Book Review: "Before the Season Ends" by Linore Rose Burkard


The Next Best Thing to a New Jane Austen Novel!

In her debut novel of what she calls “spirited romance for the Jane Austen soul,” author Linore Rose Burkard tells the intriguing story of Miss Ariana Forsythe, a young woman caught between her love for a man who doesn’t share her faith and her resolution to marry only a fellow believer in Christ.

Trouble at home sends the young woman to her aunt’s townhome in the fashionable Mayfair district of London. There she finds worse troubles than those that prompted her flight from home. Ariana is soon neck–deep in high society and at odds with Mr. Phillip Mornay, London’s current darling rogue. Then a scandal changes Ariana forever. Her heart, her faith, and her future are all at stake in an unexpected adventure that gains even the Prince Regent’s attention.

Will Ariana’s faith survive this test? And what about her heart? For it’s Ariana’s heart that most threatens to betray the truths she has always believed in. When she finds herself backed against a wall, betrothed to the wrong young man, how can it ever turn out right? Jane Austen readers and fans of Regency romances everywhere will love Before the Season Ends.

I have been in a Jane Austen sort of mood lately. I'm currently listening to Pride and Prejudice in my car, have been watching several of the movies on DVD and the soundtrack to P&P (2005) is going to be played in the prelude at my wedding. So this book fits perfectly with the way my mood has been. This book is written perfectly in the Regency tone of voice and style. I loved Ariana's character. It was fun to read about her stepping into high society at the benefit of a rich old aunt. The chemistry she had with Phillip was wonderful and very believable. It's very easy to swoon while reading this book. You wish you could live like this all the time! All the details in the book are wonderful, the description of the places and the clothes really make the story come to life. I enjoyed reading about the fashion and all the little customs of the time period. I even like the part where it's explained how Ariana could not be called by her first name in society because her older sister had not been married yet. I wish that happened today! The scene involving Ariana being stuck in a tree was my favorite. It was like something really out of a Jane Austen novel and I could picture it in a movie coming to life. Very funny and great way to make the characters interact with each other. Since this is a Regency Inspirational Romance, there is talk about religion and Christianity in the book but it's not preachy. Yes they are key elements to the story but even if they are not something that you agree with, honestly the setting and tone of writing are the main focus of the book.

My only qualm is that there is a nice guy who gets hurt and gets no condolence. I always feel bad when the nice guy loses! However this book was a gem to read. I could practically see myself wearing the empire dresses and listening to classical music during the book. I have expected Darcy or Edward Ferras to pop up and make cameos! This is a wonderful time in British history and one I wish I could go back in time to visit. I am looking forward to reading the rest of Ariana and Phillip's adventures. If you are a Regency fan, you will adore this book!

Before the Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkard is published by Harvest House (2008)

Comments

  1. Sounds amazing! Thank you for the review!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I loved this book! Linore does such a great job capturing the time period and giving the story an authentic feel.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, this sounds soo good! It's going on my wish list pronto!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Deborah,
    If you get seven more comments from different commenters, I'll do a giveaway. One free book to someone who comments, by your choosing. Decide how you'll pick a winner, and then send me their info.after you get at least ten to pick from. I'll send the winner an autographed copy of BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS.

    Thanks for having me and my book on your lovely blog (who doesn't love books, movies and Chinese food? My whole family LOVES all three!)and for your kind words about the book.
    Blessings!

    Linore

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love novels about the Regency that is why I am a big Austen fan and I have seen all adaptions of all her novels. I might have to check this one out.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This sounds like a wonderful book. I love it when an Austen-inspired novel lives up to its expectations.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the review.
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love Regencies. I'd love to read an inspy that reads like Jane Austen! Please throw my name in the hat! Thank you!

    hope_chastain at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a great review, I will have to put this book on my wishlist. Thanks for all your great reviews.
    Debbie
    debdesk9(at)verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great review! Haven't read much Austen, but this really looks like a good one to compare it to!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous3:29 PM

    This sounds like a great book. I enjoy stories that play off Austen.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous4:31 PM

    This sounds like a book I would love.

    Also enjoyed the interview.

    Becky C.

    rec(at)hiwway(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the cover of your book, Linore. It sounds likes it's a great story.

    fictionfan1[at[cox[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous1:59 AM

    THanks for the review and the givaway! Please enter me, I'm looking forward to reading it.

    Gail
    bookwurm70 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. congrats to I Heart Monster for winning the special giveaway!

    the contest is now closed but please feel free to keep discussing the book!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving your thoughts. Comments on posts that are older than 14 days are moderated so don't worry if your comment doesn't show up automatically.

Popular posts from this blog

Lost Mission by Athol Dickson

Triple Threat

The Nancy Drew Challenge