Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
a fun 3 1/2 star read, February 20, 2003
This review is from: A Loving Spirit (Signet Regency Romance) (Paperback)
I was in the mood for something lighthearted and charming, and fortunately I latched onto Amanda McCabe's "A Loving Spirit" -- it was just the ticket, and is, (I think) quite the best Regency-ear romance novel that she's written (note: I HAVEN'T read "A Golden Feather" yet) to date. After having spent most of her life in Jamaica, Miss Cassandra (Cassie) Richards has finally returned to England now that her parents are dead. And although her aunt, Lady Willowby, has been all that's kind and welcoming, Cassie is still feels homesick for Jamaica. Fortunately, for her, her best friend (Jamaican born and a freed woman) Antoinette has agreed to make her home with her in England. Further, Lady Willowby has also arranged for them to spend a pleasant few weeks in Cornwall at the haunted estate of her good friend Lady Royce. And Royce Castle certainly lives up to both Cassie and Antoinette's expectations: it's 500 years old and full of secret rooms and underground tunnels and friendly ghosts that Cassie and Antoinette quickly befriend. But Castle Royce is also home to lady Royce's son, the bookish and reserved Earl of Royce, Phillip. But while the two are quickly drawn to each other, each also realises that their temperaments may not suit: for Phillip believes firmly in order and logic -- there is no place for ghosts and frivolous fancies in his world -- while Cassie is completely open to the notion of ghosts and hauntings. Fortunately, there're a couple of ghosts with a notion to give things a helping hand... "A Loving Spirit" proved to be a really fun read, and just the tonic I needed. Amanda McCabe does a good job of bringing Phillip out of his reserved self, and of showing us the sensitive and kindly gentleman that hides behind all that scholarly learning. She also did a rather good job of developing the romance between Cassie and Phillip. And while I did rather enjoy her portrayal of the villain(s) of the piece, I did think that these characters were not entirely necessary to the plot -- they came across as being a little superfluous. Similarly, I didn't think that the epilogue was all that necessary either -- unless the authour is hinting that there is another book in the works, which I wouldn't mind, esp if it featured Antoinette as a heroine! All in all, "A Loving Spirit" proved to be a delightful read that should not be missed!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Different... but in a good way, March 22, 2003
This review is from: A Loving Spirit (Signet Regency Romance) (Paperback)
Cassandra Richards, a rather free-spirited girl, is more than excited when she hears about the ghosts at Royce Castle. She and her friend, Antoinette Duvall (a Jamaican native) hope that they can reach out to the spirits there. Lord Royce, Phillip, is her complete opposite. He's a scholar and a realist, and doesn't have time for all that supernatural nonsense. But, of course, opposites attract... The real heroes of the story are the ghosts. Through the course of the novel, we meet humorous spirits, match-making spirits, spirits who pine for lost lovers, and spirits who... DANCE AT BALLS?! The novel was very light-hearted and fun, but it did get a bit far-fetched at times. Of course, Amanda McCabe didn't set out to write an informative paranormal piece. The book reads more like a supernatural satire with a little bit of romance thrown in. The book wasn't really overflowing with chemistry between the 2 main characters. That was one of my mini-gripes. My other gripe was this: EVERYONE (even the ghosts) received a happy ending in the novel, except for Cassie's friend, Antoinette. At some point, Antoinette even states, "a love match for me is highly unlikely"... and I was hoping she'd be proven wrong. She never was. Antoinette was one of the most refreshing, interesting characters I've read about in a long while. I agree with what another reviewer stated prior to me: I'd love to see Antoinette in a sequel! (Though it's highly unlikely) Overall, "A Loving Spirit" is a fun, light read. It's not perfect, but it is enjoyable.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely well done, March 14, 2003
This review is from: A Loving Spirit (Signet Regency Romance) (Paperback)
Miss Cassandra "Cassie" Richards returned to England after the death of her parents. Her best friend, Antoinette Duvall, went with her. They went, accompanied by Cassie's "Aunt Chat", to Royce Castle in Cornwall where they would stay with Melinda Leighton, the Dowager Lady Royce, and her son Phillip, Earl of Royce. Cassie and Antoinette are thrilled to learn that the 500 year old castle had ghosts (who actually take part in the story). Phillip and Cassie are the main focus of the story, but start out feeling as though they have nothing in common. Cassie loves the idea of the castle being haunted. Phillip is too logical and quoted Burke (an author) as saying, "Superstition is the religion of feeble minds." I love it when two characters are so different yet perfect for each other! Of course, author Amanda McCabe has NEVER disappointed me, as I recall. The story is well written and just seems to flow along as smoothly as silk. This one is well worth your time and money. A perfect novel to curl up with on a nasty weather day!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
