Review: Blackmoore

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I love that Julianne Donaldson is trying to resurrect the Austen-like genre is a modern way. The time period, the setting, and the mannerisms of the Victorian era are very easy to enjoy if you love stories that revolve on romance and "will they/won't they" questions running throughout the plot.

There are (of course) a few moments where you think, "that would never happen in an Austen novel" or (if you're married), "a man would never act that way in real life," but that's why it's fiction, I guess. Still an enjoyable, fun, fluffy, romantic read that you can get through in a day or two.

The main character drove me nuts once or twice. For example, she chooses to force her best friend (a man) into a bargain that is utterly embarrassing and more than a little predictable. I'm still not sure that such a bold move was believable for her character or the time period, even though she is driven and desperate when it comes to escaping her family situation (some parallels with Austen, btw).

As for the other little details I enjoyed...the main character Kate is a closet expert on birds and their various sounds while the love interest Henry has a passion for the moors and the ocean. These little details make the characters richer and make the setting come alive. Plus they add an element of mystery and foreboding to the story. (Who doesn't like that?)

But anyway, if you want a happy ending, a dashing love interest, and some romantic thrills along the way, then I say "yes." Go for it.



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