Julia and the Master of Morancourt: A Novel [Paperback]

Janet Aylmer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 21, 2009

From the author of Darcy's Story comes a novel of romance, family tragedy, and intrigue in a volatile England at the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

Julia Maitland had an idyllic childhood with her brother and younger sisters on her family's estate in rural Derbyshire. Upon reaching marriageable age, she looked forward to everything that her new status could bring: the excitements of her first “season” in society, a choice of handsome suitors, and—hopefully—a blissful future with a man she cherishes.

But Julia's prospects take a disastrous turn with the sudden and unbearably tragic death of her soldier brother in the war against Napoleon and the loss of her father's investments. Within the span of a few weeks, she finds herself in London, then fashionable Bath, and ultimately chasing smugglers through the countryside in coastal Dorset. Yet through all the drama and turmoil she keeps alive her hopes for happiness and a love passionate, powerful, and true.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Aylmer (Darcy's Story) retains the Austen-era settings of her debut but adds an original cast of characters to her entertaining but underdeveloped sophomore effort. Twenty-year-old Julia Maitland is ready to find a husband. Lord Dominic Brandon has proposed, delighting Julia's socially ambitious mother, despite Brandon's unsavory reputation and rumored ties to smuggling. Though her father favors Jack Douglas-who lacks a title but will inherit his father's fortune-Julia has eyes only for Kit, Jack's younger brother, who will inherit very little. When Julia accompanies her Aunt Lucy to the estate of Lucy's recently deceased childhood friend, she is stunned to see Kit, who inherited the estate and new surname from his godmother, making him the Master of Morancourt. The attraction between the pair blossoms but Julia knows a loveless union still awaits unless she can convince her family otherwise. Aylmer is more enamored of the period than of her characters, and the plot serves as merely a framework for sumptuous descriptions of Regency-era events and fashions. Despite a treasure trove of Austen-era trivia, a stronger narrative would have made the love affair more compelling.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“An original cast of characters. . . . Entertaining. . . . Sumptuous descriptions of Regency-era events and fashions. . . . A treasure trove of Austen-era trivia.” (Publishers Weekly )

“JULIA AND THE MASTER OF MORANCOURT is a marvelous ‘Regency Romance’--a story of a spirited heroine, a rich and handsome hero, together with a good helping of mysterious characters, including smugglers and fugitives…The adventures of Julia and her family are sure to provide continuing fascination for Janet Aylmer’s readers.” (Jill Pitkeathley, author of CASSANDRA AND JANE )

“A lively romance in the Regency tradition…Full of interesting historical detail and very entertaining.” (Jennifer Kloester, author of GEORGETTE HEYER'S REGENCY WORLD )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (April 21, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061672955
• ISBN-13: 978-0061672958
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,293,955 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Biography

Janet Aylmer is married to John and has lived in the beautiful city of Bath in the west of England for nearly 30 years. Janet and John have four children and three grandchildren.

Janet was born in Peterborough, England. She was brought up in the county of Surrey before moving to London to go to college.

Interests and Hobbies

Janet enjoys Regency romance and other novels, particularly those by Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen, and likes most books about history and the way the world works. She enjoys visiting the theatre and cinema, and listening to music.

She enjoys travel and meeting new people, and she has visited (in no particular order) ten states in the USA, as well as France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Raratonga, Japan, Hongkong, Sweden, Singapore, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Martinique and St Lucia.

Memberships

Janet is a member of the Jane Austen Society, the Society of Authors and the Historical Novels Society

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars wonderfully charming regency romance, April 21, 2009

By 

Amy M. Bruno "Historical Fiction Junkie" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Julia and the Master of Morancourt: A Novel (Paperback)

I'm not a big romance reader, but the one type of romance I can read is of the Regency variety. Up to this point I've only read Georgette Heyer regency romance novels and absolutely adore them. This novel is very Heyer-ish, though without Heyer's signature wit. It's a nice, easy read and at 240 pages, it can be devoured in one sitting, which is what I did. This book is also great for the romance readers that don't necessarily want bodice rippers...it's definitely PG rated. But for the others who don't mind a little lovin', don't worry, the love story isn't boring!

I was very happy to hear that Ms. Aylmer is planning on two more novels after this, depicting the lives of Julia's two sisters - Sophie - spontaneous and full of life and the sweet, docile, Harriet. I am very much looking forward to reading about Sophie in particular - I love the naughty ones!

I very much recommend!

3.0 out of 5 stars 3 1/2 stars, April 2, 2010

By 

Love Romances and More "Danny" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Julia and the Master of Morancourt: A Novel (Paperback)

Julia Maitland lived a nearly perfect childhood with her siblings in Derbyshire, she only worries when her brother takes off to fight against Napoleon. Julia's biggest wish is to make a match during her first season. But her whole life turns upside down when a financial investment of her father fails, followed by her brother's death. It is now the role of the oldest daughter to save her family, with a suitable match, from poverty.

Ms. Aylmer delivers with JULIA AND THE MASTER OF MORANCOURT an interesting Regency romp that is a joy for every die-hard Regency fan and reminds me a little bit of Georgette Heyer's story-telling. Ms. Aylmer draws a perfect picture of the limitations the females of higher standing have to live with in Regency times. Additional to the Regency elements she adds mystery elements and a good dose of historical details. One can see that the author did her research well and knows what she is writing about.

In my opinion the characters aren't complex enough and they had a lot more potential than what they became, that is the reason why the book didn't get a higher rating.

It looks like there will be also stories for the other two Maitland sisters, the wild Sophie and the gentle Harriet. It will be interesting to see what their stories will be like.

JULIA AND THE MASTER OF MORANCOURT is the perfect book for all lovers of traditional and tamer versions of Regency romance. You will definitely enjoy this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Regency romp, April 29, 2009

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Julia and the Master of Morancourt: A Novel (Paperback)

In rustic Derbyshire, Julia Maitland would be the first to admit she had a near perfect childhood along with her younger sisters and her brother. Perhaps the only down part is her brother is fighting for the British against Napoleon and though she supports the cause she fears for her sibling. Still she looks forward to her first season in society where she hopes to make a match with a handsome caring gentleman who finds her attractive.

However, Julia's lifestyle and season collapses when her father's investments fails followed by the news that her brother David died in combat. While the family grieves and adjusts to poverty, the patriarch suffers from depression and a weak heart leading to his wife's desperation to make a suitable match for her oldest daughter as options are limited by society. Thus Julia ends up in London and Bath. That is followed by a trek to Dorsett with her Aunt Lucy where the previously docile country miss joins Kit chasing after smugglers, French agents, traitors, and love.

This Regency romp focuses on the accepted restrictions that the females of a family of quality are allowed and what duty must be done within these limitations. For instance although Julia's mom would prefer to grieve her loss of her son; compounded by her husband's health, having three daughters to marry, and the financial depression she heroically does what she believes is good for the family. The story line is fast-paced as Julia gets into one misadventure after another. With her sisters, wild Sophie and gentle Harriet, to go, Regency readers will look forward to future exploits by the Maitland siblings.

Harriet Klausner