Customer Reviews

The House in Grosvenor Square (Thorndike Christian Fiction)

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

here are some novels I have enjoyed reading almost entirely too much. Before the Season Ends, Linore Rose Burkard's first Regency Inspirational Romance was one such title. Captivatingly addictive, true to period language and form, the story of beautiful, young outspoken Ariana Forsythe and the wealthy, stand-offish Phillip Mornay quickly became a fast favourite, and prompted an all-night reading spree. When the sequel The House in Grosvenor Square arrived I was almost afraid to open it for fear that it wouldn't live up to the first book.

As the book opens we find Ariana Forsythe amidst the plans for her wedding to Phillip Mornay. Deeply in love and delighted by her betrothed's blossoming newfound faith all should be pure bliss. However, trouble stirs - her beloved is distant, his servants are plotting against her, and there are dastardly knaves plotting her abduction for unknown reasons.

Ariana and Phillip's relationship matures as it goes through trials and temptations. Reading of their deepening attachment and affection for one provided both a warm glow of love throughout the tale, and periods of angst during miscommunications and conflict.

Where Before the Season Ends was spot-on Regency with a distinctive Christian influence, The House in Grosvenor Square strays towards an amalgam of historical romantic suspense. While still set in the Regency period and bearing all of the earmarks of the fashion, slang, and social mores, the novel jauntily heads down a much more modern path of plot development than the ancestors of the genre ever took.

By including multiple kidnappings and one mysterious development after another, Burkard draws her young couple out of the insular dance of courtship, card parties, and gossip and into the realm of mild-mannered adventure. The continued emphasis on propriety, appearances, and purity still provide a small dose of the typical Regency escapism though not as much as the first novel contained. Oddly, the suspense-based plot also resulted in slower pacing than the romantic tension found in the original.

I have just recently noticed a developing trend in Christian publisher Harvest House's inspirational regencies. Both Linore Burkard's and Kaye Dascus' Ransome Trilogy series approach the genre with fairly traditional opening novels before diving into plots that are quite adventurous by Regency standards in the subsequent volumes. I'm afraid that I can't say I'm thrilled by the change in emphasis in these modern examples.

I'm not about to give up on the new approach however. Perhaps I'll develop as much of a taste for derring-do in jolly England as I do for stories of adventurous speculative fiction. To be fair, Burkard still includes plenty of loyal butlers, wardrobe changes, and blundering suitors to take us away to another time. Let's wait and see what she brings us next, shall we?

Linore has a real understanding of the Regency period. The sequel to 'Before the Season Ends' brings back Ariana and Mr. Mornay along with many of the other characters and several new. You will get to see all the mayhem that leads up to Phillip and Ariana's marriage and it will keep you turning the pages, I promise. If you like Regency you will love this book because Linore Burkard knows her stuff. Check out her website if you want to find out more about the Regency Period. It is great!

Be sure to read Book 1 first (this is Book 2). Very entertaining and well-written,i.e., it held my attention and left me wanting to read more of this author.

SPOLIER ALERT!



As Ariana prepares to marry Phillip Mornay, she runs into all sorts of peril. With each page, I found myself continually anxious for the principle characters, and in this way, Burkard's second novel has a very different feel than the first.

While all the elements of Regency fiction are in place--from the distinct language to the fanciful characters--this second book had a quicker pace as Burkard kept Ariana and company in constant danger. From the coves stalking her carriage to the dishonest servants within their own homes, treachery has surrounded both Ariana and Phillip as plans for their wedding move forward.

From the cut of Ariana's wedding gown to the intricacies of the artwork in Number 25 Grosvenor Square, Burkard lays Regency London before the reader with skill. She has done an exceptional job with dialogue, and I appreciate the attention she gives to Ariana and Phillip's alone time. A superb job has also been done of introducing future story-lines and I am looking forward with anticipation to her next installment.

Sweet Ariana Forsythe is planning her wedding to the most eligible bachelor in England, Philip Mornay. Is it wrong to start spending Philip's money before the wedding? There are so many charities that need support. So much good she will be able to do. Soon. Or now? She visits his home to start moving her belongings in, but the servants don't seem to like her much. Why? Plus, someone is holding a grudge against Philip and has made several attempts to abduct Ariana. Can Philip discover who is trying to hurt him and keep Ariana safe?

Linore Rose Burkhart weaves wonderfully complex dramas that make you want to go and read all your Jane Austen books as soon as you close the cover of hers. Her books are filled with a myriad of intriguing characters. I love that Ariana is a girl who isn't afraid to evangelize anyone--even her abductor! And I love reading about Philip's struggle to deal with his betrothed. This was a really fun book to read. I hope that Linore Rose Burkhart has more stories to tell about England 1813. Highly recommended.

The House in Grosvenor Square by Linore Rose Burkard is the second to feature Ariana Forsythe in a Regency Inspirational Romance. Ariana and fiance Phillip Mornay are just days away from their wedding, and she is getting ready to move into his Grosvenor Square manor. But every time she visits the house, something valuable disappears, and soon Ariana herself is disappearing from repeated kidnapping attempts. Phillip must discover who is at the bottom of both mysteries to save their wedding day. Burkard has perfected the art of mistaken identities and misconstrued messages making the plot zip with humor and fun, along with a more serious suspense plot as well. She juggles the romance, faith, humor, and suspense easily; I absolutely couldn't put this book down. I do love how there are certain traps that Burkard does not fall into. While there are plenty of near-misses in meetings, never does Ariana do trademark heroine actions of the type that have readers groaning in disgust and frustration (like leaving the house alone knowing that someone wants to kidnap her) making the book a true joy. I do hope that Burkard isn't finished with the couple's escapades; they are too good to end the series at just two books!

(the short version): I loved this book. Go out right now (I did say now, but you may wait until you finish reading this. You are welcome.) and buy this book for the significant female in your life. Mother's Day is coming up, you know . . . and if you have more than one significant female in your life: buy multiple copies because once she's read this book, she will be reluctant to part with it. I'm just sayin'.

(the jubilee version): Miss Ariana Forsythe is soon to be wed to the most eligible man of the ton, Phillip Mornay. But sudden, curious disappearances of his belongings and his beloved puts Mornay on a path of mystery that he must untangle before his wedding date - just a few days away. Ariana must trust her fiance and God to straighten out the twists and turns that have troubled what should have been the most exciting days of her life.


Historical Romance is my favorite genre. I grew up on (the tamer side) of Regency Romance and am well acquainted with this period of time. Not an expert, mind you, just well acquainted. I thought I knew pretty much all there was to know, as far as idiomatic expressions, pronunciations and customs of the day. This "ol' dog" learned some "new tricks" thanks to this book.

Now, for those of you that are not so well acquainted with the Regency period this is your chance to jump in. The water is great. And there is a substantial glossary of terms at the end of the book. Very informative and helpful in getting the reader comfortable with the setting. I usually recommend going through the glossary before reading a book, but for this book, it isn't necessary. The author writes so well that you will get a good sense of the phrase or word within the context of the story and you'll be flipping back to the glossary less than you'd expect.

This book was a fun, entertaining read. Successfully entwining faith, witty dialogue, and adventure, The House in Grosvenor Square truly is an "Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austin Soul." And I can't think of a better description than that. Ms. Brurkard falls in nicely with authors like Georgette Heyer and Loretta Chase - two of my favorite authors. With all the mistaken identities, characters running around trying to undo misunderstandings, and near misses. You're gonna love to love the good guys and love to loathe the bad guys.

And though this is a sequel, it isn't necessary to read the book that comes before it. But you're gonna want to. I'm just sayin'. Reading the first book, Before The Season Ends, will give you a richer experience to the reading of this book, The House in Grosvenor Square.

I am happy to give The House in Grosvenor Square by Linore, Rose Burkard a five out of five stars.

This book was provided free of charge by the publisher. No payment was provided in return for this review. The publisher had no editorial rights or claims over the content or the conclusions made in this review.

I loved Before the Seasons Ends(Book 1 in series) and jumped to the last book, The Country House Courtship. Then I decided in needed to read this book in order to understand some things that were stated in the last book.

This is a fast paced regency with abductions, theft and villians. When I thought it would slow down suddenly there were more twists and turns, which occured all throughout the book. Miss Ariana Forsythe is to marry one of the most sought out bachelors, Mr. Philip Mornay, in just a couple of weeks. Things go wrong when a certain lord seeks revenge and when Mornay's staff believes they will be turned out when he marries Ariana. Philip and Ariana's are put through several dreadful incidents which only strengthens their faith in God.

I liked how Burkard gave us insight into the various characters thoughts and reasons for their actions. Also nice insight into servants role during the 1800's and how a household prepares for a new mistress.
Clean, Suspensful Christian Regency Romance. I would highly recommend Before the Seasons Ends, for those who dont mind a godly heroine.

I downloaded this book for my Kindle as soon as I finished the first book. What a treat! I am hooked on Ms. Burkhard's novels and cannot wait to get the next one. The only thing about this story that I didn't like was the ending...i.e. that the book had to end. Wonderful book, easily able to fall in love with the characters and I really like the Christian emphasis on forgiveness, redemption and spiritual growth that Ms. Burkhard entwines into the novel. Seeing Molly again and Mrs. Hamilton and what their characters did in the book was really refreshing.

I'm not getting any sleep since I discovered this author. Now, I'm starting to get nervous because she has not put her latest one out on Kindle--at least--so far. But, I'm patient--as long as she continues the series and continues to write in such a charming style. I find myself actually "being" in the room with her characters--not just a voyeur! In this book, her second in the series, the abduction scenes are thrilling one minute, hysterical the next--and sometime so very endearing that they bring tears to my eyes. She is an amazing "Rake" writer. Philip Moray is my favorite rake of all time. Linore puts me in mind of Marion Chesney, and even sometimes of the Queen, Miss Heyer. What a find to discover this talented author. All I can say is "Bravo" please bring us more! Your wonderful scripture interludes give me my spiritual fix every time.

Hardt2