Mistress of Rossmor [Mass Market Paperback]

Marianne Willman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 19, 2002

Grace Templar is a well-bred, yet penniless woman who wishes little more from life than a respectable position, a roof over her head, and a respite from the dreams and visions that strike her without warning. It is one such message from beyond that throws her into the arms of darkly handsome, enigmatic Alistair McLean, master of Rossmor. It is an encounter that will change her destiny, putting her heart--and her life--in untold jeopardy...

Grace is like no other woman Alistair has ever known. he detects her talent immediately, and just as quickly determines that she may provide answers to the questions that have plagued him since his first wife's tragic death. But his fascination with Grace's gift belies a far deeper attraction. Bewitched by her beauty and extraordinary character, Alistair soon finds himself married yet again, returning to Rossmor with a woman who arouses him--body and soul--in the most unexpected ways.

But Rossmor manor is a place of secrets. Madness, betrayal, and revenge haunt its hallways. And the truest test of Grace and Alistair's newfound love may be the very thing that destroys them both...

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (August 19, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312981325
• ISBN-13: 978-0312981327
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,109,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gothic flavor that is sure to please!, August 2, 2002

By 

Huntress Reviews (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mistress of Rossmor (Mass Market Paperback)

Set in 1880. The story began in Rome. Grace Templar was a well-bred, yet penniless, gentlewoman. She was employed by Mrs. Bingley as a secretary, companion, and governess for her spoiled daughter. In her spare time, Grace went to see the Forum Romanum and one of her "spells" hit. The spells were dreams and visions that would strike without warning of the past whenever she got too close to something with strong, and usually tragic, vibrations. This past vision was extremely tragic and Grace passed out.

Alistair McLean was the master of Rossmor, located in the Scottish highlands. Due to the way his late wife died, he was very interested in psychology and psychical research. He witnessed Grace's spell and rescued her.

(I am skipping much now so I do not give anything vital away.) Alistair and Grace go to Rossmor where Grace began to gain the love and trust of Alistair's ten-year-old daughter, Janet. Rossmor was haunted by "the gray lady" and Grace often felt the presence of Janet's dead mother. In addition, Grace was the victim of several "accidents". Someone wanted her dead!

***** Marianne Willman has written a romance that is perfect for us Gothic lovers! I am seeing more and more books with a gothic flavor. This book is one of the best I have had the pleasure of reading lately! The characters are believable and the plot is well crafted! Highly recommended to all! *****

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Hero's character lacking, October 11, 2002

By 

WKLarson (Cedar Rapids, IA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mistress of Rossmor (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the first book I've read of Ms. Willman's and was not very impressed. I found the part of the hero, Alistair, lacking. The piece appeared very one sided with very little insight into his thoughts and character. If this is an example of her writing, I'm surprised she is an award winner. She does not seem to be in the same sphere as a majority of top novelists in this genre. The basis of the story is very intriguing. But I felt more detail into the main characters would've enhanced the piece tremendously. One major character in the end, was almost completely overlooked in the entire piece. A good mystery, even romantic in nature, should lead the reader to the ending or at the very least speculation. That is not the case in this story making me feel as if the story was rushed to publishing and incomplete. Whether this is a result of the publisher or the author is mote do to the end result, a less then satisfying novel.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful romance, August 17, 2002

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mistress of Rossmor (Mass Market Paperback)

In 1880, as a realistic single orphaned woman Grace Templar knows to expect little from life and thus wants very little in return. Besides keeping a respectable job, Grace wishes she would stop having the visions that occur anywhere at anytime.

While in Rome as a secretary and companion, Grace suffers one of her attacks during a visit to the Forum. Alistair McLean, the lord of Rossmor, observes Grace's peculiar behavior, which he recognizes as a gift. He sees Grace as a tool that he needs to use to gain answers about the events behind his wife's tragic death. Alistair is also attracted to Grace and returns with her to Rossmor where she meets his child Janet. As Alistair and Grace fall in love, someone fears that the new MISTRESS OF ROSSMOR will learn and reveal the truth about what happened to the master's first wife.

MISTRESS OF ROSSMOR is a fun tale that combines elements from several sub-genres into a wonderful romance. The lead couple is a delight to observe especially their struggle to not fall in love. Janet is a sympathetic urchin who the audience will hope overcomes the trauma of her mother's death. Part late Victorian, part gothic, part suspense, and part paranormal, Marianne Willman blends the elements into a pleasing reading experience for fans of each sub-genre.

Harriet Klausner