Customer Reviews

Night in Eden

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is 1808. Bryony Wentworth has been transported to New South Wales after being convicted of manslaughter. Pregnant during her journey, she gives birth but her son dies after only a few months. Imprisoned in the "Female Factory" the distraught Bryony is "bought" by Hayden St. John as a wet nurse for his own infant son - his wife dying in childbirth and his previous wet nurse's milk having dried up. Bryony is grieving not only for the baby she lost, but for the young daughter she was forced to leave behind in England.

Bryony naturally assumes she is not only going to be a wet nurse but a victim of her master's sexual desires as well. However Hayden St. John, although he desires Bryony, is too much of a gentleman to act on those desires. He feels guilty for having these feelings so soon after his beloved wife's death.

They travel to Hayden's land, a few days' ride from the large town where Bryony becomes cook, housekeeper, as well as wet nurse, staying in the room previous belonging to Hayden's deceased wife, Laura.

The book is full of great secondary characters including Gideon - the young Irishman whose wife and children he longs to bring to be near him, Quincy the young boy who is wise beyond his years, and Louisa the common-law wife of an adjacent landowner who has buried four of her five children.

As I am writing this, I am struck by how difficult it is to convey how truly wonderful this book is without giving away too much of the story -- the characters were so real, the setting so vividly described, the writing seamless, the sexual tension almost palpable. But what can I say to convince those reading this to run out and get this book ASAP??? Should I tell you it's going on my keeper shelf immediately? Or should I tell you I was so sorry for it to end that I've actually considered re-reading it right away? Or can I say that I hope the next book might be a sequel (perhaps with Quincy as the hero) so I can visit these characters/this setting again?

NIGHT IN EDEN is one of the best historical romances I've read. Please, please, do yourself a favor and put this on your TBB list - and don't put off reading it. As Catherine Coulter is quoted on the stepback as saying, "You won't be sorry. Trust me on this."

This is without a doubt one of the best romance novels that I have ever read. It starts out just a little slow, but quickly picks up pace and from then on you won't be able to put it down.

You will sympathize with Bryony as you learn of how she lost her baby, was separated from her daughter, and unjustly convicted of murdering her "dead" husband. As soon as Hayden comes into the picture, you will instantly fall in love with him. Although he appears a little rough around the edges, you learn that he is a kind, thoughtful person as his character is further developed in the story. The sexual tension between the couple is enjoyable to read.

Night in Eden is a novel that I find myself reading over and over again. The setting in historical Australia was unique and interesting. The characters are likable, and the story is well written. Someone commented on the grammar in an earlier review, however it was written like that on purpose to show the area's dialect.

All in all, if you enjoy a good romance story, with lots of passion and intrigue, then you will enjoy this book. It's definitely a keeper by a talented author. The story of Bryony and Hayden is beautiful and unforgettable.

Everything about this book is fabulous - the plot, the characters, the romance, the history.... How an author can come out with a debut book this phenomenal is beyond imagination. The only drawback in reading "Night in Eden" is that it ruined my interest for other romance books for days. You will need to put this book aside and let the story and writing fade before you will be able to pick up another romance. Every other book I picked up after "Night in Eden" just fell short. I have loved the work of Penelope Williamson and cannot believe my luck in finding another great writer in the family. Please tell me there are more sisters with writing talent!

This has got to be one of my favorite romances! I am an avid reader of romances, mainly historical, and having read through such phrases as "his throbbing manroot" and "she opened herself up to him as a flower opens itself to the sun" - let's just say I normally scan over the sex scenes or skip them completely. But not the case with this story!!! This story holds some serious sexual tension up until the moment that the two finally find themselves in one another's arms and when they did...I wanted to stand up and cheer. *laugh

This story is beautifully written. It tells the story of Bryony, who is accused of murdering her cheating spouse and sentenced to a life of servitude in the Australian colonies. She is purchased by Hayden who is in need of a wetnurse for his newborn infant after the child's mother passed away during childbirth. Bryony grieves for the child that was taken from her before she was sent away...and the one she lost along the way. Hayden is bitter and struggles with feelings of guilt over the loss of his wife. The author portrays the hardships that the people faced living in such a harsh land and you're drawn into the lives of all the characters. This story is simply wonderful!!! I can't say enough about it.

I've recommended it many times and anyone I've shared it with express the same sentiments regarding this true "love story". Definitely a keeper.

Night in Eden is a truly beautiful and touching story of passion, struggle, and survival. It's so rich and complex in characterization and historical detail that it stands above the best of the rest in the historical romance genre.

The journey of two like souls (Bryony and Hayden) coming together under tragic circumstances in brutal conditions was so compelling I read it through in a single sitting and will re-read it soon. I've rarely ever been so immersed in a book.

As soon as I finished it I ordered all the rest of Candice Proctor's books. I can hardly wait to read them.

Let me say, I love the way Penelope Williamson writes. Since she doesn't have that many romance novels, and I've already read most of them, I decided to check out her sister's work, and I was not disappointed. Candice Proctor did a tremendous job with a "Night in Eden," (although the title doesn't really fit the book)

I was drawn into this novel from the first sentence. That's the sign of a good author.

This story was very well written. I loved the first 3/4 of this book. However, there is an unexpected plot twist in the ending that I thought was a bit contrived/far-fetched. The ending was also somewhat abrupt, it was almost as if Ms. Proctor got tired of writing and needed a quick ending.

Even though I was disappointed with the ending, I enjoyed this book and will be reading other Candice Proctor books.

What can I say about Byrony and Hayden? They simply sizzle together! I had a hard time putting this book down. The more books I read by Candice Proctor the more I am convinced that she has become my favorite romance author. Make yourself a hot cup of tea or coffee and sit back and enjoy a sappy romance! What Fun!!

This book is perfect in every way. The characters are so real. I borrowed it from a friend and now i have been looking for it in my local book stores. When reading this story you will not be able to to put it down. This book will entice your senses. If you are like me after you read it you will want to read it again right after you finished it the 1st time. I insist that you go out and buy this book right away!!

Now I've read hundreads of romance novels and I was at the point where I thought of giving them up because none could keep my interest let alone inspire much feeling. But then I read "Night in Eden." This was the novel that put me back on the reading horse. It was so bitter-sweet and I was right there with Bryony and the Captain. I don't want to say any more about what goes on in the story than what has already been written because I don't want to deprive the reader of one ounce of reading pleasure, but if you don't pick this book up you have NO IDEA what a wonderful book you'll be missing. By the way, if any of you out there have found a ook that is anything like this let me know!

Night in Eden is one of those books that will stay with you forever. Most books I read are decent enough and entertain me, but over time they fade in my memory and I can't really remember the details. A select few books are so incredible that they are "vivid" in my mind long after I finish reading them. This is one of those.

Hayden and Bryony are what make this book so fantastic. The chemistry that these two share is so hot, laced with tension, and palpable that I found myself "breathless" at times. These are two people that want each other desperately and take their own sweet time "giving in" to their desire, but once they do...watch out! I liked each character extremely well...which was refreshing. I usually like one more than the other. They were extremely "suited" to one another and are for sure on my "Top 10 Favorite Couples" list! When Bryony is brought in to nurse and care for Hayden and his deceased wife's baby....you see the gradual "making of a family". Just beautiful to watch!

This is a painful book to read at times. The conditions in which the women prisoners are kept in, and the painful separation that these women and their children had to endure is described in some detail. It is sobering. There is quite a bit of death in this book....definitely not all sunshine and rainbows, but the realism was so poignant and beautiful that it only helped to attach me more and more to this story.

I will not be letting my copy of this book out of my hands!