Cynthia Wright (1)Reseñas
Autor de Silver Storm
Para otros autores llamados Cynthia Wright, ver la página de desambiguación.
Reseñas
This gracefully and eloquently written Regency read/listen, with a humorous plot kept me entertained as it reunites a dysfunctional family. Justin St. Briac has a complex about his mother, whom he sees as one who made his childhood miserable with her games of leaving the family, making his father run after her to bring her home. Marriage is not for him, even though his brother has a happy marriage. He's more suited to one-night stands and unattachment. At 48 he is a man the women look at when he enters a room.
He’s called back home, not having been there for many years. His mother is dying. He doesn’t know if he should trust her. Is she acting as she had been so many times in his youth? He feels a bit of compassion for her and tries to do the right thing when her dying wish is for Justin to find a wife.
Rather than argue the point, Justin cooks up a scheme – pulls Mouette Raveneau into the scheme by promising her lots of money she can’t refuse. Her financial circumstances are left in tatters from her previous marriage and now at 36, she must look out for herself and two sons.
She accepts this whole charade with the caveat he will not consummate the marriage and use physical touching only to convince his parents they are truly married. But quite a few people know it is all a farce.
In the process of furnishing his rented home (which Mouette is very good at), they spend lots of time together…with interesting results.
It’s always a pleasure to add children and animals to the mix of a good story. Children speak their minds and express that which many adults feel inappropriate. I enjoyed both boys’ growing relationship with Justin and the surprising reaction Justin has to them. The dog, Robinson, found on the road, becomes very much part of the family.
The rental becomes a home. The make-believe world created by this scheme is starting to feel for real. Justin decides it isn’t so bad – being a pirate does have its excitement, but holding Mouette in his arms has a bigger draw. How can he turn a make-believe marriage into a real one?
Tim Campbell narrates most of Cynthia Wright’s work. I’ve come to enjoy his French-accented English, his voice impersonations of the male characters with varying personalities. His deep voice and the way he uses it pull out every nuance of Wright’s work. Campbell excels in dog barking! Robinson has dialog, too. Enjoy!
This stories of the Raveneaus and the Beauvisage, sometimes humorous, sometimes thought-provoking, and sometimes dangerous, will fill all your senses, quickening your heart with moments of passion. I highly recommend her work. It’s classic!
The more you read from the Rakes and Rebels series, the more you want to read! Author Cynthia Wright gets right down to the things which matter in life, then and now, through her exquisite characterization of this period of history in building a nation of independence from those who are learning how to govern themselves.
Men, like Lion Hampshire, grew excited by the possibility of governing for the people and by the people. Wright brings the fervor of the times to the forefront. I can actually see the people in the streets rallying around George Washington as he humbly shows his presence.
The narrator, Tim Campbell has narrated for some of my favorite authors. He’s extremely versatile in depicting various personalities, accents, class of people, even able to do an admiral job with French. In this narration, his voice is to die for. I don’t often hear him narrate with an American accent. Gad, does he sound sexy! His pacing is perfect while wringing out every nuance and aspect of each character with dialogue. When a talented author combines her magic with par excellence of a narrator, it’s entertaining over the top! Now to the story.
I enjoyed meeting shakers of the birth of this new nation: Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Adams, George Washington, William and Anne Bingham, along with John and Sally Jay—all play a part in this fascinating, historically accurate story. Never have I felt so close to our forefathers as I read this book. It was thrilling to see them in action, how they thought the first leader of these United States should be addressed, where the place of residence for their supreme leader be, etc..
Lion Hampshire wants to make a difference, but his past exploits incline to be roguish. He must polish his character to be considered part of those who have the right to represent the people. Can he remedy the situation?
Firstly, he needs a bride from a respectable family, someone who is more than able to host dinners, grace his arm, and mingle easily with politically minded men and women. Certainly, his heart should not be allowed to make the choice for him. And so, he chooses a woman, also looking for an exciting time in a big city, perfectly formed, exquisitely mannered, one Virginian belle, Priscilla Wade. His wife would only be an adornment, pure and simple. (But watch out Lion, you haven’t met Meagan, yet!)
Meagan Sayers, a neighbor, and friend of Priscilla, recently lost her parents through an accident, also her home and everything in it to creditors. Her father had been overwhelmed with debt by their lavish lifestyle. Meagan is to be handed off to an old aunt in Boston, which she totally refuses to do. Therefore, she concocts with her friend Priscilla, to accompany her to Philadelphia as her lady’s maid. Priscilla is to stay in Philadelphia to spend the time to get to know her betrothed, Lion Hampshire, before their marriage. The narrator has a grand time of it with these two women!
The situation gets hilarious since Meagan is a woman who spends much of her time in breeches, riding horses, or saying whatever comes to mind. How to be a quiet lady’s maid? She didn’t have the skills, temperament (her zest for life literally shone from her eyes), nor manner to secret away who she is. And she had to because she knew these political giants personally through her family. She must keep a low profile.
But wouldn’t you know it? Lion is amused with her. (I was amused with her – what a character!) He enjoys the discussions they have, he becomes more and more attracted to her. She is NOT on his agenda. But, can one stop feelings when they begin to take hold?
This story spoke to me on so many levels. I thrilled with the times. I took some time to go to Wright’s Pinterest page of pictures depicting what the people wore at the time, what their streets might look like, etc. I even saw the false teeth made for George Washington. Apparently, the man consumed lots of sweets!
I loved the struggle Lion went through. He had to choose between moving in the political arena with respect or follow that organ beating in his breast.
Could Meagan, after pretending to be a maid, come out with it and tell Lion who she is? Would she want him if he didn’t love her, but just her place in society? Meagan’s internal conflict and decisions, just about tear Lion apart. If you like to feel great emotion in your reads, this one will suit.
Lastly, I admire the long-standing of this book, originally written in 1978. That’s almost 40 years ago. It has since been digitalized for a whole new set of readers. Those old books in print are hard to get. So, those who haven’t read this, do, you are in for a treat. The whole Beauvisage Family and Raveneau Family series are divine reading. You can even get both series in one complete set! Oh, don’t forget, Wright has a wonderful narrator to bring her stories even closer to the heart.
This multi-layered story of laughable moments, suspenseful scenes, and engaging characters is part of a series you should not miss.
Isabella is a powerhouse young lady. Gabriel St. Briac is captivated and intrigue by her beauty and outrageous behavior. She’s a free spirit much like he is. They will bring you lots of smiles!
Lady Isabella Trevarre admires Gabriel St. Briac, a man she met when just a child. She was a shy, young girl, slightly embarrassed about being plump.
Since gaining her independence from her family, she has grown into a woman of spirit, following a profession as an artist, as her mentor, Madame Le Brun, had achieved. Nor does she want marriage—it would prevent her from doing what she wants to do—paint. She has turned into a beautiful, curvaceous woman who Gabriel St. Briac can’t keep his eyes off.
Gabriel St. Briac is a man of adventure, smuggler, rake and a bastard child, but connected closely to the King. His only proof of this relationship is a painting said to be painted by Leonardo Da Vinci. Napoleon is seizing the treasures of Europe in his trek across Europe. Rather than lose this precious painting, Gabriel leaves it in good keeping, or so he thinks!
It is discovered after four years of being hid away, the painting has been stolen. Isabella, known as Izzie by her family, feels somewhat responsible since she surmises who stole the painting. With her rebellious and spirited self, she hides away on Gabriel St. Briac’s ship, to accompany him to France, to help to retrieve his painting. But hide where? This is where you’ll be laughing! She hid in a coffin in the hold of the ship. The coffin had been used for contraband tea on the sail to England. But her thoughts lead her to panicking, particularly when something heavy has been put on the coffin, keeping her from getting out if she wants. Poor Izzie!
Sebastian, Izzie’s brother, is married to Julia. They have their story in Smuggler’s Moon, and play a role in this story, too. Andre and Devon from Silver Storm are also participants in the story. This story can be read as a stand-alone, but because I’ve read both book one and two, it enriched the backstory the author provides. Besides, it’s just good fun meeting characters you already know.
Narrator Tim Campbell moves from American accent to English and then to French accented English with flawless ease. At the same time his inflection, tone and voice-pacing change in perfect synchrony in dialog. His talent most definitely enhances the pleasure and entertainment of the story.
Historically, I learn much of the events of history—the machinations behind historical happenings is always intriguing. The setting is in France, and one I enjoyed very much. Narrator Tim Campbell is a favored narrator. His accents add sparkle to the dialogue. There are some French word pronunciations not quite right. Tim, if you happen to be reading this review, contact me. It’s just a few words, but it is worth mentioning.
Aimée de Fleurance is a delightful character, although one character of the story calls her a head-strong little vixen. At 17, she has zest of life, humor, a quick-wit and determination to succeed and outwit those who determine a woman’s future. Her approach to her problems create more and as a reader I laughed most the time! However much she wants control of her future, events wrap their tentacles neatly around her wrists and she must make the most of it.
Honorine, Aimée’s sister, is the prim and proper young lady, however, her flaw rests in her determination to be part of the royal entourage almost landing in the king’s bed. Aimée saves her sister, but can she save herself from a king who has long been imprisoned and just wants to cavort with desirable young women?
Thomas’s sarcastic remarks to his man-servant, Gaspire, are entertaining and vastly enlightening as to Thomas’s character and frame of mind.
Thomas and Aimee share one common trait, stubbornness. Each speak freely what is on their minds in a caustic, sharp-tongued manner making the dialogue absolutely great fun! Aimée plays with fire as events get out of hand.
There are many supporting characters who add a lot to this read and help develop the main characters further. All in all, this is one author I highly recommend for her historical romances. I look forward to continuing the series. It is one not to be missed!
Men, like Lion Hampshire, grew excited by the possibility of governing for the people and by the people. Wright brings the fervor of the times to the forefront. I can actually see the people in the streets rallying around George Washington as he humbly shows his presence.
I enjoyed the meeting some shakers of the birth of this new nation: Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Adams and George Washington, William and Anne Bingham and John and Sally Jay—all play a part in this fascinating, historically accurate story. Never have I felt so close to our forefathers as I read this book. It was thrilling to see them in action, how they thought the first leader of these United States should be addressed, where the place of residence for their supreme leader be, etc..
Lion Hampshire wants to make a difference, but his past exploits, rather a rogue, didn’t have quite the right ring to it, to be considered as part of the elite—part of those who have the right to represent the people. Could he remedy the situation?
Firstly, he needs a bride from a respectable family, someone who is able to host dinners, grace his arm, mingle easily with politically minded men and women. Certainly, the heart would not be allowed to make the choice for him. And so, he chooses a woman, also looking for an exciting time in a big city, perfectly formed, exquisite manners, one Virginian belle, Priscilla Wade.
Meagan Sayers, a neighbor and friend of Priscilla, recently lost her parents through an accident, also her home and everything in it to the creditors. Her father had been overwhelmed in debt by their lavish lifestyle. Meagan is to be handed off to an old aunt in Boston, which she totally refuses to do. Therefore, she concocts with her friend Priscilla, to leave to Philadelphia as her lady’s maid. Priscilla is to stay in Philadelphia to spend the time to get to know her betrothed, Lion Hampshire, before their marriage.
The situation gets hilarious since Meagan is a woman who spends much of her time in breeches, riding horses, saying whatever comes to mind. How to be a quiet lady’s maid? She didn’t have the skills, temperament (her zest for life literally shone from her eyes), nor manner to secret away who she is. And she had to, because she knew these political giants personally through her family. She must keep a low profile.
But wouldn’t you know it? Lion is amused with her. (I was amused with her – what a character!) He enjoys the discussions they have, he becomes more and more attracted to her. She is NOT on his agenda. But, can one stop feelings when they begin to take hold?
This story spoke to me on so many levels. I thrilled to the times. I took some time to go to Wright’s Pinterest page of pictures depicting what the people wore at the time, what their streets might look like, etc. I even saw the false teeth made for George Washington. Apparently, the man consumed lots of sweets!
I loved the struggle Lion went through. He had to choose between moving in the political arena with respect, or follow that organ beating in his breast.
Could Meagan, after pretending to be a maid, come out with it and tell Lion who she is? Did she want him if he didn’t love her, but just her place in society? Meagan’s internal conflict and decisions, just about tear Lion apart.
Product DetailsLastly, I admire the long-standing of this book, originally written in 1978. That’s almost 40 years ago. It has since been digitalized for a whole new set of readers. Those old books in print are hard to get. So, those who haven’t read this, do, you are in for a treat. The whole Beauvisage Family and Raveneau Family series are divine reading. You can even get both series in one complete set!
The book was good, the story was good, I just did not like Alec and I think that there were points where his whole attitude drove me "batty". As for Caro.. she was a little needy but then I put it into prospective and I see how times have changed between 1977 and now and I understand a little more. Good Book and Solid 3 star read for me.
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The only fault I found was toward the end, when the couple's reunion took place in a carriage on crowded street, rather than where it could have happened, at the Jays' house, which, at least to me, would have been more effective. There's also some criminal activity that seemed too hurriedly resolved, but maybe I'm nitpicking.
Suffice it to say, I doubt you'll be disappointed.