The Diamonds of Welbourne Manorby Anthology: Gaston,Marlow,McCabereviewed by Christine ShoupMay 2009, 288 pages, Publisher: Harlequin, ISBN: 037329543X Back Cover Blurb: Justine and the Noble Viscount by Diane Gaston:
Guardian to the unconventional and newly orphaned Fitzmannings is not a role that brooding Gerald Brenner relishes. But Justine, the illegitimate daughter who strives to hide her shame, calls powerfully to something deep within him…
Annalise and the Scandalous Rake by Deb Marlowe:
House party guest Ned Milford can see the inner passion and beauty that Annalise Fitzmanning hides. But how close should they become when his reason for being at Welbourne Manor would prompt a society scandal, not a society marriage!
Charlotte and the Wicked Lord by Amanda McCabe:
Charlotte may be the youngest Fitzmanning girl, but she knows her own mind - and she wants Lord Andrew Bassington! Drew requires an eminently proper bride, something free-spirited Charlotte has never been. So how can she make him see the beautiful woman she has become?
The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor is a delightful trio of novellas about the three daughters of the Duke and Duchess of Manning – Justine, Annalise and Charlotte. Cohesive and well-written, this book will not disappoint those of us who love a really good Regency novella now and again.
Justine and the Noble Viscount by Daine Gaston introduces all seven children of the Duke and Duchess of Manning. Brenner is the oldest child from the Duchess's first marriage which ended in quite a scandal. Justine is the eldest daughter of the Duke and completely unknown to the members of the ton. Together, Brenner and Justine lay the foundation for more than just the story; they are the foundation for the Mannings themselves.
This story moved me in a loving fundamental way. = It was warm, emotional and hopeful. It was the hope for the future of the Fitzmanning Miscellany. For a brief moment you wonder if what you're hoping for can really happen…and…you just don't know! I loved the anticipation.
Annalise and the Scandalous Rake by Deb Marlowe introduces us to Ned Milford and expands our knowledge of Annalise Fitzmanning. Ned was lucky enough to gain an invitation to an infamous Manning house party. Annalise was a brooding artist, painting life as she observes it. Unbeknownst to the merry-makers, the anonymous and celebrated caricaturist, Prattle, is in their midst and after major betrayal and deceit, Annalise exposes Prattle to the world.
I wanted to fight with and for Annalise, an unwitting heroine. I enjoyed her journey of discovery and the romance part - just icing on the already yummy cake. I love a strong female protagonist; a woman who knows herself and is not ashamed to do what she believes is right… for her. The masses be damned if they can't handle it!
Charlotte and the Wicked Lord by Amanda McCabe renews our relationship with Charlotte Fitzmanning and Drew Bassington. As a child, Charlotte had fallen head over heels in love with Drew. Drew remembers the youthful passionate longing of taking her into his arms and never letting her go. Now both adults, life has delivered upon both of them the responsibilities of looking after their families. Bound to duty and determined to do as they believe, they ought they fight fate.
This was a purely romantic story. I love how hard Charlotte tried to be everything she thought she should be, and Drew, too, for that matter. I found myself wanting them to succeed and yet reveling in their mishaps. It's the classic love story that never gets old, especially because it's written so well. I wallowed in the depth of the abounding love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this trio of novellas. It was cohesive, well-written and to the point. I never felt like there was an integral part missing, which sometimes happens with novellas. I would love for Ms. Gaston, Ms. Marlowe and Ms. McCabe to get together and fill us in on the rest of the brood – Nicholas, Stephen and Leo. The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor is a lovely book, pick it up. You won't be disappointed.
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