Customer Reviews

Valentine

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Over the weekend I re-read Valentine by Jane Feather. This is a classic marriage-of-convenience book written in 1995, and it has a treasured space on my keeper shelf. I think what I like about it so much is the characters -- not just the hero and shero, but the secondary characters as well.

In this story, 35-year-old Sylvester Gilbraith learns that his eldely cousin has died, making Sylvester the new 5th Earl of Stonebridge. Unfortunately for Sylvester, however, the crafty old earl had arranged his will in such a way that while Sylvester inherits the entailed title and three houses that go along with the title, he does not inherit one acre of land or one pound of the old earl's fortune...UNLESS, that is, he can marry, on one month's time, one of the old earl's four granddaughters. So Sylvester sets off for his new home, fully intending to offer for one of the young women, whether they suit or not. Once arrived at Stonebridge, he discovers that the eldest daughter is already engaged, the youngest daughter is but 12, and the second-eldest daughter -- his natural choice, given her age -- would not suit him in the least. That leaves the third-eldest daughter, Theodora: fifteen years his junior, her grandfather's favorite, and a frighteningly competent and strong-willed steward of the estate. Sylvester and Theo naturally spark off one another upon their very first meetting, but Theo's mother Elinor, informed by Sylvester of the details of the old earl's will, agree that they may suit perfectly and so Sylvester sets off to woo his prickly bride.

What I liked about Theo and Sylvester's relationship is that, in general, they're both very much up-front with each other about their feelings and reactions. Theo, who loved her grandfather intensely and still grieves the loss of her father when she was a child, is heartbroken over the old man's death and views Sylvester very much as an unwelcome intruder. But she also instinctively recognizes, as do the rest of her family members, that Sylvester is, at the core of him, a nice man. He doesn't try to shove them out of their home, and it's Sylvester who comforts Theo when the dam breaks and she finally grieves in earnest. There's an instant sexual attraction between Sylvester and Theo, and while he's not above using that attraction to help lure Theo in, he's not callous or unfeeling. Theo, for her part, is honest enough to admit that part of her hesitancy to accept Sylvester's suit is due to the fact that she fears he will swallow her up...that she'll lose her identity and sense of Self as his wife. But it's clear that that's not something Sylvester wants. He WANTS them to have a partnership and not a relationship in which he dominates.

The conflict in this story has to do with an event in Sylvester's past, when he was an officer in the Napoleonic Wars. Unfortunately, he sustained a head injury during the final battle and was then imprisoned for twelve months by the French, and he cannot remember important events of that last battle. But there are accusations of cowardice and he was court-martialed, although he was acquited. Still, despite his acquittal, his reputation has suffered, and since he can't quite recall the events in question, there's little he can do to clear his name. Gradually, though, the pieces start to fall into place and Theo insists on helping him uncover the truth, whether he wants her help or not. Initially he's hesitant to involve her, mostly because he fears her reaction and he can't bear the thought that she would look at him with suspicion and believe the accusations of cowardice, but he learns soon enough that Theo has his back, both literally and figuratively, and that she won't be shut out of his private battles.

In my mind, this is not necessarily a strong A-rating book, but it still hits all the right chords for me. What wins me over with a romance is the characters, and I loved the relationship between Theo and Sylvester. There were no games between them and neither had to pretend to be something he or she wasn't, and their relationship has all the markings of a true partnership. This is one of those books in which I turned the last page and immediately began imagining what the rest of their life would be like together. I have no doubt that that there would be respect and friendship and deep mutual love, punctuated by moments of temperamental fireworks. Which all in all, I guess, sounds just wonderful.

First of all, the HEROINE's name is Theo, one of 4 sisters. The HERO's name is Sylvester, once accused of cowardice during the Napoleonic Wars! He is 15 years older, darker, brooding, etc. She is called a "hoyden, wild, and impulsive". The story concerns their love and the problems they solve together.
I wish reviewers could SPELL correctly! A typical Jane Feather- great plot, dialogue, etc. All of her books enthrall me.

This, quite plainly, is the best romance novel I've ever had the pleasure of engrossing myself into. It was the 1ST romance novel I read & I realized that I continue to read everyone I come across to see if it will equal up to Valentine, Unfortunately, they never do. The use of language is exquisite, the characters are sensual yet quirky and the plot easily followed but hard to guess at. Gabrielle is funny, innocent, stubborn, and hopelessly in love while her sensual counterpart, Slyvester is strong, cumbersome, forceful, and in charge of every situation. Buy it, Read it, Love it, Dream it. Valentine. & if you liked Valentine, Vice, also Jane Feather, and Master of Midnight, by Penelope Neri will also capture your heart.

I had never read any books by Jane Feather, so I had no idea what to expect when I picked up "Valentine."

I enjoyed it greatly. The central conflict is by turns comic and deadly serious. Sylvester Gilbraith, a 35 year old retired British army officer, is emotionally withdrawn and physically ailing due a terrible war wound and public accusations that he showed cowardice during his last battle. His pleasure at inheriting the earldom of Stoneridge from a distant cousin is hampered by the requirement that he marry Lady Theodora Belmont, the previous earl's grandaughter, a rebellious and outspoken 19 year old.

Sylvester soon realizes that he has also 'married' Theodora's three sisters and her mother, plus two future brothers-in-law, all with decided opinions, strong family loyalty, and a tendency towards unconventional thinking.

The Odd Couple's struggles can be summarized in one sentence: will this marriage survive? Laugh out loud scenes alternate with episodes of physical passion followed by intense emotional conflict. The reader follows the Odd Couple on their emotional roller coaster as they struggle to understand each other.

Not only must The Odd Couple cope with a stormy courtship and marriage, but a second problem soon emerges -- someone is trying to kill Sylvester -- and Sylvester's head injury has wiped most of the clues to the killer's identity from his mind.

The only criticisms I would make of the novel are that it was a bit long, had perhaps too many secondary characters, and is so filled with period detail that there were two sentences I could not understand, as they were written entirely in Regency era slang.

But these are very small criticisms, as the book gave me hours of enjoyment.

After reading 5-6 average books by this author, I was about to give up on getting a winner from her. Well, I'm so glad I didn't stop.

This book has it all, the sensual scenes filled with passion, very likeable heroine, a hero who deserves the title, a plot that was actually interesting and added to the love story. Moments where you will actually laugh out loud. Do try this one, definitely a keeper.

A sweet, unlikely romance, with a lovely country setting & just enough intrigue to keep the story suspenseful. (Although I could do without the violence, at least it was minimal.)

Theo tries to save Stoneridge Manor and poor Sylvester, the hero, has to choose which of the sisters to marry in order to get the inheritance. Even at that it was a good story and great characters. I know it sounds familiar but it is a fun story and the sisters, especially Rosie are great. Try it, you may like it. I love the insert art too, as so many of her books are done by Pino Dangelico, his art work is so wonderful. He is one of my favorites next to Jon Paul.

I've read a lot of books before I had back surgery by alot of authors, but most of Jane Feather's have enjoyed a light but capturing story line and this is no exception. Just enough description of the counry setting to make you feel you are there. I also felt particularly close to Theo and Sylvester. I've read most of her books and they're all great. adamslfl@yahoo.com

The story was good and I liked the extra characters that were all well developed. BUT, halfway through the book Theo (female lead) goes from spoiled and headstrong to more and more downright spoiled and stupid. The only reason I finished it was because I was near the end. I enjoy Jane Feather. Apparently she got better.

I read this book in one day could not put it down. The chemistry between the characters was so good and believable. The Belmont family of girl left me with stitches from laughing. highly recommend this book