Review: Beautifully written Gilded Age historical romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 15, 2011
As a literature major, I appreciate the language in this beautifully-written novel.  Although it might be daunting to the modern reader, it adds authenticity to the Gilded Age setting.  This book is rich with descriptive details--clothes, decor, jewels, and scenery are all portrayed in painstaking detail.  Sometimes it become a bit much, but it does create vivid imagery for the reader.  The characters are well-drawn, if not particularly likable.  It is perhaps important to note that unlike many so-called historical romances, Rosedale in Love does not take modern sensibilities into account.  The characters are overly-concerned with appearances and the minutiae of social decorum.  As unappealing as this is, it was the way of the world for New York society during the time period.  The plot is interesting enough to keep you muddling through the lengthy descriptions, because you will most definitely want to follow the besotted and awkward Rosedale in his quest for love.  I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.