Customer Reviews

Face of the Maiden

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

 

 

Usually I am not a big fan of ghost stories but in Emma Wildes novel, Face of the Maiden it works because it is very closely tied to mortal characters.

Celia has finished school and has moved in with her second cousin the Earl of Ashburn who became her guardian after her father died. Also living at the estate is Lord Ashburn's son Phillip next in line for the title. Celia is entranced by Phillip as soon as they meet. She has dreamt of him before and they are very passionate dreams.

Phillip has also shared the same dreams of Celia. He is attracted to the innocent, gentle woman. Phillip is a reserved man unlike his younger brothers.

Celia discovers that she greatly resembles a past antecedent. When she sees Caroline Leighton's portrait it is like looking in a mirror. Seems Caroline lived two hundred years ago and had a scandalous reputation; she left her husband to run off with a lover.

The dreams Celia and Phillip share are really the life of Caroline and her lover. The dreams are well told and the reader can feel the longing that Caroline and her true love have for each other. In fact, their story is a better one that Celia and Phillip's. Whereas Caroline and her lover are boldly passionate and adventurous, Celia is shyer and Phillip is withdrawn. Celia and Phillip spend much time apart in this story not so for Caroline and her love who spend almost all their time together through Celia and Phillip's dreams.

This story has an interesting plot with the ghostly lovers visiting the mortals in their dreams. I was very intrigued with them, more so then with Celia and Phillip who had little interaction until the later part of this novel.

What I loved most about this book was the cover! It provided a complete picture of the heroine which assisted me much through the story. The story itself was wonderful! Emotionally involving as well as adventured without getting too confusing. Wonderful book!

This was my first time to read Emma Wildes an I was not disappointed . This is one for my book shelf . I couldn't put it down an it kept me on the edge of my chair .. thanks

I don't usually like ghost stories but this on had the ghost relying on the humans to tell their story. It was a great story as well, it was two stories in one really. The main characters were good, Celia and Phillip and Catherine and P??. Don't want to give that part away.

I generally enjoy Emma Wilde's novels but I did not enjoy this one. I have tried reading it several times but to no avail. I do not like the mix of ghosts and romance. I would love to see Ms Wildes re-write this one as I think it has potential.