Journal Entry 1 by Sidney1220 from McLean, Virginia USA on Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Received from pbs.
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From Publishers Weekly
Carlyle's second Neville family novel (after Never Lie to a Lady) revisits the wounded hero story line and adds a touch of mystery. Through a twist of fate, Gareth Lloyd, part owner of Neville Shipping, discovers that the title of duke of Warneham has now fallen to him. It's a bitter inheritance for Gareth, who as a child was sentenced by the old duke to a hardscrabble life aboard ship. Reluctantly, Gareth visits his new country estate, Selsdon Court, only to discover the duke's beautiful widow, Antonia, still in residence. Passion flares between the emotionally damaged pair as Antonia reveals her grief over the death of a young daughter, and Gareth faces anti-Jewish sentiment among the upper class (an atypical touch that works well). The author's natural, concise writing style, attention to historical detail and fully formed characters make her world spring to life, and her plot never flags; Carlyle even finds room for a dose of mystery, as Gareth's friend, Kemble, investigates the poisoning death of the previous duke. As usual, Carlyle doesn't disappoint. (Aug.)
 

Journal Entry 2 by Sidney1220 from McLean, Virginia USA on Sunday, September 30, 2007

This book didn't work for me. Neither the hero nor the heroine had any personality to speak of, and the mystery subplot was written like strings of Q&A sessions. The title also had nothing to do with what went on in the book.

10/9/07 Reserved for pbs.

Mailed at the post office.