Customer Reviews

Julia and the Master of Morancourt: A Novel

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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!

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.

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