The Country House Courtship

February Book Review Blitz #4

Have you ever been so sure of the direction you wanted your life to go, but then unexpectedly, your desires change? I remember when I planned to be a career nurse, I'd send my children to the hospital daycare, and my husband and I would make loads of money. Then mid-pregnancy with my first son, my desires totally changed. I became a stay-at-home mom and eventually a freelance writer and speaker. Who knew? 
 
I just finished reading The Country House Courtship by Linore Rose Burkard and elements of the plot reminded me of my major turn-around as one of the main characters discovers that what she thinks she wants may not be exactly what she really wants. Let me tell you a little about this author whom I've not heard of until I was given this book to review. 

The Country House Courtship is a regency romance. This means that the book isn't a modern interpretation set in historical times. It's a book with the style and flair of literature form the early 19th century that's also set in that era. The language is different from most romance novels and it reads more like a Jane Austen book than a modern story. 

About the Author

Publishers Weekly acclaimed the work of Burkard in its review of The House in Grosvenor Square, saying, "Ms. Burkard's command of period detail is impressive..On the whole, it's a tasty confection."

Burkard, a fan of classic romances and graduate of City University of New York, began writing stories when she couldn't find true Regency romance within the inspirational fiction category. "I knew that many women like me want stories that are historically authentic and offer glimpses of God's involvement in our lives," she says.

Raised in New York, Burkard now lives with her husband and five children in a town full of antique stores and gift shops in southwestern Ohio. This is her 3rd novel. To learn more about her, visit www.linoreburkard.com. 

Sneak Preview of the Book

Beatrice, sister of the heroine in The House in Grosvenor Square, is intent upon landing as wealthy a husband as her sister managed. Yet her youthful heart is about to encounter life lessons that will leave her re-aligning priorities and re-considering the individual upon whom she can depend and love.

Michelle's Review

Linore Rose Burkhard won a place on my list of new favorite authors with this book. It's a delightful story, well-researched, and packed with tongue in cheek humor that puts the reader in the head of the author as the narrator. But putting little notes in parentheses, the author answers some questions a reader might have about the plausibility of certain occurrences. I enjoyed this conversation between author and reader. I also enjoyed the elements of mystery and romance.

For the reader unfamiliar with regency romance, this isn't a light read, despite the pace of the story and the entertaining aspects of it. Because the language and style is consistent with the period, it takes some thought to process. Dialogue isn't always separated into new paragraphs for each speaker, which again requires thoughtful reading. Fortunately, the author has included a glossary in the back for those unfamiliar with certain regency terms. The other feature that makes sets this genre apart from modern romance or women's fiction is the point of view. It changes often, sometimes within a paragraph since it is told in third person omniscient. Since I rarely read this style, it took a little getting used to. 

Reading this book was like getting a little historical culture lesson through fiction that was just as pleasant as consuming dietary fiber via a delicious brownie. It made it thoroughly pleasant! I'm sure I'll be looking for other books by Burkard now that I've been hooked on the style.

Note: I received the book for review from the publicist, but all reviews are fair and objective.