Customer Reviews

Jillian Dare: A Novel

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jillian Dare is a fabulous contemporary adaptation of the classic story of Jane Eyre and I enjoyed it thoroughly. In the authors letter at the end of the book, Melanie tells us that she wrote this book not for the Bronte purists, but for three different types of people: those that love romantic suspense, those that have yet to read Jane Eyre and now will want to, and the category I fit in - those that have read the story and love to find the comparisons between the two stores and make conjectures as to how the contemporary twist plot will unfold. I have to admit, with each turn of the page I was fascinated by how in the world could the next main scene unfold.



Other things that I really enjoyed in this book were the bits and pieces that alluded to the personal life of the author as well as to her previous book "Evasions". It made me smile quite often. Also, the brought in pieces of Dickens literature as well as references to Broadway plays that I am familiar with such as "The Woman in White". As a reader, I am not one that usually leans toward reading and enjoying a story of contemporary fiction. But Melanie does more than that, she ties the bits and bobs of history in that make it worthwhile, page-turning, and fun.



In the last quarter of the book, there was a topic brought up that has been in theological debate as long as their has been theology and although at first it was a good point, after a few chapters I tired of it. But other than that slight imperfection, I heartily the entire book and could hardly bare to put it down until completion. I had to wait too many years before this for more fabulous fiction from Melanie Jeschke, and I do hope to read more from her in the future sooner rather than later. Although, I will wait quite impatiently for later if need be. *wink*

Fans of Charlotte Bronte will love this romance suspense story. Set in Virginia and England, the reader will experience how the wealthy live. Jillian's life has been a struggle, and now she has the opportunity to live the good life while caring for a loving child. Someone sinister, however, wants to throw a wrench into those plans and dreams.

I read this one cover to cover in one day; it is an enjoyable read.

As a modern retelling of Jane Eyre this story didn't quite grab me. I can't be exactly sure why that is but most likely it falls upon the fact that I already knew the story. I found myself constantly comparing it to what I already knew of the plot and characters of the original. I imagine this is a pitfall of any re-telling of a classic but in this case it was difficult to overcome.

The speed with which Jillian finds herself professing her love to Ethan was abrupt to say the least. One day they were friends the next engaged to be married. I thought the transition between her being an employee to her being his betrothed could have been a bit smoother and certainly worth exploring the in between moments a bit more.

Lastly, I wasn't at all fond of the section of the story that had Jillian staying with the Brookes. Mainly because it was here that the book got to it's most preachy and cliched. Up until this point faith and God did play a role but it was subtle. Once Jillian arrived to live with the Brookes and became somewhat involved with John it got extremely overbearing. He was definitely the domineering caveman in the story where if they did get married Jillian was sure to be the subservient wife doing as she was told. Yea, that is totally not my bag.

What worked for me?

I thought the part of the story involving Ethan's wife was well paced and told. It was not focussed on for a tremendous amount of time but was focussed on well. I also liked the relationship between Jillian and Mrs. Carter. The latter became somewhat of a surrogate mother to the orphaned Jillian. She was cautious when appropriate and supportive of Jillian when necessary, even above and beyond her loyalty to Ethan.

As a first foray into Christian Fiction I'm glad to say that this book didn't turn me off of the genre completely. There was one element that I didn't enjoy (ie: John Brooke) but it wasn't enough to turn me off from reading more. If you enjoy the story of Jane Eyre and you're looking for a different version this certainly fits that bill.

I LOVED this book! I've read Jane Eyre several times, and to find a modern retelling of it was like hitting the jackpot for me. I thought the author did a great job staying true to the original book, while also introducing just enough plot twists to make it not too predictable. I very much enjoyed this. Definitely one of my favorite books now.

This was an all around good book. From the very beginning it held my attention and kept me captive throughout the entire story, I couldn't put it down until I finished reading it.

I loved Jillian Dare. This is the fourth novel of Melanie Jeschke's that I have read, and, just as with her other books, I was drawn into the story from the first page. Jillian Dare is a clever, contemporary adaptation of Jane Eyre, and I could not put it down. Even in a story so familiar, the author creates believable characters and suspense that will keep readers turning the page. I highly recommend this book for its own merit, as well as a tribute to Charlotte Bronte's classic. Jillian Dare inspired me to reread Jane Eyre, and that is the sign of a good book! I look forward to reading more from this author.

This book is fantastic! I couldn't put it down. I love the names of the characters. It is an interesting remake of the book Jane Eyre. I love all Melanie Jeschke's prior books and I highly recommend them to everyone. The author also has a facebook fansite and frequently autographs her previous books on request. This book is a departure from her previous series, but is just as captivating. I highly recommend these books!

I read and loved Jillian Dare. It is just the kind of book I like to read and once I read Page 1, I couldn't quit until, in the middle of the night, I finished it. I immediately ordered the previous books written by Melanie Jeschke. She's a winner. Roberta McNemar

Jillian is a foster child turned nanny in this book that resembles a Jane Eyre time period. I must let you know that I have never read Jane Eyre (gasp!) and this is the second book that I've read that has been a comparison to that one. I guess it's high time I read that book!

I just loved this story...from beginning to end! This is a fairly fast reading story about Jillian's transformation from foster child to nanny. She is hired by the esteemed Ethan Remington to care for his child Cadence. Ethan is a film producer who travels alot. Cadence is a ball full of 18 month energy!

Jillian is accepted as family from day one by everyone. She has many new experiences while caring for Cadence that she might not otherwise have had. She is very appreciative of the care that the Brooke family has provided her the previous 5 years.

Many things begin to change for the Remington's, Jillian included. Who is the mysterious "Woman in White"? Why are all of these strange things happening around them?

I loved the element of mystery to this book...just loved it! I can not compare this to Jane Eyre since I've not read it, but I found it very intriguing. I would love to be in Jillian's shoes for the majority of this book (If only we could pick and choose our life events out of a book!) I am still not sure how I feel about Ethan...I had a love/hate relationship with him throughout the book. Cadence stole my heart from the very beginning!

I recommend this read to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction with an element of mystery. This isn't an overly preachy book but there are a couple of chapters that seem a little heavier on the religious side than others. Nothing that should be offensive to the reader though!

Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads for providing my copy of this book that I won in the giveaway!! It is much appreciated!

Not the greatest, but this book was okay. It was written by a pastor's wife and had that Christian twist throughout the book which actually got quite annoying at times. The story is very predictable and the writing is just average. I found the writing at times to be very simple, as if I was reading a children's book.
The basic plot is of a 20 year old girl who had a very unfortunate past with foster homes and what not. She becomes a nanny for some rich British guy and of course, falls in love with him and his daughter. He wants to marry her but has some past issues to deal with first. Anything more would give away the book for anyone who is interested in this type of thing. It's one of those "I knew that would happen" and "happily ever after" kind of books. I like my literature to have a little more depth and drama to it. I'm not into simple.