Summerset Abbey - T.J. Brown

by Unknown 12:30 AM 1 comments 5 star

Summerset Abbey - 

T.J. Brown
Released: January 15, 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books

Synopsis: In a sprawling manor on the outskirts of London in 1913, three young women seek to fulfill their destinies and desires amidst the unspoken rules of society and the distant rumblings of war. . . . Sir Philip Buxton raised three girls into beautiful and capable young women in a bohemian household that defied Edwardian tradition. Eldest sister Rowena was taught to value people, not wealth or status. Everything she believes will be tested when Sir Philip dies, and the girls must live under their uncle's guardianship at the vast family estate, Summerset Abbey. Rowena must decide where her true passions -- and loyalties -- lie.

What it's about: Two young socialite sisters and their best friend are left in the custody of their Uncle after their father passes away. Prudence has always been treated like a member of the family, but now to stay close to the sisters, she has to become their maid. Rowena knows the situation sucks for Pru, but she can't really argue with her Uncle... Victoria just wants to go to University to study, and she is sick of being separated from Pru, and sets out to find the hidden secret of the Buxton family.

What I thought: Scandal and balls abound in this historical novel set in the 1910's. I love historical fiction, and this one was no different. It definitely had a Downton Abbey-esque feel to it! We begin the novel with tragedy and having to leave their beloved home behind, setting the pace for the rest of the novel. Rowena and Victoria both love Prudence, but the only way Uncle is letting her come is as a servant. Prudence wasn't born from wealth, but Sir Philip always treated her as one of his own. She had the dresses and the company of a wealthy-born girl, but now she's stuck playing maid to her two friends, especially to Rowena, who is too shamed and guilt-ridden to admit she has no way to change Prudence's circumstances. Victoria is on the hunt for the truth, because the Buxton's are hiding something. Despite these lingering troubles, the girls continue with their lives - Pru trying to track down her family, Rowena falling for a flyboy and Victoria continuing her writing in secret.

This novel held my attention from start until finish and I didn't put it down once. If you love historical fiction, Downton Abbey or just love a good scandal, then this is the novel for you! Bring on book two!

The Good: I love how T.J. Brown has given us several different points of view  through-out the novel - it certainly gives the novel extra depth.

The Bad: Nothing! Only having to wait until I'm off my book ban to read the next one!!

Rating:

5 bookstacks