As Ariana Forsythe plans her wedding to Philip Mornay, she must adjust to the realization that she is soon to become the wife of an extremely wealthy man. She wonders if it's wrong to rejoice that her future husband is rich. But she promises herself to use her new position to do what she can to aid the numerous street waifs she sees all too often in London.
During a tour of her future home-the house in Grosvenor Square-Ariana makes plans to redecorate according to her tastes. But when Philip arrives home later, he is informed that an expensive silver candlestick and a miniature portrait of George III have gone missing. Moreover, each time Ariana visits the house, accompanied by a friend or relation, another item disappears.
Shortly thereafter Ariana is abducted as she leaves a performance at Covent Garden Theatre, leaving Philip to unravel the pieces of the mystery. Where has his future bride been taken, and by whom? For what reason? How does Ariana's faith play a role?
Readers who loved the author’s first book, Before the Season Ends, will delight in this charming sequel set in Regency London.
As Ariana Forsythe plans her wedding to Philip Mornay, she must adjust to the realization that she is soon to become the wife of an extremely wealthy man. She wonders if it’s wrong to rejoice that her future husband is rich. But she promises herself to use her new position to do what she can to aid the numerous street waifs she sees all too often in London.
During a tour of her future home—the house in Grosvenor Square—Ariana makes plans to redecorate according to her tastes. But when Philip arrives home later, he is informed that an expensive silver candlestick and a miniature portrait of George III have gone missing. Moreover, each time Ariana visits the house, accompanied by a friend or relation, another item disappears.
Shortly thereafter Ariana is abducted as she leaves a performance at Covent Garden Theatre, leaving Philip to unravel the pieces of the mystery. Where has his future bride been taken, and by whom? For what reason? How does Ariana’s faith play a role?
Finally, after the safe return of his intended, how does Philip—a man of intense discrimination in his tastes—find the many alterations in his house? And what on earth is behind the sudden influx of bills from every charity in London, all thanking him profusely for his uncommon generosity? Will he have second thoughts about his future bride?
Readers will find romance, intrigue, humor, and inspiration in this new book of spirited romance for the Jane Austen soul.
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 17 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jodie DeHart (sarasota florida), October 07, 2009
I had just discoverd Linora's books by accident and loved them. I was disappointed at the reviews of others concerning book #2 because I loved it. I wanted to jump into Ariana's and Phillip's world. Yes, it got insane with all the going on's in's and out's of missing people and the frustration, but hey, it's the 1900's and they did not not have cell phones...so what do we expect. Well, done, Linora, I look forward to book #3.
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jennifer (Canada), August 24, 2009
Where Before the Season Ends was spot-on Regency with a distinctive Christian influence, The House in Grosvenor Square strays towards an amalgam of historical romantic suspense. While still set in the Regency period and bearing all of the earmarks of the fashion, slang, and social mores, the novel jauntily heads down a much more modern path of plot development than the ancestors of the genre ever took.
By including multiple kidnappings and one mysterious development after another, Burkard draws her young couple out of the insular dance of courtship, card parties, and gossip and into the realm of mild-mannered adventure. The continued emphasis on propriety, appearances, and purity still provide a small dose of the typical Regency escapism though not as much as the first novel contained. Oddly, the suspense-based plot also resulted in slower pacing than the romantic tension found in the original.
I have just recently noticed a developing trend in Christian publisher Harvest House’s inspirational regencies. Both Linore Burkard’s and Kaye Dascus’ Ransome Trilogy series approach the genre with fairly traditional opening novels before diving into plots that are quite adventurous by Regency standards in the subsequent volumes. I’m afraid that I can’t say I’m thrilled by the change in emphasis in these modern examples.
I’m not about to give up on the new approach however. Perhaps I’ll develop as much of a taste for derring-do in jolly England as I do for stories of adventurous speculative fiction. To be fair, Burkard still includes plenty of loyal butlers, wardrobe changes, and blundering suitors to take us away to another time. Let’s wait and see what she brings us next, shall we?
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Carman Boley (Coweta, OK), August 04, 2009
If you like Austen, you should read this series. Some regency writers try to copy Austen to the extent that their own story is lost. That is not the case in this book, however. I loved it. Linore is historically accurate, without being stuffy, or too detailed. The mayhem that occurs in this book is astounding. I loved when they are all going to each others houses, and missing each other by seconds. It was truly comical. This whole series had delighted me, and I am eagerly awaiting book three, “The Country House Courtship”.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kathy (Orlando, FL), June 18, 2009
There were times when I did not think it would end happily! I loved the roller-coaster ride of this story, never a dull minute. It was nice to see the vulnerable side to the man's character in his love for his bride to be. A sweet love story and unexpected turns at every corner
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Tina Dee (West Coast), June 10, 2009
I can't believe this book! Somehow the author maintained the same feel as the last book, but wove in so much more. It's like an amusement park ride with lots of twists and turns. I don't want it to end! When does the next one come out?
The House in Grosvenor's Square - the ending of this great book is both satisfying and nearly cruel for the reader—as though good friends are moving away. I hate goodbyes. But I loved this book!
0.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Emilee Barrett (Orem, UT), May 26, 2009
I must say I did not enjoy this book at all! In the first book I couldn't put it down, but in this second one I found I couldn't pick it up. It took me 4 days just to get to chapter 5! In my opinion the author should have left the story alone, and not tried to right a sequel! I hope there is not going to be a third.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by N Casady (Tucson, AZ), May 18, 2009
I was disappointed in this sequel. The characters' relational development in the first book seems to stagnate in the layers of plot in this book. I had hoped for a deepening love story between Ariana and Philip but got lost in all the pre-wedding drama to the point where I found myself skipping pages. I am, admittedly, irritated by books that end a love story with the wedding. As a happily married woman, I know that the REAL romance starts after the vows. I had hoped this book might provide more of that. But it does provide an entertaining story in a lovely setting that can delight ones sensibilities like a cup of tea and a plate of fresh scones...
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Deena Peterson (Olivehurst, CA), May 16, 2009
I'm rapidly becoming a fan of Regency romantic fiction, especially when it's written by Linore Rose Burkard! With a rich and authentic voice, eye for detail and a wit that fits my personality style, the sequel to her successful novel, "Before the Season Ends" is just as wonderful.
Although you need a reference guide to make it through one of Linore's novels (due to rich detail and authenticity), nothing can detract from the skillful use of language and her knowledge of detail as she captivates you page after page. While it's true Linore writes in the style of Jane Austen...
...I enjoy Linore's writing so much more! The faith element is never contrived and adds an extra layer of richness to the storyline. Picture perfect is the scene with Ariana in her captive's carriage and the aftermath of that ordeal--just read it and you'll see what I mean.
"The House on Grosvenor Square" releases from Harvest House...be sure to put it on your shelf!
In the meantime, Linore rates another five out of five bookmarks, with a set of pantaloons as a charm...silk, no less!
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