Paperback, Original, 288 pages
Expected publication: January 15th 2013 by Gallery Books
ISBN: 1451698984 (ISBN13: 9781451698985)
edition language: English
series: Summerset Abbey #1
Basically, Summerset Abbey revolves around two sisters, Rowena and Victoria Buxton, and their "sister" Prudence Tate who has been brought up right alongside them by Sir Philip. Not a Buxton by birth but the daughter of their late governess, Prudence has had the same privileged but somewhat unconventional lifestyle as Rowena and Victoria and the two sisters think of Prudence as another sister. This all changes after Sir Philip's death.
Forced to move to Summerset Abbey by their uncle, the two girls are now separated from Prudence as the Earl of Summerset views her solely as a maid. Prudence now has to live downstairs with the other servants and has a very tough time adjusting.
Although the times are slowly changing, Aunt Charlotte is still dedicated to the more conventional societal mores and wants only to find socially acceptable husbands for Rowena and Victoria. In 1913 this is just about the only option for young ladies from titled families. The two sisters have other ideas as neither one of them is even remotely interested in marriage. So they say.
The characterizations are fairly well done. I had somewhat of an emotional reaction to all of them; Rowena I just wanted to tell her to get a grip, Prudence was probably my favorite and I felt sorry for Victoria with her poor health and her distress at their situation. Even having said all this, the book lacked real substance.
Summerset Abbey gave voice to all three women but focused more on Prudence and constantly hinted at her family secret. It was pretty transparent to me from the get-go what that was all about. No surprise there, just a lot of melodrama!
Upon seeing the cover for this one and thinking it sounded a lot like the Downton Abbey production, I was expecting great things; maybe too much expectation. Wanting lush descriptions and more of a grand scale family saga I was a tad disappointed there wasn't more substance to the plot. I realize this is the first book in the trilogy and the author is setting the scene and letting the reader get to know the characters but still, the ending for one character didn't seem to fit and it was too much of an unsuspected cliffhanger. I liked it, but, alas, I wanted to love it. 3***
At the end of the book, there is a short excerpt from the second in the series, plus a discussion guide for this book.
Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by Gallery /Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Would you believe I haven't seen Downton Abbey? I like reading about the elegant past.
ReplyDeleteYou really should see it. It's truly a magnificent show, so well done. I love it!!
DeleteI suppose liking is better than meh but when it's the first in a series my hope is to love a book enough to want to read the second right away. I do appreciate discussion questions!
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to read this one. Thank you for the honest review! I've found that often the subsequent books in a series are better than the initial one.
ReplyDelete2 Kids and Tired Books
Sorry this was a bit disappointing for you. I feel like I'm missing out by not watching Downton Abbey. I must change that soon! ;)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting book. I like the premise. I will check it out!
ReplyDeleteYou should have seen my facial expressions as I read your review. When I saw the title...a big smile on my face. As I started to read...my smile started to turn to a frown. When I got to the 3 rating and your ending thoughts, my bottom lip was hanging out and I was in serious pout mood.
ReplyDeleteYeah, sometimes the first book in a series spends too much time setting things up. Makes you wonder if they really need to write three books.
ReplyDeleteI have this one on my shelf to read soon. I hope that I enjoy it more than you did, but we shall see. I am having serious Downton Abbey withdrawals and I was hoping this book could give me a little fix until the show comes back on in January.
ReplyDeleteKimberlee
http://girllostinabook.blogspot.com
Can't wait for January myself. This is one fabulous show! Happy watching.
DeleteAs always Kaye, I love your honesty in reviews. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I agree. I was hoping for just a little more plot development since we had three different main characters. I felt like the only full story I got was Prudence and even then, the ending was just too abrupt. I'm kind of on the fence whether I'd pick up book 2 or not.
ReplyDelete