Jillian Dare: A Novel (Paperback)

~ Melanie Jeschke (Author)
Key Phrases: premier party, Jillian Dare, Carter Plantation, Ethan Remington (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This contemporary romance by Jeschke (Oxford Chronicles series) echoes the classic Jane Eyre with some modern parallels. That 19th-century governess easily becomes today's nanny, as the titular character—an orphan—is employed as nanny to the toddler daughter of Ethan Remington, a wealthy corporate executive and film producer who owns a considerable ancestral home in England. Like Rochester, the lord of the manor falls for his employee's youth and freshness, but plans for the future are blocked by a complication from Remington's past. Many elements from Jane Eyre are cleverly translated: the earlier novel's sternly moral and unloving parson St. John Rivers has a convincing analogues, as do key plot elements at the book's end. The author needs to work harder on minor characters, some of whom—like Remington's lawyer friend Calvin Cole—merely turn the plot wheel. The narrative tone is also uneven, at times formal, almost grave (The very name can still conjure up in me...), while at other times it's slangy and modern ( 'I'm fine. Just a little creeped out.' ) But reader, if you liked Charlotte Brontë's novel, you'll enjoy revisiting it here. (May)
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Product Description

Jillian Dare leaves her Shenandoah Valley foster home behind and strikes out on her own as a nanny at a large country estate in northern Virginia. She is delighted with the beauty of her new home, the affection of her young charge Cadence Remington, and the opportunity for frequent travel to the Remington castle in England. She is less certain about her feelings for her handsome but moody employer, Ethan. In spite of herself, Jillian realizes she is falling for her boss. But how can a humble girl ever hope to win a wealthy man of the world? And what dark secrets from the past is he hiding? This contemporary story, inspired by the well-loved classic Jane Eyre, will capture readers' hearts.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Revell (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800733169
• ISBN-13: 978-0800733162
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #483,336 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Jillian Dare or is it Jane Eyre, May 25, 2009

By	Margaret A. Chind "Creative Madness - Quilts ... (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Jillian Dare is a fabulous contemporary adaptation of the classic story of Jane Eyre and I enjoyed it thoroughly. In the authors letter at the end of the book, Melanie tells us that she wrote this book not for the Bronte purists, but for three different types of people: those that love romantic suspense, those that have yet to read Jane Eyre and now will want to, and the category I fit in - those that have read the story and love to find the comparisons between the two stores and make conjectures as to how the contemporary twist plot will unfold. I have to admit, with each turn of the page I was fascinated by how in the world could the next main scene unfold.



Other things that I really enjoyed in this book were the bits and pieces that alluded to the personal life of the author as well as to her previous book "Evasions". It made me smile quite often. Also, the brought in pieces of Dickens literature as well as references to Broadway plays that I am familiar with such as "The Woman in White". As a reader, I am not one that usually leans toward reading and enjoying a story of contemporary fiction. But Melanie does more than that, she ties the bits and bobs of history in that make it worthwhile, page-turning, and fun.



In the last quarter of the book, there was a topic brought up that has been in theological debate as long as their has been theology and although at first it was a good point, after a few chapters I tired of it. But other than that slight imperfection, I heartily the entire book and could hardly bare to put it down until completion. I had to wait too many years before this for more fabulous fiction from Melanie Jeschke, and I do hope to read more from her in the future sooner rather than later. Although, I will wait quite impatiently for later if need be. *wink*

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bronte Style, May 25, 2009

By	Sally "SmilingSally" (Odessa, FL) - See all my reviews

Fans of Charlotte Bronte will love this romance suspense story. Set in Virginia and England, the reader will experience how the wealthy live. Jillian's life has been a struggle, and now she has the opportunity to live the good life while caring for a loving child. Someone sinister, however, wants to throw a wrench into those plans and dreams.

I read this one cover to cover in one day; it is an enjoyable read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book, June 21, 2009

By	bkworm - See all my reviews

This was an all around good book. From the very beginning it held my attention and kept me captive throughout the entire story, I couldn't put it down until I finished reading it.