Review: A wonderful English love story...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 19, 2012
Wonderful book by Kristen Ashley! Although, I must warn you, it was 1,085 pages, (according to my Nook), and patience is a MUST while reading this story.Lord Douglas Ashton is a wealthy, tall, dark and handsome Englishman who, years ago, inherited the mansion that is Sommersgate House. He and his sister, Tamsin, were raised in the house, by parents who probably should never have had children, and who also mentally or verbally abused them. Douglas's only glint of happiness was that brought on by his sister, who adored and admired him relentlessly. Because their parents were detached and very cold towards Douglas, especially, his demeanor understandably changes throughout the years, leaving a 38 year old, very handsome man who demonstrates authority with very little emotion, and very few words. Unfortunately for him, tragedy strikes as Tamsin and her husband, Gavin, are killed in a horrific car accident, leaving three children behind; all under the age of 12.Julia Fairfax is Gavin's sister and equally devastated by the death of her beloved brother and his wife. When news of Gavin and Tamsin's will is revealed, Julia immediately quits her job, sells her house and leaves her family in Indiana to co-parent the children with the elusive Lord Douglas Ashton at Sommersgate mansion. Fortunately for Julia, she has visited the mansion as a guest many times for holidays and family gatherings, and always felt an attraction towards Lord Douglas. Although, never really knowing how he feels about her, she carries on and attempts to make a home in a far away place that is nothing like "home."This is the first book by Kristen Ashley that I have read and the writing alone was lovely. She is VERY descriptive and (at least in this book), drags events, situations and feelings out over time. Nothing is quick, nothing is fast and quite frankly, when I saw that the book was so long, I thought to myself, "this better be a great freaking book!" And what a great book it was! I can honestly say that I never became bored or wished we could "move it along," however, I was irritated by Julia's indecisiveness and non-combative characteristics. Thankfully, she would surprise me, though, and I found myself almost clapping my hands for her! This is a very romantic story about two extremely damaged indiviuals who find love, but have no idea what to do next. It was genuine, it was unpredictable and it is one of my favorite books to date. Simply wonderful.