Customer Reviews

Palace Circle: A Novel

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(23)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Palace Circle: A Novel details the life of Delia Chandler Conisborough, a Virgina native, who marries Viscount Igor Conisborough and moves to England. While living in England, Delia discovers her marriage isn't all that it is meant to be, deals with high society and the romantic entanglements that go along with it, and learns the meaning of true love.

As a Viscountess, Delia also learns to deal with the political and diplomatic aspects of the job. She is as important to her husband's career, although she never worked outside of the home, and through her connections her husband succeeds.

Palace Circle: A Novel gives glimpses of the some of the most important historical figures as Delia meets various royal family members and other political figures from numerous countries including England and Egypt.

The author writes her characters with such care they almost seem alive. Each character seems as if they actually walked across this Earth and were truly part of history. Each character from Delia who shows her true southern roots throughout the book to the reserved, and sometimes haughty Sylvia Bazeljette, who provides the counterpoint to Delia's warm southern charm, each brings life to this outstanding novel.

I'd highly recommend this book as a good summer read when you are on vacation or just want to hunker down with a glass of iced tea.

This is an excellent book well worth spending time reading.

From the beginning, I was really intrigued with this book. I had no idea what to expect but I did expect a really interesting read...which I got. The time period the story takes place in was a huge draw for me. I love books that take place in the World War I era. Especially when it is a book that cannot be classified as a "war book". I was disappointed, however, that this seemed to be more of a backdrop. I really liked the story of Davina and Darius. They were the most deep characters and had the most personality. I found myself waiting for their story to take over when I was reading. The writing was also really good. It kept me engaged when my interest would perhaps have dwindled with the shifts in point of view.

Palace Circle was not perfect. I had trouble becoming attached to some of the characters. Especially Delia which is especially troubling because the majority of the book is about her. She just wasn't a type of character that I like. She seemed kind of vapid. I was never able to make a connection to her and by the time I was able to kind of like her, the story shifted to Petra. The generational format of this novel could also contribute to this. Once you really start to become interested in a character, the story shifts to another. I find that in novels with formats like this, it is hard to really get into any character's story and become involved in the novel itself. I also found the ending to be a bit disappointing. Without giving it away, it seems like the story broke up in the middle of the novel and no real conclusions were made. I understand that this is the first book in a series but need there to be some loose ends tied up at the end of a book regardless if it is in a series or not.

Overall, I liked Palace Circle. Perhaps not enough to continue with the series but if you like Philippa Gregory or Rosalind Miles, you should definitely pick this up.

Where do I begin? Well, the book begins just before the dawn of the twentieth century, with Delia, a young girl of "Virginia Royalty." She is swept off her feet by Ivor Conisborough, a much older British Count, and married in only two weeks. Ivor is blunt about the whirlwind wedding: he wants an heir, and the sooner the better. He also needs to leave for England at once.

Delia is okay with this and bravely attempt to get Ivor's heir, despite the fact that she discovers some rather ugly things that her husband is hiding -- a beautiful and nasty mistress chief among them. She bravely takes the mistress' brother as her own lover and the two fall in love with the historical backdrop of the early twentieth century silhouetted behind them. The merry band (minus one) head from London to Cairo, along with Delia and Ivor's "heirs:" Petra and Davina, two lovely girls who spend their childhood growing up in protectorate Egypt. As the girls grow, the story develops them into the main characters, leaving their mother behind.

And there the story plonks to a stop. The early pages, which were devoured, turn into a chore to read. The historical aspect of the book, which was never really careful about accuracy, gets even worse: a casual friend mentions that she has a crush (?!?) on the emerging dictator of Germany. Time appears to go back and forth, from the end of World War I to the depression to World War II, all of which are surprisingly shielded from these pampered women. (Which may be true for women of their position)

Lastly, I found the book surprisingly passionless. I'm not expecting a bodice ripper when I read a historical romance, but I expect accurate history and at least some small item of romance. There wasn't a page you couldn't read to your grandmother's nun friend, and she might even be bored. Although the cover notes said this was a real page turner, I didn't find it like that at all. The more I read, the more the book seemed to drag. The writer is clearly talented, but the subject just wasn't her thing. Give her a more modern period to write about, and I'm sure that her next effort will be wonderful. (A continuity checker would be even more helpful to correct the time travel thing that appears throughout the book)

Delia Chandler is a young eighteen year old bride of the much older Ivor Conisborough when she first comes to England in 1911, leaving behind her rich American upbringing to become Lady of the manor. With her head in the clouds, Delia is stunned to learn that Ivor, while enamored with her, is not in love; that right is reserved for his long time mistress, Sylvia. With her world shattered, Delia seeks solace in her friendship with Sylvia's husband and in her ever-growing social circle which comes to encompass members of the royal family as well as all the movers and shakers of the early twentieth century. And surprisingly, she does a tremendous job of recreating her life, filling it with not only her two daughters, but endless rounds of parties and a lover, all held together with the understanding that she and Ivor will maintain appearances and even an abiding friendship of their own.

Whew. What a premise for a rollicking good tale, and Palace Circle is just that. As we watch Delia mature from the lovestruck teen she is in the beginning to the social whirlwind she becomes, all sorts of side intrigues appear that keep the story flowing. Moving deftly between the England of the Great War into a posting for Ivor in Cairo, and finally into the early days of World War II, we follow not only Delia but her daughters as they find love, lose it, and learn to live with life's disappointments and challenges amid the glitterati and privileged. Dean does a remarkable job of keeping the setting realistic by filling it with people who actually lived and determined the force of events, and the voices ring true to real life.

Perhaps my one complaint in this splendid saga is how at times the author seemed to time jump sometimes even years within the space of a couple of paragraphs. We go from Delia's daughter Petra's initial reaction of happiness at meeting her future husband (after much angst) to a year later their being married within literally two lines. Granted, the author couldn't give us every detail, but the speed at which some events take place is a little head spinning. But really that's only a minor complaint at best, and this is a tale that leaves me wanting more (which I will get with the arrival of two more books, thank goodness!). Dean has brought me into a world I knew little about and made me feel at home. Definitely worthy of at least 4.5 stars, if not 4.75. Recommended!

I have always loved books that I can learn from while being entertained. Much history has been learned while being wrapped in the arms of a great novel. "Palace Circle" was just such an experience. Filled with rich, engaging characters feathered in to historical events from WWI, to the affairs of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and the Egyptian front of WWII, the reader is entertained with romance and suspense.

Although not really a suspense novel, the reader will be presented with a surprise antagonist that only makes a good novel better. Readers will be drawn through the book by an engaging story of lovely people from the past.

Rumor has it that this is the first novel in a trilogy. I can hardly wait to read the others! Rebecca Dean is a delightful story teller.

A wonderful escape from everyday life awaits you in this book. Forget the dishes, forget the outside world and tuck yourself away for some true bliss...

"Palace Circle" is a light and entertaining read. If you're expecting substance and an in-depth exploration of historical events and personalities mentioned within these pages, you'll be disappointed. I chose this book because I was looking for a light read that would not tax me too much [having just finished some very 'heavy' non-fiction titles] and I was entertained.

There is much in here to keep readers interested and engaged - palace intrigues, scandals, affairs of the heart, political espionage,and many more. What is even more remarkable is that the author manages to weave these different aspects into the novel in a seamless fashion, which makes for an easy and compelling read.

The story begins with Delia, an 18-year-old Virginia debutante who accepts the proposal of Ivor, Lord Conisborough, a titled and wealthy Englishman who is much older than her and widowed. She is madly in love with her husband and looks forward to a lifetime of fun-filled adventure in England, leaving her beloved family and horse behind in Virginia. What Delia doesn't realize is that Ivor's love is reserved for someone else, a woman who is much older and more glamorous than Delia. All Ivor wants from Delia is an heir, and this compels Delia to seek comfort in Jerome Bazeljette, a high-ranking Englishman who is also a true friend to Delia.

The story follows Delia's success as a hostess amongst the high-ranking British aristocracy, including Edward, the Prince of Wales, and even Wallis Simpson, Winston Churchhill etc. The setting moves from England to Cairo, Egypt when Ivor gets posted there on government business, and Delia and her two young daughters are compelled to make the move with him. Petra and Davina find themselves enamored by Cairo and unlike their mother, truly make Cairo their home. As they grow up, the focus of the story shifts to these two young ladies and their romances, though their mother still remains a potent presence in the background. Petra is the older, more glamorous sister who snares the attention of many powerful men, but falls for a boy much closer to home, though a family secret threatens their happiness. Davina is the sweet, compassionate younger sister whose love for an Egyptian revolutionary puts her in conflict with her family.

I think this novel succeeds more as a period novel than a work of historical fiction - a lot of famous names are mentioned here, though they don't really play a main role - famous personalities such as Edward and Wallis,Stephen Baldwin, Winston Churchill, Prince and later King Farouk, Gamal Nasser and Anwar Sadat. I wished some of these characters would have received a bit more than a passing mention in this work - the author is able to weave these characters into the story quite seamlessly, but there is no real character development or insights into their roles.

As for the main historical events mentioned here - WW I is given short shrift, though WW II fares better,focusing more on the British efforts to root out spies in Cairo in their efforts to push back Rommel's incursion into Egypt.

If I were to rate this work as purely a work of historical fiction, I would perhaps rate it as 2.5*. But as a romance and light read, I'd have to say I did enjoy it, and it gets 3.5*.

Rebecca Dean has written a charming and easy to read, smooth flowing, fast paced romance and period piece novel with unexpected twists and turns in the plot making it a fun and enticing book. The setting begins in Virginia where the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains are visible from the balconies and windows of Sans Souci, name of the Chandler family's home. The Chandlers are a wealthy and socially well-connected Virginian family. Mr. Chandler became acquainted with Lord Ivor Conisborough when he was visiting the region from England. His title was "Viscount" and he was a recent widower. The rumor was, he was seeking an American wife, preferably a young one who could produce a male heir for him. It came as a surprise to many when he asked for the hand of Delia Chandler from her father. Delia was a red haired beauty who was only 18 years of age, while Lord Conisborough was 22 years older. Delia fell in love with the tall handsome, blonde-haired Englishman and accepted the proposal. She looked forward to the life they would lead within his aristocratic and royal circle, despite the fact it meant separation from her beloved Virginia hills, valleys and horses. Conisborough had been financial advisor to King Edward VII who recently passed away and would be advisor to the next King, George the Vth.

Delia was an uncommon addition to Ivor's circle of friends and became an instant social success despite her occasional lapse in protocol. Her Virginian colloquialisms were part of her nature and added to her over all appeal, along with her beauty and gracious personality. Not long after her arrival, Delia received a rude awakening. She was forewarned by a family friend that among the aristocracy it was not unusual for one or both partners in a marriage to have a paramour. It was an acceptable social practice, with the understanding that neither partner made a scandal or did anything obviously embarrassing to destroy the appearance of harmony. Delia naively felt secure in Ivor's love for her - that is until she discovered a photograph of a raven-haired beauty whom she assumed was his first wife. She soon discovered her error and confronted Ivor about it but he would not give up his mistress. Delia chose to deal with this unpleasant reality in a mature manner far above her chronological years: she decided to make the best of it. She knew Ivor loved her in his own way but not the way she deserved as a wife. She did not want to destroy her marriage or cause a scandal for herself and ruin Ivor's career and public life. Instead, she threw herself into becoming the best wife and asset he could ever wish for. She also had two children which unfortunatley were girls not the male heir Ivor had hoped for.

The book very smoothly transitions into different sections each of which covers various years in the lives of the Conisborough family members. Part One covers the years 1911 - 1930 and deals primarily with Delia's dilemmas and resolution to the problems she confronts in her marriage within the aristocratic and royal circle into which she married. Delia comes to rely on one of Ivor's male friends as a companion and confidante. Eventually he becomes her lover and there is a balance in their marriage and relationship which is satisfactory to both of them. Their lives are disrupted when Ivor is stationed in Cairo Egypt as British advisor to King Faud. A new phase in their family life, social circle and relationships develops in this part of the world. Her daughters Petra and Davina are educated by the private tutor to the children of one of King Faud's Egyptian advisors. Delia is concerned about her separation from Jerome Bazeljette, her lover, who has gotten involved in British politics. He was known as a lady's man before they met and her fear is he will return to his old ways when they are apart. He visits her in Egypt several times a year, with his son Jack, who is good friends with Petra.

Part Two of the book deals with Petronella Gwendolyn Conisborough, her oldest daughter, nick-named Petra. It is great fun to read about the plans for her formal presentation to the Queen. Petra had been sent away to international school in Montreux, Switzerland where she met girls from all of Europe who have a similar background as herself. She discovers strong feelings of love for Jack and much of this section deals with her ability to resolve conflicts and problems associated with trying to win him over. Just when Jack and she are at a place where they express their mutual love for one another, a totally unexpected shock causes their break up. Jack is never told the reason Petra breaks up with him. Near the end, the startling reason for her sudden change of heart is revealed to him and their relationship is healed in a most satisfactory way.

Part Three of this book is devoted to Davina and her interests. Davina is a quiet girl who becomes involved in working toward justice for the poor and underprivilged. In addition to her studies, she volunteers to do charity work at an orphanage in Egypt. Delia senses Davina needs to be involved more with her own social class and insists she spend time in London during the social season. In addition to participating in soirees to meet her social equals in London, Davina discovers the East End where the childen of the unemployed are malnourished and ill. She becomes a voluntary assistant to a Scottish couple, Dr. Sinclair and his wife Aileen, who is a State Registered Nurse. They help meet the healthcare needs of the poor. Political change is in the air both in England, all of Europe and even as far as Egypt but all for different reasons. Unknown to Delia, Davina is devleloping feelings for Darius, the handsome brooding son of an Egyptian advisor to King Faud.

Part Four of the book deals with Darius who is seeking justice for Egypt in an unconventioanl manner. He is involved in an underground political movement to bring about democracy in Egypt and essentially eliminate the monarchy. The author creatively ties together the political activities of the British and the Egyptian movement for democracy into a fascinating reading experience. At the same time, the hidden secret love lives of both Ivor and Delia receive a few blows from left field. In a tremendously satisfying conclusion Rebecca Dean manages to resolve the conflicts and love dilemmas of all the members of this most engaging family within the context of a world about to go totally mad with World War II on the horizon. This book is highly recommended for those who enjoy romance and intrigue within a historical context. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]

I thought this was a nice story, but I don't think it can be compared to Philippa Gregory book. This is a nice light read, and the story is very enjoyable. Unfortunately, for myself I kept waiting for more. The storyline seemed rather superficial like we were just getting a glimpse of this family, versus being in the middle of it. I was looking for more information about those historical details because it's not something that's been written a lot about in these kinds of romances. I think it's just a little ligbt and the characters aren't horrible developed, which just left me feeling empty at the end of the book because I never really got involved with the characters.

I'd definitely recommend this to someone for a light interesting read. But if they are looking for a really in-depth piece of historical fiction this isn't the right book.All in all, I liked the story, but I'm not raving about it.

Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

I bought this book on a whim at the airport and was captivated from the time I picked it up. I could not put it down. The characters where great. The time period was portrayed excellently. Ms Dean did her homework to ensure accuracy. From a college professor who studies Middle Eastern History and the religion of Islam, she did a great job.

Her first book isn't available in the States but was able to purchase it and just started it and am enthralled with it as I was with Palace Circle. Keep it up Rebecca! I can't wait for the next one.