

The two girls' paths might never again have crossed if Harcourt hadn't run into Miranda in the midst of an exuberant performance. The resemblance to his ward is unmistakable--uncanny, in fact...and an ambitious plot begins to take shape in Harcourt's mind.

His ward, Maude, will commit herself to a convent rather than marry the love-struck king of France, who will soon be traveling to London to claim her. What if Miranda were to take Maude's place?  Harcourt is confident that with the right training, the right clothes, and the right attitude, the lithe, carefree Miranda will captivate society--and the king.

So begins Harcourt's breathtaking scheme to turn an ugly duckling into a gorgeous swan. But if he succeeds too well, Miranda may become something irresistible--even to Harcourt....

It's a delicious dilemma and a dangerous deception...and the twists and turns surprised even me.

Warmest wishes,

Jane Feather

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Jane Feather is an accomplished storyteller...
rare and wonderful."
--Daily News of Los Angeles

Don't miss any of the tantalizing romances by Jane Feather:

The Silver Rose
"Spirited...enjoyable sexual antics abound."
--Publishers Weekly

The Diamond Slipper
"With her marvelous imagery, Ms. Feather draws [in] the reader....Captivating romance."
--Romantic Times

Vice
"A delightful read, brimming with passion, touches of humor, poignancy...A marvelous ending to Ms. Feather's 'V' books."
--Romantic Times

Available wherever Bantam Books are sold

From the Publisher

"Jane Feather is an accomplished storyteller...
rare and wonderful."
--Daily News of Los Angeles

Don't miss any of the tantalizing romances by Jane Feather:

The Silver Rose
"Spirited...enjoyable sexual antics abound."
--Publishers Weekly

The Diamond Slipper
"With her marvelous imagery, Ms. Feather draws [in] the reader....Captivating romance."
--Romantic Times

Vice
"A delightful read, brimming with passion, touches of humor, poignancy...A marvelous ending to Ms. Feather's 'V' books."
--Romantic Times

Available wherever Bantam Books are sold

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Bantam; 1st edition (January 5, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553575252
• ISBN-13: 978-0553575255
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #315,413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jane Feather's trilogy concludes in a blaze of glory, December 14, 2000

By 

E.L. Cruz (Mission Viejo, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Emerald Swan (Mass Market Paperback)

The last of Jane Feather's charm bracelet trilogy, THE EMERALD SWAN, is a great romance novel. On the bloody night of St. Bartholomew's massacre in France, two twin infant girls are separated when their mother, a Hugenot named Elenor d'Albard, is killed by a Catholic mob. Years later, the Earl of Harcourt, Elenor's cousin, sees a female street performer who bears a striking resemblance to his cousin, Maude. The Earl offers the limber and talented Miranda a proposition to impersonate Maude in fear that the ailing Maude will refuse her station to marry the Duke of Roissy, who is in reality King Henry of Navarre and France. All-consuming love and passion flares up between the earl and Miranda, plunging them into peril as they precariously attempt to play out the deceptive charade in hopes that Queen Elizabeth and King Henry will remain blind to the switch.

I was completely fulfilled and satisfied with this last book in Jane Feather's trilogy. The plot of the book, which consists of twin sisters separated at birth, a handsome and elegant earl, a traveling troupe of performers, and a flamboyant monkey, makes this novel pure joy to experience. The author accurately depicts the strict mannerisms and protocol demanded of nobility in Queen Elizabeth I's court. She also beautifully portrays the love that blossoms between the earl and Miranda as something inevitable and intrinsic; it's almost as if they were born to this earth to love one another.

Every single one of the main characters was so well-written I felt as if I knew them personally: The Earl and Miranda, Maude and Imogen, even Miranda's cute pet monkey Chip who likes to remain in the room while the Earl and Miranda are making love. Even the chemistry between Maude and Henry is captivating.

Don't miss out on this great book. Many hours of romantic entertainment and fulfillment are in store for you if you buy and read this novel. (And as a last suggestion, if you loved this book, you might want to check out the French film "Queen Margot" as well.)

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great historial romance, December 20, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Emerald Swan (Mass Market Paperback)

King Henry of Navarre is proud of the fact that he is to marry Margaret, the sister of the French King Charles. This marriage was supposed to unite France in the middle of the sixteenth century, but instead is used as an evening to destroy the Huguenots. In Paris, mobs roam the city and one group murders Lady Elenor Albard. When her spouse finds her corpse, he only sees one of their twin infants girls. He assumes the other is dead.

Two decades later, Elenor's cousin, the Earl of Harcourt, Gareth, travels to France to offer a deal with King Henry, who has Paris under siege. The two noblemen agree that Gareth's charge, Maude (Elenor's surviving daughter) will marry Henry. On his way back to his English home, Gareth stops to watch a young acrobat perform. He learns her name is Miranda and is amazed how much she looks like Maude. Gareth, who worries about Maude's reaction to Henry, offers Miranda an opportunity to make some money by(if necessary) impersonating her look alike. Miranda accepts the offer, but to the amazement of the pair, they fall in love. However, if Maude fails to cooperate with the disguised Henry, Miranda and Gareth will not have to worry about their own relationship since their lives will be forfeit.

When it comes to historical romance, Jane Feather is a heavy weight as she can be depended upon to scribe a fabulous tale. Her latest novel, The EMERALD SWAN is an enthralling story that brings alive sixteenth century France and England to the enjoyment of Ms. Feather's myriad of fans. The lead and secondary characters are all well written and what could have been a trite story line turns into an exhilarating read that will be cherished by the fans of the sub-genre.

Harriet Klausner

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Third in Charm Bracelet Trilogy, August 22, 2001

By 

Stacy Wallace (Lumberton, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Emerald Swan (Mass Market Paperback)

This was a wonderfully well-written love story. Miranda was a delight. And I just loved her little monkey, Chip. And she brought so much to Maude. I just knew Maude had to be made of sterner stuff than she protrayed at first. Now the story could have done without Gareth's sister. She was a horrible wretch. I think Ms. Feather could have invented a better character for his sister. Out of the series I must say this was by far the best one. Highly recommed!